The past few years have been a roller coaster of feelings and emotions for everyone. Kids had to adjust to a variety of learning formats and parents became teachers overnight. Many of us were thrilled to send our kids back to in-person school last fall.
As families approach the first day of school yet again, implementing back-to-school traditions can help in the transition from summer vacation to school all day, every day. Fun rituals, routines, and family traditions can help make the new school year feel special and something to look forward to.
Why are traditions important for kids?
Fun family traditions for back to school you can implement right away
As a homeschooling family, our back-to school-tradition is a little different. Our subdivision pool is packed during the summer, but on the first day of public school, my youngest and I celebrate with a Back to Pool Party. We take advantage of the empty pool and swim and play to our hearts content.
Even before her daughter was born, Sally Kim shared with Mom.com that she would regularly scour the internet for parenting inspiration. "I always wanted to do this handprint shirt ever since I saw it on Pinterest many years ago," Kim wrote on her blog, Lovestalgia. "I had a friend make the shirt for me because I didn't have enough time to order it on Etsy."
All you need is a simple oversize shirt that will fit an eventual 18-year-old with their high school graduation date printed on the front. The back of the shirt features each grade, K-12, with room for the child to leave their painted handprint behind. This is one of those sweet and fun back-to-school traditions your child will cherish as they grow older.
Ideas for back-to-school traditions
Your own back-to-school traditions can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. There's no need to go all out. Your child will appreciate the small gestures just as much, and sometimes even more than the grand ones. Here are a few additional ideas for back-to-school traditions to implement right away:
- Back-to-school traditions do not have to be elaborate — top store-bought pancakes with whipped cream and sprinkles for an easy and fun first-day breakfast.
- Create a school supply scavenger hunt a few days before school starts. Give your child a map or clues to help them fill up their backpack with all the supplies you've purchased.
- Celebrate School Year's Eve the night before the big day with a cake, games, and a special countdown to bedtime.
- Decorate your child's bedroom door while they're sleeping. You could also decorate your front door and mailbox to let the neighbors share in the festivities.
Whether simple or elaborate, back-to-school traditions show your child that they're important. The little bit of extra attention tells them you're there for them; a much-needed message during these strange times we're living through.
