back to school traditions

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Simple traditions weave together one’s family tapestry into magical memories. By establishing a few Back to School traditions, your children will look forward to this special day with a renewed sense of excitement. This is especially important for those children who may have a few nervous tummy flutters about the upcoming week.

If your children already started school, it’s not too late to still throw one of these impromptu activities. Just give your celebration a new name to mark the special time together. I shared these ideas a few years ago and they are just as fun today. Enjoy them all.

FUN FROM BEGINNING TO END

Be sure to make a special breakfast to start the school year off right. Make an elaborate feast, maybe waffles with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, or eggs Benedict – anything but the usual scrambled eggs and toast. Let your kids select the menu and do the grocery shopping together to prepare this special meal. Wake up early and set the table with your best dishes, turn on background music and really make this meal special. Don’t be afraid to serve them something wonderfully wild and memorable – yes, mom, for breakfast. 🙂

Bless them as they start their new year. I pray for wisdom, character, individuality, honestly and the strength to stand up to peer pressure in difficult circumstances. Do the same to celebrate the last day of school. Prepare a unique desert like my strawberry cheesecake trifle or one of your family favorites so that it’s something special to be repeated year after year. When you serve your children this ceremonial dessert, present them with a small gift. (This is a great time to introduce or contribute to a collection that your child may have, or want to start). This gift is not a reward for their performance, but a mark of accomplishment.

BUS STOP BREAKFAST BASH

Organize a neighborhood breakfast bash on the first day of school. Bring doughnuts, bagels, hot chocolate, juice and milk for the young students and their parents to enjoy as they wait for the bus. This is a perfect way for your children to get to know their classmates, and a great opportunity for you to meet their parents. My friends have made this an annual event, and the kids plan and look forward to it all summer long. This photo moment can be collaged into your “Back to School” book. (Since we home school, we haven’t been able to enjoy the Bus Stop Bash tradition, but memories of my own time at the bus stop are still strong.)

Bus Stop or Car Pool Wishes

Make bus-stop time fun! Ask each person to share morning wishes for himself and others in the car or at the bus stop. Watch how this simple tradition strengthens friendships and helps children be in tune to the important things in their friends’ lives.

This is just an introduction to all the amazing Back to School Tradition ideas.

How do you mark the first day or the first week of Back To School?

Have you established any neat traditions?

I’d love to hear them in the comments and so would my readers.