Back to school time can be a stressful time for not only parents but kids as well. But you can set the tone for the entire year when you make the first week of school extra special.
The first week of school is a busy, somewhat nerve wrecking time for kids as they prepare to meet new friends, a new teacher, and possibly even get to know a new building.
Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do as a parent to make that famous first week back to school an extra special one. By trying these simple and inexpensive little tips and tricks, you can make the first week back to school extra special for your kiddo and leave them feeling loved and motivated to learn. Take a look at how easy it is!
Ways to Make The First Week of School Extra Special:
1. Make a pocket heart.
Cut two hearts out of a piece of felt and stitch and stuff. Give your child the soft little heart to keep in their pocket if they find themselves feeling a little scared or sad. All they need to do is give it a squeeze!
2. Send fun lunchbox notes in their lunches.
My kids LOVE it when I put notes in their lunchboxes. I stopped putting lunchbox notes in one of my older daughter's lunch when she was in high school and she complained….so I went back to lunchbox notes for everyone!
If you're super busy or don't feel very creative, these free printable lunchbox notes are great for adding to lunches. You can also use these already done-for-you lunchbox notes! (My youngest daughter saved all the ones I've given her over the years.)
If you're creative, you can grab a colorful notepad from the dollar store and jot down little notes to tuck in your kiddo’s lunchbox. Add a sticker or two for extra color and whimsy. It will really give them a mid day pick-me-up!
Need lunch ideas? Check out these 11 Frugal Lunch Ideas!
3. Make a fun breakfast.
My kids eat eggs and smoothies for breakfast pretty much every single day. But on special occasions, we do special breakfasts and my kids remember those breakfasts!
If your kiddos need protein in the morning like some of mine do, consider making eggs and serving them with a side of Polar Bear Toast or Teddy Bear Rice Cakes.
If you're looking for something extra special and super yummy, here are some awesome options.
4. Set the tone for the day on the car ride to school.
You can totally set the tone for the day on the way to school. We say our daily affirmations and play some fun music. When my kids were little, they loved Kidz Bop. They now have more eclectic tastes, so we created a morning playlist on Spotify.
5. Allow your child to help with dinner prep.
I learned a long time ago that my kids are the most talkative when we're doing things together that don't require constant eye contact.
If I sit down at the table and ask them about their day, I get monosyllabic answers. If I chat with them while we're making dinner together, they're way more chatty.
Making dinner together is a great way to bond and a non-threatening time to ask about how things are going at school, with friends, etc.
Plan a fun menu together and get cooking! (Need some dinner ideas? Make one of these yummy dinner recipes or check out some of our favorite cookbooks!}
6. Enjoy a family movie night.
After dinner one evening settle in for some popcorn and a movie. {My kids insist on making this popcorn recipe for any special occasion.} It is a great way to spend time together and just unwind. It will leave your child feeling relaxed and special.
7. Make a yummy back to school dessert.
Desserts aren't a regular occurrence around here, but we sure do love them. Consider making back to school homemade fro-yo or these soft chewy chocolate chip cookies with your kiddos. It will be an extra sweet treat for your whole family!
8. Give your teacher a teacher appreciation gift.
Give your child some crayons, scrap paper, embellishments, and other crafty scraps to create a back to school gift for their teacher. It's a great way to help your kiddo feel like they're connecting with their teacher. If you have a Cricut, this teacher mug is adorable!
Not the crafty type? That's OK. These fun teacher appreciation printables and gifts are sure to be a huge hit!
9. Plan a “get together” with a new friend.
Your kiddos will be meeting all sorts of new friends this week. Plan a “get together” {play dates are for babies according to my kiddos} and invite a new friend to meet at the park for an hour or two. It's a great way to build friendships plus get some fresh air and a little exercise.
10. Have an end of the week celebration.
Once the first week of school is done, have an end of the week celebration! Play board games, order a pizza, make a cake, and put up some homemade decorations. This is something worth celebrating. You all survived the first week of school!
See how easy these ideas are? Give these a try and see how fun and frugal it can be to make that first week of school feel special. Your child will love it, and it might even make you feel a little less stressed too.
Pin These First Week of School Ideas for Later!
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