Across my time as a parent, I’ve guided my kids through the back-to-school season 12
times. That’s 12 uneasy bedtime hugs, 12 first-day-of-school breakfasts, and 12
tight hand holds on the walk to school. Over the years, I’ve found that a bit of festivity can make a huge impact. Here are some tips I’ve picked up, to keep things more relaxed and entertaining for all…
1. Bake morning muffins. Try naming a tastier weekday breakfast than fresh muffins. We’ve baked these zucchini ones (with chocolate chips) countless times, and I already bought the ingredients for these apple cider muffins, yummmm.
2. Think about a cake for the night before. Since the boys were small, we’ve had cake the night before the first school day. The boys choose one from our local bakery, and I light candles for them to blow out. Even as they’ve gotten older, it makes nerves feel a little more like excitement.
3. Shop for school clothes. When I was young, back-to-school shopping was a highlight of my year. Driving to the outlets with my mom and sister, listening to ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’? Nothing better. These days, Quince has great kids’ stuff, including cotton sweaters, piqué polos, and colorful backpacks. And how cute is this dress?
4. Stock up on socks. You know those kid habits that annoy you but you’ll secretly miss once they’ve grown up? My list includes my boys’ socks littered ev-er-y-where. To keep everyone supplied, we buy lots of white socks for Anton and black socks for Toby. (Bonus: Having each kid in a different color makes laundry much easier.)
5. With little ones, read The Kissing Hand. When two-year-old Toby began preschool (how small was he?), he was incredibly nervous. A CoJ reader called Tracey suggested this amazing children’s book. In the story, a raccoon mom comforts her anxious son for his first school night — kissing his paw, helping him feel brave. It’s a sweet classic, and it reminded Toby that I was always cheering for him.
6. Give teens Apple Gift Card. Now that Anton is 13 and Toby is 16, we are deep in Teenage Land. The boys are balancing adulthood and childhood — like when Toby slammed his bedroom door but then called out “Aren’t you going to cuddle me, at least?!” — so I’m always seeking safe ways to give them more freedom. I’m giving them each an Apple Gift Card this fall, so they can buy (or save for) AirPods and accessories, plus favorite games, TV shows, music, movies, you name it. *Sponsored mention
7. Call a friend on speed dial. Do you ever feel emotional on the first school day? Last fall, I passed an elementary school one morning and saw a group of parents at the gate, on tip toes, trying to catch a glimpse of their little ones going in the big front doors. The love of a parent! Have a friend — ideally, one with older kids, who has already been through it all — ready to give you a pep talk, if needed. And remember: You’re doing a great job.
Thoughts? Anything you’d add? I’d love to hear…
P.S. Toby’s very first school day ever, and the phrase that finally eased my kids’ separation anxiety.
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