Grow: First Day Traditions

Traditions help hold families together. The rhythm, the expectations, the relationships, the trust, the memories- it all helps. One opportunity for a making of a yearly tradition is the first day of school. Jake and I have a tradition of taking pictures on OUR first day of school (we did it during college and graduate school!). But what will we do when it’s time for the kids to go to school? Not sure yet, but here are some creative ideas to get the juices flowing:

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1. A special breakfast
While this breakfast over at Giggles Galore is quite elaborate (yet it only cost her $5!), maybe there’s something that you can do that would be a special breakfast. Pull out the stops, especially if your child is feeling anxious about the first day. Getting our kids out the doors with full bellies and loved hearts will be a great way to start off the day.

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2. Photos of First and Last Day
The Haps used picmonkey to do this side-by-side picture (SO EASY!). So much fun to see how htey have grown over the year!

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3. A little treat for the lunchbox or backpack.
Maybe it’s a little something sweet with a cute saying, or a special treat like an apple cake pop. Whatever it is, pack a little something special for the lunchbox to tell your child you are thinking about them. 

4. A special beginning of the year blessing (or the beginning of a daily blessing/prayer!)
Maybe it’s the same prayer all the time. Or maybe it’s a different prayer/blessing each year of school. Or perhaps it’s just that you pray together each day before leaving for school. Any way you choose, prayer is a great way to commit the day to the Lord, and it hopefully helps direct our kids’ minds to Him throughout the day.

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5. An interview!
Positively Splendid has some great printables to download of questions to ask at each grade. If your kid isn’t a writer, you could host the interview, writing down their answers OR why not do a video interview to capture more of the essence of your child?!

Of course, remember, traditions are only fun when mom isn’t so stressed out in carrying them out! Pick one that you like and go with it. Keep it simple so that you aren’t so busy preparing and creating that you don’t have time to sit, relax and talk with your child about all the things they are both excited and nervous about! More than kids want a special “thing”, they want our attention and affirmation. This is at the heart of traditions that grow families.