Oh, summer. Where did you go? How can school already be around the corner??
There’s literally no time to dwell on another summer gone too soon. Must savour what’s left (all 15 days!!) and accept the fast-approaching school season ahead.
(Full disclosure — this post isn’t about before-school organizational prep or how to design a study space to set your kid up well. There are dozens if not hundreds of how-tos being posted right now on those very things. Today I want to write about the experience of back-to-school and how, amidst the chaotic feel of transitioning back, a bit of fun can be had, whether you’re a seasoned school parent, just starting the journey, and no matter your kiddo's age.)
The start of school sounds fresh and exciting. It can also be a bit scary and intimidating Maybe your kiddo is transitioning to middle school or it’s their first of first days. Maybe you’re new to town and it’s a whole family experience. My first go-around was in 2020, which was so different than I ever thought my first time would be (anybody else?). I knew I wouldn’t get to walk my girl to her classroom or let alone the front door. It broke my heart. I didn’t realize what an expectation I had of that moment until it was about to happen.
I very much struggle with disappointment, especially when I do it to myself (i.e. unintentionally set the bar of expectation a bit too high). Knowing this particular parenting first was going to be different than imagined, I chose to do a few simple things to mark the occasion as special. And by intentionally sticking to simple, these few things have turned into back-to-school rituals I’m looking forward to doing year after year (x15), and coming up in a couple of weeks!
first-day photo
Well, I say the first day, but really it happens sometime in the first week. Last year I made each kiddo a simple sign on cardstock and had my girls pose together with them. It took several tries to get them both to smile with all eyes open, but they’re completely candid, which IMO is so much better than traditional school pictures (in fact, we don’t even buy those!). With the ability to share photos digitally via email, text, and social, snapping a fun, first-day photo is quick, easy, and practically free. No waiting for proofs or buying packages with photo sizes you know you won’t frame.
animal breakfast
I’m huge about a solid breakfast every day, and thankfully, so are my girls. For the first day of school, I make it fun, but prep ahead so the morning assembly is quick. My youngest has an egg allergy, so I always whip up a double batch of eggless pancakes on a weekend to freeze. Pop them in the toaster, add fruit, and you’ve got a wise owl and brave bear for breakfast! No time to make pancakes from scratch? Try it with frozen waffles as I did for my older daughter (lower left). They love it and I love that they love having this little ritual to look forward to.
lunch note
Just like M-F breakfasts and dinners (read full post), we have a capsule-style lunchbox system, too. The main varies each day but stays the same each Monday (sandwich), Tuesday (pancake sandwich), etc. A fruit, vegetable, and snack round out the meal, and my girls are working on assembling and packing the pieces on their own. To make Day One memorable, I include a handwritten note to say, 'I love you' and wish them an awesome rest of the day. Undoubtedly, this year (Grade 2 and K!) is going to get crazy fast, so I’ll be adding notes a little more often to connect and remind them that I see and think of them while they’re at school working hard.
special supper
Growing up, supper time brought my family together every night. Not sharing that meal was exceptionally rare. My love and I deeply value this time to connect as a family and have made it a non-negotiable practice in our home. The cool thing is simple suppers are hands-down the best occasions around our table. Less fancy means less fuss (to make or complain about) and the first day of school is no exception…especially since it’s a Tuesday, which means…TACOS!
Taco Tuesday is quite possibly our family’s favorite weekday dinner, probably because of the Xochitl chips and chipotle salsa. Yum-my. It’s usually small soft tortillas with a protein, grated Colby jack, and that week’s version of pico de gallo (i.e. diced mix of veggies and herbs on hand, like peppers, tomatoes, cucumber, cilantro, or scallions). How can I make it special? Turn it into nachos! Everyone melts for melted cheese, am I right? Add a fudge bar in place of fruit for dessert and they'll tell me, “Mama, this is the BEST. DINNER. EVER!”.
Can't wait!
do you have a fun back-to-school ritual?
I remember my mom taking a first-day photo of my siblings and me in the entry of our childhood home, wearing our backpacks and new outfits. I'd love to read about what you remember doing as a kid or parent, so please share in the Comments below. For fellow parents prepping for school, good luck! I hope all goes well, and be sure to celebrate the first day of school as a small win for the year ahead!
Always,
*Update! Our first day of school was exciting, fun, and delicious. Girls loved their special breakfasts, we captured a few first-day photos, and nachos were a HUGE hit for supper. Repeat next year? You bet.
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