Back to School Traditions to do with Your Kids

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but it’s almost Back to School time. Aaaaaaa! I can’t believe how short summer was this year.

We have a lot of fun family traditions for getting ready for school. I”m going to share some of those traditions with you because I value family time so much and I want to help other families build relationships and memories.

Heading back to school can be a really nerve racking time for kids. There are a bunch of unknowns. Questions Like:

“Who will be my teacher and will I like her?”
“Will I have my friends in my class with me?”
“Will the other kids like me?”
“Do I have everything I need for my classes?”
“Do I have the right kind of clothing and shoes to get me through the year?”
“Will my friends like the way I’m dressed?”

Those last questions are sad to me. But we all know that in this world we are judged by our appearance and kids can be really mean if you don’t fit in. If your child is lucky enough to have a school uniform to wear then you can cross those stressful questions off your list. I’m happy for you. But for most of us, we have to provide those things for our children, and style is an important part of school.

#1 Tradition: Clothes and Shoes Shopping

School shoes and clothes are so important to me. I think they are the most important thing I purchase for my kids for school. I have to make sure that they will last all school year long. They need to be comfortable so the kids can concentrate on learning, and they need to be stylish. That’s a tall order to fill.

That’s why I always shop at Famous Footwear for their shoes. Finding quality shoes makes me happy and it’s a bonus that they are trendy so my kids can be happy too.

Check out the Famous Footwear #ohsofamous style gallery and see what others are wearing and see the variety that Famous Footwear has to offer. Share your own #ohsofamous moment by using the hashtag in your social media posts.

For my 12 year old daughter we chose the Purple Converse High Tops. Purple is her favorite color and they match her leggings perfectly! For my 10 year old son, we chose the grey High Top Vans. These will last all year long because I also buy a 1/2 size larger than what they need so they can grow into them.

We love to shop at outlet stores for clothing so we can save money. I don’t like to do laundry every day so I make sure they have enough clothing to get them through the week. Including underwear and socks.

#2 Tradition: Make a Countdown Chain. 

A countdown chain for things that the kids are excited about has saved my sanity. They don’t have to ask me every day how many days are left. They can just pull off one chain per day and figure it out themselves. This will help them mentally prepare for the first day of school and plan the last summer activities they want to do before school starts.

#3 Tradition: A special First Day of School breakfast.

We love to make our Apple Cinnamon Pancakes with homemade  caramel syrup on the first day of school, but whatever breakfast you family loves, make it on the first day so the kids can have a yummy breakfast to get them ready for the day.

#4 Tradition: Make a School Morning Checklist.

This will help the kids feel like they are prepared and that they aren’t forgetting anything. Let them check off the things as they go. You can print the one I made HERE or make your own.

#5 Tradition: Make a gift for your childs teacher.

Not to be a suck up, but just because you know how hard your childs teacher has already worked this school year getting their curriculum and classroom ready.  Here is a fun Teacher Survival Kit printable you can use.

#6 Tradition: Take “First Day of School” pictures.

You will always want to remember how cute and small they were when they started their first day of each grade. You can use these fun printables for them to hold in their pictures. You’ll be so happy you did.

#7 Tradition: Read books about school to your young child.

Reading about an experience your kids are nervous about will prepare them for what’s coming. Reading about other kids who are nervous about school helps your child understand that they are not the only one who feels the way they feel. Reading them a good book about school will make them feel at ease.

I am so happy that my kids love school and are excited for it to start. I hope these tips will help you prepare for school with your kids. What are some of your families back to school traditions?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.