Family traditions are such an important part of childhood memories and it can be easy to get too busy to remember that! These 5 fun first day of school traditions are simple things you can start this year…try one or try them all!
Up until this year our only first day of school tradition was the obligatory first day of school picture…
Easy First Day of School Traditions for Kid
Our older boys have always reluctantly participated in my first day of school picture taking, but this year I want to make it more fun for all of them. So, after browsing more first day of school traditions than I ever knew existed, I decided to create some that will fit my family better.
Here’s what we’ll be starting this school year.
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Fun First Day of School Breakfast
After watching my kids eat their way through the summer and knowing how incredibly tall they’re getting, there’s no way I’m letting them leave for the first day of school without an incredible breakfast. Since they tend to be picky eaters, I’m planning on making a Back to School Breakfast Burrito Bar.
Back to School Breakfast Burrito Bar
There will be scrambled eggs, diced ham, onions, shredded cheese, diced green peppers, salsa, and cooked sausage ready to include in a delicious burrito. They’ll be able to grab a warm tortilla and wrap up their own Back to School Breakfast Burrito in no time! I’m planning on decorating the table with an inexpensive plastic tablecloth and having special napkins to add a bit of fun to the exciting morning.
Breakfast Balls for a Quick & Special Breakfast
Want something a little quicker? Try these breakfast balls.
It is one of our favorite breakfasts and can be easily taken on-the-go in case you are running a little behind on the first day of school! <–We don’t judge {giggle}!
Cookies for Breakfast
Another breakfast tradition we have had at our house for special occasions like the first day of school is my grandma’s famous breakfast cookie recipe.
I mean, wouldn’t ANY day be better with cookies for breakfast?
First Day of School Picture…Yes
OK, we made fun of the first day of school pictures, but it is something you really do want! Let’s make it as painless for the kids as possible.
I printed out a collection of First Day of School Signs and will be snapping the kids’ pictures before they head out. I’ve been doing this since they were in preschool, so it’s always fun to look back over the years at how much they’ve grown and changed.
For extra fun, set up a photo booth area in your living or dining room and take pictures of all of the kids together or grab some printable signs here.
Make a First Day of School Time Capsule
There’s a lot of things that happen throughout the school year! By the last day of school in June, the first day seems like it was a lifetime ago.
I’ll be starting a time capsule of the first day by collecting the newspaper, jotting down notes about what’s happening in our family, and including the kids’ first day of school pictures in it.
Any small trinkets or things that I think will help us remember the first day will also be included. I plan on using a decorative box from the craft store, but any container would work.
Here is some more information on making a family time capsule.
Special One-on-One Time
Heading off to school can be a daunting task. Even if your child has a few first days of school under his belt, starting a new class can make him nervous.
One of the traditions I’m most excited about starting this year is one-on-one time. I’ll be sitting with each of the kids individually, talking with them about their nervousness and excitement while encouraging them in their new adventure.
Our chat will end with a hug and a selfie of the two of us together. I can’t wait to have a few minutes of cherished time with each child that morning. Here are a few one on one time ideas.
After School Mini Vacation
When the kids come home, they’re going to be excited and exhausted.
The first day of school really wears them out!
I am planning a little mini vacation for their return home. It is like a quiet, happy pause after a busy day with some of their favorite things…
After School Treat
My kids favorite after school treat is a homemade yogurt parfait.
Yogurt Parfait
I’ll have a healthy snack bar waiting though to give them a second wind. Plain Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, homemade granola, nuts, coconut, and other fun yogurt bar fixins will help them recharge while they tell me all about their first day – and hand over the nine billion papers I need to fill out and return for them.
You can get some more plain yogurt recipes kids will love!
Homemade Apple Fruit Roll Ups
Another after school treat that we love is homemade applesauce roll ups. They are easy to make ahead of time and have on hand for a special snack like the first day of school.
Back to School Snacks
If you want to go with a school themed treat, check out this big collection of really cute back to school snacks & food that you could have to celebrate the first day of school.
Read a Story Together!
I have always found a story to be a great way to subtly remind my children of all of the things that make them wonderful and strong. I am so proud of them, but sometimes they can be embarrassed when I say it too directly. This is where story time can come in handy!
- I Am So Brave – Celebrate the feats of growing up, together!
- The Day You Begin – It is ok to feel different! A reminder to children that they are special and unique.
- The Invisible String – A heartwarming story of the unbreakable connection between parent and child.
The first day of school is a busy one and is sure to be filled with butterflies in their little tummies. By celebrating the day and making it a special time, I hope that it will ease my children’s anxiety and let them know how much they’re loved. What are some of your kids’ favorite first day of school traditions? I’d love to hear how your family celebrates it!
MORE BACK TO SCHOOL FUN FROM KIDS ACTIVITIES BLOG
- Check out these delicious and easy breakfast ideas for school.
- Here are nut free school lunch ideas for kids with allergies.
- These healthy back to school ideas are kid approved.
- Enjoy this back to school apple bookmark craft.
- Your kids will love these first day of school lunch ideas.
- Laugh out loud with these back to school jokes.
- School mornings are hectic! This portable cup will teach your children how to eat cereal on the go.
- I used these back to school coloring sheets to entertain my bored toddler while I discussed how this upcoming school year might look with my older children.
- Help your children feel safe with these adorable crayola face masks.
- Make the first day of school more memorable with these first day of school traditions.
- Know what to do before the first day of school.
- Your mornings can be a little easier with these middle school morning routines.
- Have fun creating this school bus pictures frame to keep your children’s school year photos.
- Keep your kids crafts and memories in order with this school memory binder.
- Help your child create a daily routine with this color coded clock for kids.
- Bring more organization and stability in your home with these diy crafts for mom.
- Need more organization in your life? Here are some useful home life hacks that will help!
Do you have any first day of school traditions? Tell us!
