Calming Back to School Jitters | Simple and Easy Traditions

As summer winds down our days of splashing in the pool will soon be traded in for school buses and back packs. Whether it is the first year you are sending your child off to school or you know the routine by heart, it can be bittersweet. For both of you. And sometimes, calming those back to school jitters can be a challenge. As a former teacher, I know that some of the littlest back to school traditions can help to make this a special and exciting time for your child. I wanted to share a few of my favorites both as a teacher and a mom.

1. THE BACKPACK FAIRY

The back pack fairy, a distant relative of the tooth fairy,  slips into homes the night before school to leaves all good little students with some back to school treats. Simply have your child leave his or her back pack by the front door. And in the morning, they will be thrilled to see what she left them. A few perfect back to school ideas are: new art supplies, school supplies, locker decorations, a new book, gym shoes for gym class, a cute back to school outfit or even a brand new lunch box.

2. THE KISSING HAND

As a former teacher, this was my favorite first day of school tradition! I read it every single year! Chester isn’t so sure about starting back to school. He begs his mom to stay home with her. But, momma has a wonderful solution. She tells him about a little secret called the kissing hand. After kissing his palm, she tells Chester “Whenever you feel lonely and need a little loving from home, just press your hand to your cheek and think, ‘Mommy loves you.'” And as a teacher, I always loved seeing how this little back to school tradition helped many of my students.

You can find The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn here.

3. BACK TO SCHOOL BRACELETS

This is one of my favorite back to school traditions from Over the Big Moon. Before school starts make two simple beaded bracelets, one for you and one for your daughter. Then print the following poem on cute paper. Or to keep it simple, stop by Over the Big Moon for a free decorated version that is already done for you.

Here are two bracelets, One big and one small,

For your first day of school that is coming this fall.

I’ll wear the big one and I’ll think of you.

The small one is yours so you’ll think of me too.

Wear it to school while you work and you play

to have my heart with you while you’re away.

4. MAKE LUNCH SPECIAL

I know I always loved finding a little note on my napkin at lunchtime. It made me feel so special and was always a welcomed reminder just how much my mom loved me. I know more years than I care to admit have passed since those days. But the smile a special note at lunch brings is still as powerful today. During those first few weeks when nerves may be a little high, slip a note into your child’s lunch box. Or cut their sandwich into a fun shape. Or  draw a silly face on their banana with a sharpie. It’s a little way to remind them you are always thinking of them. And a tradition that is perfect for those first days back to school or any time throughout the year!

If you use any of these ideas, I’d love to hear how it went. Just drop me a note in the comments below.

For more holiday tips and ideas, check out 5 Valentine Activities to do with your Preschooler or Pin it to read closer to Valentines Day