13 Ways to Celebrate the First Day of School

It hardly feels like school should be starting. It's still hot as hades and, for me at least, it feels like we JUST started summer. But here it is: the First Day of School! And to make it exciting (or tolerable if you have teens) we like to celebrate our first day. Here are 15 ways to make the most of the first day and start the school year right!

• Have a special breakfast
  1. Make your kids' favorite food - even if that means different foods
  2. Have a breakfast BUSfet ~ set up tables by your bus stop and offer the kids an opportunity to get together a little early for a quick-grab bite while they wait
• Decorate your House with balloons
• Balloons are a fun touch or you can 
• Interview your kids - whether you use a "My First Day" board or just take some notes and keep them somewhere safe, this is a fun tradition. Some questions you can ask:
  1. What grade are you in?
  2. What's your favorite food?
  3. What do you want to be when you get older?
  4. What's your favorite subject?
  5. What are you not looking forward to this year?
  6. What is exciting about this school year? 
• Write fun messages on the mirrors with a cleanable marker or sticky-notes
• Plan an after-school bash at your neighborhood pool, backyard or bus stop
• Gather up the neighbors and your chalk and leave messages on the sidewalk in front of your house and along the way to the bus or to the school
• Pack a special lunch and include a fun note 
• Get shareable jewelry - especially if your kiddo is anxious about school. Loads of locals make special bracelets for both boys and girls
• Get fancy: we love a good fashion show and my kids take special pride in picking out the PERFECT outfit. So try them all on the day before and make it a full-on show
• Pic or it didn't happen: we have a spot at our house where we take all of our first and last day photos. Do you?
• Afterschool surprise: Go somewhere fun. We have a list of great splash pads, parks, playgrounds, and activities. 
• Bake or Craft: my kids love to create and after sitting still all day, this may be the perfect way to get them to open up while they are being creative

No matter how you celebrate - we hope your first day back to school is the best!