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Usually when we get to this time of year, there are murmurings about back to school in the air. Typically, these words for younger children are filled with excitement and anticipation. For older kids, these words are filled with dread. For parents it seems to be a mixed bag. Some parents seem excited that their kids are going back to school while others are sad to see the time they spend with their children cut short. 

Last school year, due to COVID, was a challenging year for everyone and very difficult for school age children and parents alike. There were in-person programs, remote learning and hybrid programs. Sometimes in-person programs had to change to remote learning programs in the blink of an eye. The transitions were tough. Many parents were trying to work full-time and help their children with school. Kids missed out on seeing their friends and spent many hours a day staring at their computer screens. They also missed out on activities and huge milestones like prom and graduation. Although it was obvious why this change in learning was needed, the whole situation was both frustrating and exhausting. 

This school year is different. There is excitement in the air! Everyone is ready to go back to “normal”. Kids can’t wait to get back into the classroom to have a regular school year with fun activities and to see their friends. Teachers are excited as well. This time when you hear the words “back to school” they are said in a lively way with cheerful joy. Who knew a positive thing that would come out of the pandemic would be that students would feel passionate about going back to school. 

If you are looking to make this school year or any school year special, here are a couple ideas that our family made into traditions. In our house we have always tried to make going back to school something to celebrate. My girls are older now, but I used to make sure to schedule a special activity the day before school began. It was usually an outing, and it involved going out to lunch. Then, we would go shopping for what they are going to eat for breakfast on the first day of school. They were allowed to get anything they wanted for their first day of school breakfast. It would not be unusual for them to want donuts made from scratch and waffles. Doing these activities with my girls really helped to make the going back to school process something special over the years. I encourage you to make your own traditions with your family surrounding the back to school process. 

Even though we did all of these fun activities, I still have to admit that I would still shed at least 1 tear when they went off for their first day of class. Everyone feels differently. Weigh in on how you feel about your kids going back to school this year in the comments. We’d love to hear what you have to say!

~ Written by REALTOR® and Mom, Mary Smith