My Perennial makes customized kids' tees a snap
Gymboree launches Shade, their latest brand made for moms and moms-to-beI know it seems like the summer just flew by, but at the beginning of summer you were probably thinking, "when will it ever end?" Well, now the time has come and they're headed back-to-school with new teachers, perhaps a new school and maybe some new friends. If you think about how uncomfortable you are in an unfamiliar situation, just imagine how your child feels. It's definitely overwhelming and not something that they are probably looking forward to -- no matter how excited you are about them heading back. To make the back-to-school transition a little easier, we've come up with a few tips that anyone can do to make the first few weeks easy and FUN because really, who doesn't want to have a little fun before it's time to rush into the crazy holiday season?!
Decorate for back-to-school like you would a holiday
Kids love decorating for a holiday and really, summer is short on them. So now is the time to be creative and start decorating for back-to-school by making a wreath out of rulers and pencils, a centerpiece out of erasers and a pennant with the school colors. It will make the first day of school seem festive and will give your house a cheery lift before Halloween comes swooping in. For more unique back-to-school decor ideas visit, kaboose.com.
Everyone loves to bake
My kids love treats, especially when it's something we are making together. Take this back-to-school opportunity to make something new and special that can be taken in their school lunchboxes like healthy granola raspberry breakfast bars or cookies made with the new ABC mini cookie cutters at williams-sonoma.com, $12.95. It will make back-to-school a little bit easier with something sweet to eat!
Buy something new, but also something helpful to help back-to-school transition
If you already did the back-to-school shopping and let your kids pick out a new backpack, lunchbox and a couple of graphic tees, then that's a great start to getting them excited about what's to come. However, how about something new that could really help them in the transition. Are they late sleepers? Maybe a new alarm clock could be of use. Are you starting them on a weekly allowance? Maybe a new coin purse or a new money saving system might be fun. Or perhaps they are going to be having more homework this year? A lap desk might be a great addition to their room. Letting them pick out something extra special that will help them in their school success will definitely give you a smile and also give them the confidence boost they need during the first few weeks of school.
Send a little something from home with them
The first few weeks of school can make a child homesick so tucking in a little note or something special inside their backpack is a great way to lift their spirits. While we hope they're so busy learning and playing with friends during recess time that they won't notice you're not there, not all kids are like that. I especially love the Mini Lunch Notes from Peagreen, $9.95, at amazon.com that can be kept next to the lunch making station for a quick and sneaky tuck-in in their lunchbox. Other ideas include putting a picture of the family in their bag or recording a quick "I love you" message on the recordable Talkatoo, $16.99, at amazon.com.
Make learning into a game
Really, what kids don't love playing games with their parents?! Making up silly songs to learn spelling words, playing hop scotch to learn geography or just making everyday dinner time into a game will not only help your kids learn but also make school fun. Put on your silly hat and get them excited about the new song Mom will sing with them to learn their new words.
