It’s a funny thing, your kids growing up.
People tell you from the start how fast it goes. But when your two-week-old is screaming and won’t sleep through the night, you aren’t really thinking about sending them to school someday. You nervously giggle in response and wonder what it will feel like to finally get four consecutive hours of uninterrupted sleep.
Then, all of a sudden, they are heading to Kindergarten, and you’re wondering what happened to that two-week-old screaming baby. This fall, my oldest starts Kindergarten, and like most first-time kinder mamas, I am feeling ALL the feelings. I’m so excited for what’s to come because I know he is more than ready. But there’s that twinge of sadness that one more baby thing is gone. He gets himself dressed, he has opinions, he wants to run off with friends as soon as he sees them.
You want your children to garner independence, of course, but there’s a sadness that comes as they become more and more independent. Sending your first baby to kindergarten is just one more of those moments.
I wanted to share a few of our favorite first day of school traditions and some new ones we are adding in. I know we all want to make those first school days special—these are great things to add to your list!
First-Day-of-School Traditions
Class of ____ Shirt
We just got a Class of 2035 grow-with-me shirt that he will take a picture in on the first day of school every year (and once he’s a senior it should actually fit him!).
Special Breakfast
I am partial to pancakes with sprinkles + eggs for that combo of treat and protein.
After-School Treat
We always visit Andy’s Frozen Custard after school on the first day for a sweet treat.
Chalkboard Stats
Teacher, age, what they want to be when they grow up. Pro tip: Put your child in their first day outfit and take this picture the day before. That way there’s less morning stress on the actual day.
New Book
Of course, we had to grab The Night Before Kindergarten to read this year, but there are so many great options. KINDergarten: Where Kindness Matters Every Day is another great one.
What are some of your favorite first day of school traditions?
Read More: A New Kindergarten Mom’s Guide to Kindergarten
