Have a special breakfast
You can get them back into the cereal routine after day one, but it’s worth it to go all-out on the first day back. Get up that little bit earlier and prepare their favourite breakfast – whether it’s egg and soldiers, pancakes, or a selection of fruits – and make it a family event.
Pack a hand-written lunch note
We all know that sometimes all you need is a comforting word of encouragement to get through the day, and that is no different for the first day back at school. Stick a hand-written note into the lunchbox, telling them to enjoy their day and you look forward to seeing them at home-time - it may be just what they need to get over those first-day nerves.
Organise a tea-party
Why not invite some of their school friends over to help ease them back into the routine? You can either do this in the days leading up to the return to school or else on the last day of their first week back. This will give them the chance to get reacquainted ahead of the busy school year.
Make Schultute cones
This tradition comes from Germany, where children would be given large paper-rolled cones filled with goodies – a little bit like a piñata. While they may not want to walk around carrying a huge parcel, why not channel the tradition with a goodie-bag when they get home?
Take them on a 'parent date'
The first day, or the day before the first day back is always a good time to sit your little one down and have a one-on-one to gauge how they are feeling. While some kids will take back-to-school completely in their stride, it could come with anxiety for others. Organising a date for you and your little one gives you an opportunity to discuss their hopes and fears for the year, and tackle any issues head-on.
Refresh their ‘homework station’
A homework station is a really good idea for young kids in particular, as it gives them the encouragement they need to get their head down and complete their homework exercises in the evening. By refreshing or revamping their homework station (you don’t need to spend a lot – you can do some crafts together) this will get them excited for the new tasks ahead.
Take a first-day photo
This is a lovely tradition that you can carry out year after year, and then compare the results when they get a bit older. By decking them out in their uniform with all of their gear, this will get them excited for the day ahead. It also captures some lovely memories for you!
