Make the start of a new school year extra special with some fun Back to School Traditions. These 10 ideas are inexpensive, simple, and perfect for all ages! 

EASY FAMILY BACK TO SCHOOL TRADITIONS

Going Back to School is exciting for some kids and nerve-wracking for others! No matter what side of the spectrum your kids are on, here’s some fun and simple Back to School traditions to start this year to make this an exciting and special time! 

1. HAVE A BACK-TO-SCHOOL FEAST

Kick off the new school year with a back to school feast. You’ve got to eat dinner anyway, so why not make the meal a little more special by making it back to school themed. 

Simple Back to School Dinner Ideas:

• Pull out your fancy goblets and china for a true fancy feast! 
• Keep it simple with festive paper plates and napkins. 
• Our favorite is a Back to School Backwards Dinner, where we eat dessert first! Our children look forward to this dinner each year! (Back to School Backwards Dinner Ideas Here) 

2. TAKE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL PICTURES

Be sure to pull out the camera and snap a first day of school picture with your children looking their best! Pull out a simple chalkboard and write their grade on it or simplify and use these cute pre-made printable First Day of School signs.

3. TAKE YOUR CHILDREN ON A BACK-TO-SCHOOL DATE

One of my favorite back to school traditions was going on a date with my mom to shop for new school clothes! With 7 children in my family, I craved that one-on-one time and really loved knowing that I got time with just my mom right before school each year.  We’d hit up the mall, choose a few new outfits and then grab some lunch. 

Plan a date with your kiddos to do school shopping! 

4. HAVE A BACK TO SCHOOL FASHION SHOW

Once all the school shopping is complete, do a family Back to School fashion show! 

5. LEAVE A SURPRISE IN THEIR BACKPACK 

Leave a surprise in your kid’s backpack for them to find on the first day. Here’s some more ideas. 

6. CHOOSE A FAMILY THEME OR GOAL TO WORK ON

The start of a new school year is a great time to choose something to work on as a family. We usually choose a scripture as our theme and memorize it throughout the school year. 

7. HAVE A SPECIAL AFTER-SCHOOL SNACK 

I always loved coming home from the first day of school and telling my mom all about it! Chances are your children will have lots to say, too! Have a special treat waiting for them on that first day.  And be ready to listen.  

Try these popular recipes: 

• The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars 

• Rolo Cookies 

• The Easiest Back to School Cupcakes 

8. MAKE A LIST OF FAVORITE LUNCH BOX IDEAS TOGETHER

If you plan to make lunches, make a list of handful of simple lunch ideas that your kids will like. Post it on the fridge so that your job is easier in the morning! 

9. LEAVE A NOTE IN THEIR LUNCH

Surprise your kids with a love note or special treat in their lunchbox. Don’t just save this for the first day. Love notes from mom or dad are perfect all year long! 

Or if your kids are into jokes, give them one of these fun tear-out jokes for lunches! 

10. MAKE AN AFTER-SCHOOL ROUTINE 

Set yourself up for success by creating an after-school routine you can keep. We’ve found that it’s best to have a snack ready right after school, a little bit of down time, and then homework before any screen time. 

Do what is reasonable for your family! 

Once you’ve created a routine, hang it up so that everyone knows what’s expected! 

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE WAYS TO CELEBRATE BACK TO SCHOOL?