Today is the first day of school where I live.  I’ve always had a fondness for this time of year.  Growing up, I loved school, so I was always excited to go back.

Back to school always meant that a few things were going to happen.  I was going to get new school supplies.  Even at a young age, unsharpened pencils and fresh, clean notebooks were really exciting.  I would get to go back to school shopping.  This wasn’t as fun with changing bodies and disagreements with my parents, but in the end I still got new clothes.  And I would get a new pair of tennis shoes.  It was a challenge to see how long I could go before getting them dirty.

With all of those new things, the biggest underlying theme was that there was so much possibility at back to school time.  Who knew what was going to happen.  The idea that anything was possible was so exciting.

I think making this time special for your kids will get them excited for school.  It’s pretty easy with shopping trips for school supplies and new clothes.  But there are plenty of other ways to mark the end of summer and beginning of a new school year.

Do one last big excursion to mark the end of summer.  Go on a weekend trip, or have a big end of summer pool party.  Just spending some one on one time with your kids before they are in school everyday will be memorable for them.

My mom always made a special breakfast for us on the first day of school.  I always looked forward to starting my first day of school with a hot meal.  Do that for your kids, and maybe even do it everyday their first week.  I still remember my Senior year of high school when my mom didn’t make breakfast on the first day of school.  That day just wasn’t the same.

Back to school time doesn’t have to be special just for the kids either.  I think by this time most parents are ready for their kids to be in school during the day.  Why not mark the occasion by getting brunch with your friends after school drop off.  Maybe something even better, would be to take a walk in the park by yourself.  I’m sure you’ll appreciate the time alone after a summer with your kids.

It’s times like back to school that I feel need to be celebrated.  All it takes is a hot breakfast, some new school supplies, and a walk in the park to make it special.  Good luck to all of you parents that have to drop off your kids at school and not see them until later this afternoon.  I hope this is a great school year for your kids and you!