I only remember one of my “night before back-to-school” nights growing up. It was the year I was going into seventh grade – junior high school. Back then we did not have middle schools. Sixth graders still attended the elementary school, and in seventh grade we went to junior high.
It was the first year I would was going to have to change my clothes for gym class. That is change my clothes in only five minutes for gym class.
Up in my bedroom I timed myself over and over again as I changed from my real clothes into a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. I can still picture those shorts and t-shirt. And the bag I carried them in.
Your child is most likely having similar thoughts about heading back to school. Even if those thoughts are stuffed deep and there’s no way he or she will admit them.
What if I can’t find the restroom?
What if I forget my lunch?
What if no one talks to me?
What if I miss my bus to come home?
The list goes on.
One way to eliminate some anxiety about heading back to school is to not do anything school related the day and night before the first day. Instead, have a Night Before Party.
Now of course this party will not be one that last late into the night, but whether the day before the first day is on a Sunday or another day of the week, make sure all the preparation for the first day is done beforehand so that you and your child can have one last day of relaxation.
Use this printable Things to Do Before the First Day of School Checklist to help you prepare for the first day of school!
Now that you’re prepared for the first day early, you can have fun the night before!
Ideas for your Night Before Party:
- Take a trip to the movies.
- Go swimming.
- Prepare your child’s favorite meal including a special dessert.
- Take a walk or hike somewhere in your town or neighborhood.
- Have movie night with popcorn at home.
- Have a spa night with manicures and bubble baths.
- Go on a bike ride.
- Bake cookies or a Back-to-School cake together.
- Complete a fun craft activity as a gift from your child to his teacher.
- Treat your child to his favorite ice cream place.
- Give your child an uplifting Bible verse or two to remember. (Write one of the following verses on an index card and put it in her bookbag so that she can refer to it throughout the day.)
- Pray with your child.
I do not recommend taking day trips or doing activities that will require a lot of energy. Make sure your Night Before Party is close to home, relaxing, and full of laughter and fun!
Bible Verses for the First Day of School:
“I prayed to the Lord and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4 NLT)
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NLT)
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT)
Now for the awesome giveaways to help make Back-to-School peaceful! Throughout this two week series, I will be giving away five wonderful gifts, so check in often to enter!
Today’s Giveaway:
One of these cute, personalized pencil pouches from Etsy store owner Designs by Heather!
Enter today and check back on Thursday to see you you’re the winner!
Here’s what you can expect in the rest of this series:
Tomorrow: Creating a Relationship of Teamwork with Your Child’s Teacher
Day 3: When You Don’t Like Your Child’s Teacher
Day 4: How to Help Your Child’s Teacher
Day 5: Communicating Your Child’s Needs
Day 6: How to Have a Parent-Teacher Conference
Day 7: What Your Child Doesn’t Tell You about School
Day 8: What Your Child’s Teacher Doesn’t Tell You
Day 9: Being Christian in Today’s Public Schools
Day 10: Your Child’s Education is Your Responsibility
If you have an idea or question, feel free to comment or email me at brenda{at}triplebraidedlife{dot}com! I’d love to hear from you!
Now share with us, what is your favorite Back-to-School activity to do with your child?
This week I am linked up with:
Pingback: Back to School in Peace :: Tips from the Teacher - A 10 Day Series
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Pingback: Back-to-School in Peace :: What Your Child Doesn't Tell You about School {and a Final Giveaway}