Back to school is here, which means a lot of change for our kiddos. Whether they’re headed in for their first time or moving for college, we’ve got some tips that can help their transitions.

1. If your little one can’t tell time yet, a color coded clock that shows what happens the hour before school starts can help them establish a routine. Older kids could also use some help creating a morning routine to ease their stress.

2. Get them a fun new water bottle. No kid drinks enough water. 😀

3. Notes. Kids love notes, whether they show up in their lunch box, as post-its on their mirror, or texts to our far-off college kids.

4. Favorite snacks can help our kids feel seen and supported in the early days of back-to-school. Set it up on the table for when they come home or send a care package (big or small).

5. Put their name on it! Lets be honest, anything and everything is a little bit better with your own name on it, and you can pique interest in old items. Iron-on labels are easy, fast, and affordable.

6. Buy them a vacuum (because we always forget the vacuum). Ok, this one’s mostly for the college kids – but hey, your little ones might really like being given a new responsibility!

7. Be ready for story time! Take a few minutes when they get home to engage with your kid – especially the first week because there will be stories. Have a quieter kid? Ask open-ended questions like, what was the best thing that happened today? Or, what was the hardest thing you had to do today?

8. Band-Aids. Yes, from the tinies all the way to the adults. Get them a small first aid kit or slip a couple band-aids in their backpack and remind them what to do if they get hurt.

9. Check in with yourself and your emotions. Do you need a day to get busy and get stuff done, or a day to just be by yourself? Keeping yourself in a good headspace makes helping your kids that much easier.

10. Love them. The more you show interest in their day to day the easier the transition from summertime to school will be. It wont even take much, just something small to make them feel seen.

Leave your own tips below!
And if you’re on the hunt for an awesome back-to-school teacher gift, check out our personalized teacher selection.

JennyLyn Little
Owner, Creator, Mom.

It feels so nice today…although yesterday it rained all day. That is how spring goes. Today the kids are outside and I can hear their excitement in the sunshine. 

Today I am cleaning house and getting the last of Easter decorations out. I know, I know only a week to go and I am finally getting around to it.

My kids are getting older now (insert sad face here). Last year my youngest was 11 and she was so excited that she might actually be old enough to hide the eggs at the cousin Easter egg hunt. And then 2020 happened! So we swapped out to a fun new tradition that I will have them do again this year.

We did an egg drop on our friends. It only took 12 eggs at each house and they tried to hide as fast as they could and then door bell ditch with the little note.

It is challenging to change traditions as kids get older, but also fun to think outside the box.

Here is the printable if you would like to give your teens something fun to do this Easter.

I also found some really good ideas from others.
How about this Saviors names advent? Click the picture to head over to My Upside Down Umbrella’s website.

I really wanted my kids to find a true connection to Easter. We have never done the filled baskets of toys and gifts. Just small egg hunt coloring eggs and usually new dresses. I put together and egg Easter lesson a few years ago. I find as they get older the answers get more in-depth – I love it! I really have loved the new tradition. Here is one with a similar idea.

I hope you all have a delightful Easter. I know that Christ came and died for us, and I am thankful everyday for the chance to repent and try my best.

JennyLyn