Back to School for Littles, Routines and Traditions

Something I wish my family had more of growing up was family traditions, routines, and activities.

As my daughter grows up, I’m reminded that we get such short amounts of time with our kiddos while they are little, and while Carolynn is not school age yet- we can still start fun back to school routines and traditions.

Small and simple steps will provide a happy, healthy transition when school starts.

Each morning when your child wakes up, start working on easy, positive, healthy goals for the day. When we work on purposeful intention and create goals, we show our kids that each day can be filled with accomplishments, regardless of size.

A few examples of goals I set with my little,

We are going to play nice all day today at daycare.

When other kids want to share, we share kindly.

When we are having a tough time, we will work on breathing.

Now, really, my 15 month old daughter has very little knowledge behind these words, but when we start and practice these setting goals young, it makes it part of her routine and will help make her more successful in school.

Positive affirmations are such a foreign thing for so many people. I thought they were so silly when I first started doing them, but I’ve noticed how much easier it is to be kind to myself when I focus on the things I love about myself.

Every single morning we start off with positive affirmations as we are getting dressed. Because I am a Christian, I also include some biblical affirmations.

I am strong. I am capable. I am going to make today great no matter what happens. I am wonderful. I can do all things with God by my side.

Teaching our kids positive inner dialogue is so so important before they start school, as kids can be harsh without even meaning to.

Lastly, establishing a learning environment at home. Sometimes it can become so easy to just want Littles to “listen” or “leave that alone” but often we don’t take the time to explain or teach through their exploration.

A couple of the ways that we promote a learning environment at home is through constant discussion on what items are, what they do, and where they go.

Another thing we have always done is include age appropriate books IN WITH her toys and read to hear Every. Single. Day. Now, we probably read a minimum of 8 books a day because she loves them so much.

I’m not a big screen time mom, and this isn’t sponsored, but we were gifted an Animal Island Learning Adventure Sit & Play, and I LOVE the lessons and games taught on the AILA. There is counting, singing, dancing, shapes, colors, emotions, and more. Carolynn will literally carry her AILA around and take it with her to go play.

The AILA only has the teaching software on it, no other applications or programs, automatically updates, uses age appropriate games and learning, and is a huge huge hit in our home.

These actions, coupled with with fun activities like ice cream after the “first day” or smoothies on the way, will create trust and fond memories with your kids that they will cherish all their life.

Good luck to those that are back to school with their not-so-littles and I’ve connected with some amazing bloggers to share some Back to school tips! Getting back into a schedule, school supplies, diy projects, etc. Head to each of their pages to check out what they are sharing!

My friend Grace telling us about Back to school tips: Homeschool Edition!.

My girl Heather, sharing Advice I Received as a First Time Mom Prepping for Back to School.

My friend Seketa sharing her 5 Easy Tips for a Successful School Year!