It’s that time of year again “Back to School”…….the most wonderful time of the year. This week students are heading back to school which means early mornings, bus stops, packing lunches, new clothing and maybe a few traditions.

Lilly is starting Grade 1 with a new teacher and can’t wait to get back to see her friends. We don’t have a lot of traditions yet but are slowly building them as each year passes. I’m sure once Hilary starts school these will just become routine things we do each September.

Back to School Shopping

I loved doing this as a child. I even remember driving to the Valley (where I live now) for soccer tournaments and doing our school supply shopping in between games! I seriously loved doing this and felt so special when it happened.

Since Lilly’s teacher buys all of their supplies (we provide money), we don’t have to buy anything. There are pro’s and con’s to this but I know in a few years it will be up to us to purchase everything, so we’ll take it while we can. We did go shopping for a few new clothing and shoes during our vacation. It sure is amazing how fast your kids grow over the summer.

First Day of School Pictures

I love taking pictures and first day of school pictures are up there. I love capturing how little they are and how excited they are for a new school year. The picture below is last year and they looks so little compared to now. Hilary goes to day care but I wanted to include her in the photos.

Last year:

How was your day?

At the end of each day while driving home with the girls, I ask them “how was there day?” A pretty simple questions which is sometimes met with “ah, we played” from Hilary. Lilly will tell you one or two things but forgets everything else. We talk over dinner again and learn more about their day as a family.

When we put them to bed is when we get the better conversations. I always ask “What was your favourite thing about today?” It’s short and simple. Usually, the answer from Lilly is something to do with recess or lunch, so I ask the question again but get her to share something she did in the school.We even ask was she didn’t like about to which gives her an opportunity to express how she feels about that. I like these conversations because it gets her thinking about what she really did enjoy or not enjoy.

Happy first day of school to those students and teachers starting back this week! I’ll be sure to share a new photo of the girls soon!

What’s your  go-to “back to school” tradition?

Did you have any back to school traditions growing up?

Do you ask your kids about their day or something else?