As you think about the beginning of a new school year, it’s a great time to think about any new traditions you can introduce into your family life. Traditions are an anchor of connection and belonging for children as they grow. They are what root us in our time and place, reminding us there are things we know we can expect and depend on. And, it’s never too late to start a new tradition that then carries on from that point further. Take some time to come up with one tradition you want to start as a family. It could be a new tradition for a holiday or a random, just because, time. It could be a daily ritual or a regular interval. Our family has a tradition for every time a month has 5 Fridays. Or maybe you pick a random day, like March 25th, to be a day you all do something crazy and fun. We provided a few ideas appropriate to this time period but get creative and do what fits your family. 

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Host an end of summer block party-

The summer coming to a close is a great time to do a final celebration. Gathering neighbors together is not only fun but also creates a greater sense of community in the place you live. Pull out a BBQ and grill burgers, have everyone bring a side and maybe even order a giant bouncy waterslide. 

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Make the first day of school special-

• Anticipation for the start of a new school year is already high. Make it extra special by adding a few fun touches- decorations, a “Photo Booth” or pendant sign for pictures, a family favorite for breakfast, personalized notebooks, a little gift, celebratory ice cream at the end of the day, etc.  

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Morning refresh-

• Daily rhythms shape a family. Here are a few ideas to refresh your morning and get your day started on a peaceful note. 

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• Sunrise snack- Prepare a small snack (Ex: a muffin, hard-boiled egg, apple slices) that is easy for your child to get for themselves and eat right away when they wake up while they are waiting for a more formal breakfast time. The snack can be accompanied by reading/quiet time or snuggles with mom/dad while they do their own quiet time or nurse a baby sibling. 

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• Morning time baskets- Prepare a basket with special books or activities that children are able to do independently after they wake up while you are preparing breakfast or handling other chores.

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• Morning candle- Light a special candle while you eat breakfast. As you light it say “God is light” and before you blow it out, pray “Help us shine His light today”.

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• Predictable routine- Set and establish easy morning routines that your children can expect every day. If your children attend school outside the home, make sure these routines are realistic for accomplishing in the time before you need to leave your house. 

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Meaningful drop off/pickup routine-

• If your child goes to school outside of your home, make use of the drive time to and from school as a way to create intentional moments of connection and discipleship

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• Pick a short prayer that you pray together every morning *Justin Whitmel Earley has a beautiful “sending prayer” in his book, Habits of the Household*

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• Pick a song or hymn that you sing together everyday

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• Intentional questions

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• Practice a memory verse

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