3 Fun Ideas to Shake Off Back-to-School Jitters

Does your family have a case of the end-of-summer blues? You’re not alone – a new school year can bring up some big feelings. But back-to-school also means new friendships, lessons and extracurricular activities that are sure to pack your family’s schedule with all-new excitement!

If you’re nervous about getting your child back into the schooltime routine, look no further. We have a list of activities to help you close out summer with a smile as you get ready to jump into fall!

Prioritize Family Time

As you prepare for study groups and fall sports, take a minute to slow down and soak in some family fun! Remind your child that sharing both their worries and their excitement with family and family-like friends helps build a community of support — because managing your concerns is much easier when you’re not alone.

Try activities that encourage talking, so you can all chat about any feelings you may be having about the upcoming school year. A few fun group ideas include going out for ice cream, visiting your favorite local attractions, checking out our free STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities or hosting a family game. No matter what you end up doing, the most important part is that you’re spending time with the people you care about!

Celebrate Summer Memories

Take your season’s stories, big and small, and turn them into a keepsake to reflect on when you’re missing that summer sun. Gather crafting supplies from around your house, or make a quick trip to a nearby craft store, to put together a DIY memory book!

As you brainstorm ways to make it unique, remember the only limit is your imagination. Press your favorite flower from your garden, add a holder for matching friendship bracelets from besties or get photos printed from all the cool places you’ve seen. Encourage your child to write notes on the pages to jog their memory later. When your family looks back on all the fun times you’ve had, you’ll find it’s hard not to smile!

Brainstorm a Fall Bucket List

While it can be difficult to say goodbye to summertime, there are so many fun things to try in autumn! If your child is feeling anxious about a new term in school, focus on having something to look forward to in the new season. Grab a piece of paper and colorful pens, markers, paints or stickers as you gear up to help your family design and decorate your ultimate fall experience bucket list.

If you don’t know where to start, ask yourself and your child these questions: What was the coolest thing we did last autumn? What are our favorite fall foods? Are we looking forward to any spooky events or cozy activities? What is one thing we’ve always wanted to try – family apple picking, an evening corn maze or a pumpkin carving contest, anyone?

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