In addition to the obligatory first day of school picture on the front steps, these are some creative ideas for the new school year:
- The hand-print T-shirt - Create a yearly back-to-school shirt keepsake for your child to add their handprint to on the first day of each school year, from kindergarten to 12th grade. Use a large adult’s shirt and put “class of” whatever year they’ll be graduating on the front, then have a space for each grade on the back for them to add their handprint to yearly. (Check out a detailed how-to for this DIY.)
- Matching bracelets - For the mom and kid who are having a hard time being apart, buy or make two matching bracelets, one for each to wear. It’s a perfect way to let your little one know you’re thinking about them on the first day of school.
- The first day interview - This is a fun way to keep track of what your child likes each year. Ask about their favorite foods, friends, TV shows, what they want to be when they grow up and anything else you want to document to go with their first day of school photo.
- Vision board - Adults use them to help them get inspired, but moms and kids can create them together to come up with their ideas and goals for the school year ahead. You can make one for each month, quarter, semester or for the entire year and doing it together helps parents learn more about what their child wants to accomplish and gives them a chance to offer encouragement and/or guidance to help them succeed.