"Back to School" is in the AIR

September brings mixed feelings for parents and kids. As a mom, I know I am excited about my daughter getting out my hair for most of the day after being under me all summer. But at the same time I am nervous FOR her as she heads to a NEW class, with a NEW teacher and NEW friends.

To help ease our family into this school-time transition, throughout the month of August, I will decorate our dining room with a "Back to School" theme. Hanging streamers, signs and different school supplies from the ceiling not only gives the idea of a party, but it also reminds us to talk about school and go over any anxieties or questions that our kids might have about the new year. Having everything hanging is also the easiest way to keep it from reach and will allow you to leave it up longer to keep the feeling of a party right up until the first day of school.

After the first day, I will have an actual "You Did It" party for my kids with their favorite snacks. The party activities are planned around what they brought home from school. If they have home-work, we make this the "party activity" so that they learn to associate work with fun.

Regardless of all the anxiety of that first day of school, after an event like this, everyone wants to go back to school!