Back to School

Some of these ideas are just for the first day of school, but others could be used every day.

• Make a special breakfast and eat early as a family before everyone has to go their own separate ways. http://www.familyfun.go.com/ actually has some really cute, easy breakfast ideas perfect for those moms on the run.
• While you're eating, read scriptures together...even just one scripture and discuss it. It totally sets the tone for your day.
• I make sure everyone is awake before my husband leaves for work, and we all kneel together for family prayer.
• Write little notes and hide them in your kids' backpacks for them to find at school...make them easy to find :) I actually bought a book of these little notes from an elementary school Sally Foster Fundraiser last year.
• Have cookies and milk ready for an after school snack to discuss the day over with your children.
• My friend, Kristy B., would make a special back to school cake every year. She has done everything from a box of crayons, to a bus, to a pencil, to an apple...whatever speaks school to your soul.
• Surprise your kids by doing a chore or two for them so they get more free time after homework (your more oblivious children may need you to point this out for them hahaha)
• The Sunday before school begins, make special time to provide fathers' blessings for each child (even the ones not yet going to school).
• The weekend before school begins, if you aren't up to an out-of-towner, head for the backyard! Set up the tent, roast smores (if you aren't able to have a fire in your backyard, you can do this over a gas grill, or light some briquettes over tin foil on the cement, and then once they are white, roast your mallows), and play games by flashlight.
• My friend, Rachel had this suggestion: "I have a friend who likes to put together a humanitarian school kit or two or three with her kids at the beginning of the school year when supplies are cheap. It helps those who aren't going to school to be excited about a school project."
• Have more ideas??? Please send them so we can add them to our list!