This post was updated on August 6, 2025.
Can you believe it’s already time to talk about back to school? I swear summer just started five minutes ago. But here we are—Target aisles full of glue sticks, sharpened pencils, and moms holding iced coffee in one hand and a supply list in the other.
Heading back to school is exciting… and a little nerve-wracking. That’s why I love having a few fun family traditions to make the transition smoother, more special, and (let’s be honest) a little less chaotic.
Here are some tried-and-true back to school traditions from our home—and a few new ones I’m excited to try this year!
Why Back to School Traditions Matter
Back to school can stir up all kinds of emotions for kids:
Who will be my teacher?
Will my friends be in my class?
Do I have the right clothes and supplies?
Creating meaningful family traditions can ease anxiety, build excitement, and make kids feel safe and supported.
We have a lot of fun family traditions for getting ready for school. I”m going to share some of those traditions with you because I value family time so much and I want to help other families build relationships and memories.
10 Fun and Meaningful Back to School Traditions
1. Annual School Clothes and Shoe Shopping Adventure
Each kid gets to pick out a few outfits and the all-important first-day shoes.
Mom Tip: We shop outlet stores and size up just a bit so the shoes last through growth spurts.
School shoes and clothes are so important to me. I think they are the most important thing I purchase for my kids for school. I have to make sure that they will last all school year long. They need to be comfortable so the kids can concentrate on learning, and they need to be stylish. That’s a tall order to fill.
That’s why I always shop at Famous Footwear for their shoes. Finding quality shoes makes me happy and it’s a bonus that they are trendy so my kids can be happy too.
We love to shop at outlet stores for clothing so we can save money. I don’t like to do laundry every day so I make sure they have enough clothing to get them through the week. Including underwear and socks.
2. DIY Countdown Chain
A paper chain countdown gives kids a fun, visual way to track how many days are left. Bonus: write fun end-of-summer activities on each link!
3. First Day of School Breakfast Party
Start the day with Apple Cinnamon Pancakes, fancy cups of juice, and a kitchen dance party to get those nerves out.
Mom Tip: Set the table the night before so the morning feels special and less rushed.
4. Create a School Morning Checklist
A checklist saves you from morning chaos and helps your kids become independent.
You can print the one I made HERE or make your own.
5. Make a Teacher Survival Kit
Show teachers some love with a little kit filled with gum, Advil, chocolate, and sweet notes from your kids.
Here is a fun Teacher Survival Kit printable you can use.
6. First Day Photo Shoot (With Printables!)
Use our printable signs to snap that “First Day of ___ Grade” picture.
You can use these fun printables for them to hold in their pictures. You’ll be so happy you did.
7. Back-to-School Book Night
Snuggle up and read school-themed books like The Kissing Hand or First Day Jitters to open up conversations about their feelings.
8. Back-to-School Interview
Ask your kids questions like “What do you want to learn this year?” and save their answers in a binder for a sweet yearly keepsake. Or even better, take a video of them answering the questions. It will be so fun to look back on when they are seniors. Here is a free printable questionairre to use!
9. School Supply Scavenger Hunt
Turn back-to-school shopping into a game, giving your children a fun scavenger hunt to find their supplies in the store. Here is a free printable scavenger hunt!’
10. Family Back-to-School Blessing Night
Gather the night before school starts for a little family pep talk, prayer, or blessing to send them off with love.
Tools and Printables to Help You Get Started
- Printable Morning Routine Checklist
- First Day of School Photo Signs
- Back-to-School Interview Template
- Teacher Survival Kit Printable Tags
- School Supplies Scavenger Hunt
FAQs
Q: How early should I start these back-to-school traditions?
A: About 2-3 weeks before school starts is a good time to begin the countdown and start routines.
Q: What if my kids are older and think some of these traditions are silly?
A: Let them help choose or adapt the traditions. Even teens appreciate feeling seen and celebrated.
Q: How do I find time to do all this?
A: Pick just one or two to try this year—no need to do them all. Small traditions can still make a big impact.
Final Thoughts from This Typical Mom
I know this time of year can feel overwhelming. New routines, early mornings, and All. The. Packing. But it’s also a fresh start. A chance to cheer our kids on and make memories together.
What are your favorite back-to-school traditions? I’d love to hear them—share in the comments or tag me on Instagram @tipsfromamom!
Let’s make this school year the best one yet, one pancake and paper chain at a time. 💛
Such great back to school information! Our parents and students will love it. I love that those cute shoes and styles are coming back in. A healthy breakfast is also really important to keep their attention. All great tips!
Love this, so many great ideas! And your preschooler…so darling!
Thanks Becky!
I like your morning checklist idea. My girls tend to kind of let their mind wander. If they had this to look at it might help.
Yes Aliza, the checklist is a life saver for me!
I love this! I’m preparing to send my first to Kindergarten in less than 3 weeks – eek! We hit up Famous Footwear this weekend for some new school shoes (and of course his little sister wanted to some, too, so the buy one/get one 1/2 was awesome). I’ve been thinking of ways to make my little guy’s first day of “big kid school” a special one. Thanks for the tips!
Heather, I’m so glad you were able to take advantage of the BOGO! Thanks for your comment.