Written by Anita Davison
As Labor Day weekend fast approaches, signaling the end of the NY Summer, it’s time to reflect on the new beginnings ahead of us. As we travelled, played, explored, and reveled through our summertime break, the days rolled into one another and now those days are coming to an end.
One of the biggest transitions many of us will experience this month is that of our kids heading off to school. Whether it’s their very first time in a school environment, the first day at a different school, or moving up a grade, emotions run high for kids and parents alike.
Like with most things, preparation can really help ease everyone into any new phase, so I’ve compiled a list of resources (some serious, some not so serious) that you may find helpful.
Aha! Parenting is an online resource that I have found useful on many occasions through my parenting journey (I have no affiliations with the site, I just enjoy the content!) and this week I read an article called “Preparing Your Child for the New School Year” written by Dr Laura. In the article she covers 15 steps on helping your child adjust to the whole back to school process. I highly recommend the read.
If the emotions are running higher for you as the parent then they are for your child, you can find some helpful “Tips to survive your child’s first day at school” here.
Last year I started a tradition of the first day of school photo with G & J. I took a photo of each of my kids on a blank background and using the Typic Kids app on my iPhone, I was able to add text and cute graphics to the photos. I included the date, their height, weight and likes and dislikes. I did the same thing on the last day of school. Its amazing the changes I saw in each of them over the school year, changes I might not have noticed had I not documented them. Such a quick and simple thing to do, especially with our smartphones always in hand, for maximum impact. (Find the Typic Kids App here)
And lastly, for parents of little ladies (who can’t sit still!), click here for 23 Quick & Easy Hairstyles for Little Girls.
If any of you are like me and can’t wait for school to go back, I highly recommend cracking a bottle of champagne with your other back to school mum & dad friends and throwing a party! It may only be 9am here in NYC, but remember it’s midday somewhere in the world. If champagne for breakfast isn’t your style, take yourself out for coffee, a nice breakfast, a massage or all of the above. You deserve it!
Or just watch this video on YouTube and have a good belly laugh: “Back to School: Mom’s Gone Wild”
Whatever your feelings are on the new beginnings ahead, I hope that the transitions are smooth & worry free for each and every one of you. The end of summer and the commencement of the new school year can feel like a bittersweet time of year. Fortunately summer comes around every year!
Anita
Upcoming Events:
September 13
“Affordable Art Fair Private Tour (AWNY)“
September 17
“An Emotional Transition to New York – An Experiential Event“
October 4
Save the Date for the first annual “AWNY Family Picnic in the Park” (details to follow)
AWNY | Australian Women in New York 