14 Fun Ways for Moms to Make Back-to-School Week Extra Special for Their Kids

The first week back at school is a huge thing for kids and parents alike, especially if your child is starting kindergarten or heading into the early years of elementary school.

As a mom, you want your child to feel confident, excited, and loved... not rushed, stressed, or nervous. That’s where a little thoughtful planning can go a long way.

Whether you're sending your kiddo off for the first time or easing into another school year, these 15 fun ideas are all about helping you make the transition extra special for your kid/kids both before the big day and during that all-important first week back.

Before the First Day: Cute Ways to Get Ready

These ideas help build anticipation in a positive way, boost confidence, and create connection before your child sets foot in the classroom.

1. Countdown to School with a Daily Activity

Build excitement and reduce anxiety with a simple countdown calendar. Each day could reveal a fun prep activity, like picking a backpack charm, reading a school storybook, or baking their “first-day breakfast.”

👉 There's a Countdown Calendar in our Back To School Prep Bundle

 

 

2. Create a First Day Photo Sign

Print or make a cute “First Day Of…” sign your child can hold for a first-day photo. Let them decorate it with their name, grade, favourite colour, or what they want to be when they grow up.

👉 Use the All About Me sheet in our Back To School Prep Bundle as a first day photo sign

 

 

3. Fill Out a Fun “All About Me” Page Together

Before school starts, sit down with your child to fill out a fun “All About Me” printable. Ask them about their favourite things, what they’re excited (or a bit nervous) about, and what they hope for in the new school year.

It’s a sweet way to connect and makes a lovely keepsake to tuck away in a memory box.

4. Make a Morning Routine Chart

Reduce morning chaos before it starts! Create a simple step-by-step routine your child can follow (think: get dressed, brush teeth, pack lunch).

👉 Use our ready-to-print visual routine chart in the Back To School Prep Bundle

5. Decorate a Homework or Craft Station

Set up a cosy little nook with supplies and personal touches. Even if they don’t get much homework in week one, having their own space makes them feel more grown-up and ready.

6. Do a Lunchbox Taste Test

Let your child help test out lunch and snack options to find a few favourites for the first week. You can even make it a mini tasting party with scorecards!

Here's a roundup of 30 easy but healthy school lunch box ideas. 

7. Build Their School Day Playlist

Create a short playlist of fun, energising songs they can listen to at breakfast or in the car. Music helps set a happy tone and makes routines more enjoyable.

During the First Week: Keeping the Good Vibes Goingl

Once school’s underway, these little moments can help your child feel supported, connected, and excited to share their new experiences with you.

8. Surprise Lunchbox Notes

Slip in a little love during their day with sweet notes, silly jokes, or “you’ve got this” messages.

👉 We’ve got a lunchbox notes and jokes template ready to go in the Back To School Bundle!

9. After-School Chill Time

Give your child some unstructured time to relax after school with a quiet activity like colouring or playdough. It helps them unwind from all that sensory overload.

10. Celebrate with a Favourite Midweek Meal

Pick a night to serve up their favourite food and toast to a great start. Even mac and cheese feels special when it’s labelled “You Crushed the First Three Days” dinner.

11. First Week Scrapbook Page

Print a few photos, include their All About Me sheet, and jot down funny or sweet memories from the first few days. It’s a lovely way to mark the milestone together.

12. Let Your Child Choose One Thing That Week

Give your child the power to choose something during that first week—what to wear on Friday, what’s for dinner, or which game to play after school. It helps build confidence and ownership.

13. Give a Certificate of Success

At the end of the week, surprise your child with a “You Did It!” certificate celebrating the completion of their first week or first week back at kindergarten or school. 

👉 There's a certificate template in the Back To School Prep Bundle. 

14. Host a Friday Night Family Game Night

Finish the week with a fun family night—PJs, popcorn, and games. It’s the perfect way to slow down and reconnect after a big week.

Want The Bundle?

We’ve bundled up five fun and useful back-to-school printables for moms to use with their kids in the run-up to and during back to school season:

• ✅ Countdown calendar
• ✅ Morning routine chart
• ✅ Lunchbox notes template
  
• ✅ “All About Me” sheet
• ✅ First-day celebration certificate (school or kindergarten version)

👉 Click here to grab the Back-to-School Printables Bundle  with big-hearted kids.

Final Word from One Mom to Another…

You don’t have to make every moment magical. Just a few thoughtful touches can turn a stressful transition into a memory your child (and you) will hold onto.