Preparing For Our First Back-To-School Mornings

I almost can't believe I'm saying this, but Essley starts preschool in just a few weeks. (Wait, didn't I just give birth to the kid, like, last week?) And while I suppose I can't really use the term "back-to-school" to apply to us, since this is technically our first school adventure and it's not like we're going back to anything, we've been getting into back-to-school mode around here. The preschool Essley is attending is part of the public school system here, so it follows the same calendar as older grades and has some of the same requirements in terms of school supplies, etc. So while it's only a two day a week program and the students are all two-and-a-half and three year olds, it feels pretty official.

I'm admittedly both excited and nervous, as I always tend to be with "first times" when it comes to my kids, and we want Essley to look forward to going to school, so we've been practicing a routine that, naturally, begins with our mornings. I work from home so we've gotten pretty used to leisurely mornings that often involve moving slowly, making semi-elaborate breakfasts (especially when Robbie, our house chef, is home between the band's tours), and lots of time spent in pajamas. Recently we've breaking out of that mold in preparation for school by getting dressed and washed up right away, and eating nutritious but simple breakfasts that take less time, like Essley's favorite, Cheerios with organic fruit. After breakfast Essley usually runs directly to her backpack, puts it on, and loudly proclaims that it's time to go to school. Establishing this morning routine has been beneficial for all of us. It's actually kind of fun.

We've also been preparing for the back-to-school mornings (and school in general) by shopping for breakfast and after school snack items at Costco. In addition to having everything we need, Costco is currently running a really cool Box Top special called the Golden Box Tops Challenge, where, by purchasing specially marked General Mills products with 8 Box Tops (like Essley's beloved Cheerios), you can enter to win an additional 100 eBoxTops (!!!). This may be our first year but we're already well aware of how Box Tops help raise money for and bring major classroom benefits to schools, so this is a really wonderful way for us to get ourselves prepared for getting involved, even at the Pre-K level. And if you don't have a lot of extra time or money to devote to your kids' schools, Box Tops are an incredible way to contribute through items that you already have on your grocery list. We've also been teaching Essley how Box Tops can help her school, and together we make a game out of cutting them out and putting them into a basket that she'll be able to bring to her school later on. We have also, of course, entered the Golden Box Tops Challenge. You can enter too! Just click here to learn how, along with more about the prizes and participating products. We think it's pretty great.

While I'm by no means a back-to-school expert (you honestly can't get more "beginner" than me if we're being honest here), for my fellow new-to-school preschooler moms and dads, I highly recommend getting a head start on your school mornings if you can. Even our simple routine of getting up at an established time, getting dressed, making and eating an easy but healthy breakfast, brushing teeth, and encouraging Essley as she pretends to head to school for the day, along with other back-to-school activities like participating in Costco's Golden Box Tops Challenge, has made the whole experience feel like a something to get excited about instead of dread.

Do any of you have kids heading to preschool this fall? Who else collects Box Tops?

Thank you for supporting the brands that help make Bubby and Bean possible. This post is sponsored by Costco Golden Box Tops and Acorn.

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