I know it’s just not just school-aged children saying it. Most likely, it’s many teachers too. Maybe even a few parents. “I don’t want to go back to school!”

We just don’t want to get back into a strenuous schedule of getting up and out the door on time, our students tired from sitting through lectures all day, and then tackling homework or extracurricular activities in the evening.

The weekends are a blur of catch-up time and then it starts all over again. 

Many of us enjoy the slower days of summer where every now and then, if we don’t have anything else going on, we can sleep in, and maybe later let the children watch cartoons while we enjoy an extra cup of coffee in peace. 

I am a homeschool mom and I cherish every moment of my summers off – just like my children!

And as a military spouse, some summers I really don’t get that break if we’re PCSing – just like some of you! Before this year, I had three unpleasant summers in a row of either moving or taking on extra responsibilities because of my husband’s deployment, and I was forced to overwork instead of taking in the summer vibes.

This was the first summer in awhile that I was able to truly relax, have fun, and intentionally plan loads of exciting activities for my children.

We’ve partaken in unique, local experiences with new friends, we’ve organized lots of playdates and outings, we fit in Vacation Bible School, an athletic camp, an art camp, and a few weekend trips on top of our annual vacation to see extended family. 

But now many of you in the warmer states have already started school, and for us in the colder states the start of school is just around the corner.

Whether we like it or not, it’s GO! time. 

And I’m still not ready. 

But I don’t know if I’m ever fully ready, so…Here’s a few fun traditions we have that help get us into the school spirit and keep us going throughout the school year. 

School Shopping Dates

Almost every year, I’ve taken each of my children on an individual date to go shopping for school supplies. 

I have four children, so they do not experience much time away from each other or alone with me or their father. These one-on-one dates to choose the best notebook, their favorite color glue, or a fancy pencil is something they have thoroughly enjoyed – and they get so excited to use their supplies once school starts!

Many times, we buy a new outfit of their choice (as opposed to the deals I routinely snag on Amazon)! Then we end our date with a special meal out together where we talk about what’s going on in their lives and what they’re looking forward to as they move up a grade.

It’s always an absolutely wonderful time and the best way to get into the school spirit. 

Celebrate Small Milestones

Usually, I will allow my children to have a piece of candy following an academic test. If they have worked hard and performed the best they can, they know they can get into the candy stash.

This has been great motivation for them. Also, if my children complete workbooks throughout the school year, we have a quick, little dance party.

We shout out how we have completed a book, and the other children will join us in celebration (and sometimes a piece of candy)! 

*A note on the candy: If you are a family who has to watch sugar intake, or be cautious of dyes or other allergens, I have found Yum Earth products my new fav. You can also swap out candy for a special healthy snack that is only used for these occasions. I have really liked Made Good and Nature’s Bakery products.

Celebrate Bigger Milestones

At times, my children have had opportunities to work towards some fairly big educational achievements. We talk together about our plan ahead of time and the reward we feel is fair they should earn.

It has allowed my children opportunities to take the initiative, work hard, and feel a sense of pride for what they have accomplished.

In these cases, my children have earned a free video game on the iPad or some money.  

Accept Opportunities to be Flexible

Sometimes, the children become very inquisitive about a certain subject, and they ask if we can look up more information. Once in awhile, they ask me to read them one more story, to make a craft, or help make pancakes from scratch for breakfast.

And every so often, we just have the worst day ever! These are the moments that I am learning to pull the children away from their homework and take a moment to address their needs or what they are interested in.

We once went through a phase where we had “Question of the Day.” One child would think of a question like, “How are crayons made?” and we’d take a few minutes to watch a YouTube video about it.

The next day it’d be another child’s turn to think of a question.

Taking a few minutes to watch a clip, snuggle and read an extra story, or set aside the work to take a breather has provided some much-needed variety to the sometimes boring school days.

It makes learning more fun, too! These quick activities can be accomplished no matter the method of schooling. Have a snuggle and story before bed, watch a YouTube clip while eating an after school snack, or possibly leave work and school early if you or your child is truly having a terrible, no good, very bad day!

This is sure to add some spice into the monotony of a school year! 

It’s my goal to help my children not feel as overwhelmed by the upcoming school year and to have more things to look forward to. I want this for myself too, so I don’t project unneeded stress onto my children.

If we add a little fun, learn to be just a touch more flexible, and play into what interests our children when we have an opportunity, I think the school year will not only go a little faster, but I think we’ll all have learned lots more.

And we might just have more pleasant attitudes – students and parents alike!

*For more from LaVaughn, check out her M:M Author Page.