5 Tips for a Fantastic First Day

• Get Up Early. No matter how much you plan, you are sure to hit at least one snag the first morning. Whether it’s a camera with dead batteries, a glob of jelly spilled on the new shirt or hair that just won’t cooperate, plan on a few extra minutes to deal with the drama.
• Make Breakfast. You’ll notice I didn’t say to eat breakfast. That’s because kids are nervous, and tummies have butterflies. But starting the day with breakfast is still important. Serve something a bit on the lighter side—toast, a waffle with Nutella or a smoothie—so at least a few bites can be taken before heading out the door.
• Take Pictures. After making sure your camera has batteries and the memory card isn’t full, fire it up and start clicking away. We take first day photos in the same spot every year. My girls love to look at how they have changed from year to year. Bring the camera into school and snap a shot with the teacher, as well. Your kids may roll their eyes now, but they will cherish these photos in the future.
• Remember You. After drop off, don’t head back to an empty house. Plan a coffee with friends or head to a local breakfast spot to dine with your hubby. Celebrate the start of the new school year and celebrate you! You got the kids to school on the first day, on time, with school supplies. That, my friends, is an accomplishment in and of itself and deserves to be toasted.
• Pack a Snack. Remember that aforementioned breakfast? Kids will be hungry, tired and most likely grumpy when you pick them up or they arrive home in the afternoon. Be sure to have a protein snack in the car or waiting at home to help fill them up after a long day of settling back into a routine.

While Lenexa mom Margaret Sarver doesn’t look forward to getting back into the school routine, she does love the first day coffee with friends.