Liz from Barefoot Mommies is the winner! Thanks to everyone who entered and be sure to visit my review blog, Savvy Housewife, for regularly posted giveaways.
The first day of school came and went. There were No. 2 pencils to sharpen, nerves to unjitter with special snacks and warm smiles, and unscuffed backpacks to fill with notes for home. Photos taken on front lawns and porches and at desks and in front of classrooms. Old friends and teachers to wave to and new friends to be made.
I think one of the reasons I love back-to-school is all it symbolizes: new beginnings, fresh starts, goals to set, and challenges to meet.
This first week I’m walking her into her classroom every morning. The sights and sounds take me back to my own elementary school years. Miss C is still at the age where she wants mommy by her side and I’m happy to be her escort to ease any nervousness she might have. Nothing makes me happier as a parent than to know that my girl truly loves school.
Hallmark has generously donated a $50 Hallmark Gold Card for one lucky BlondeMomBlog reader! Just leave a comment here telling me how you help ease any back-to-school jitters your kids may be experiencing and you’ll be entered into the drawing. I’ll draw a random winner from all eligible entries left by midnight Tuesday, August 25.
For up to an additional 3 entries:
- mention this giveaway on your own blog and link to this post
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- or Tweet about it (I’m blondemomblog on Twitter) but do leave a comment here for each extra entry so I can count it toward the drawing. Thanks and good luck!
Going back to school is an exciting, fun and sometimes, hectic time. To calm the butterflies and build your kids’ confidence, Hallmark has put together this great resource to encourage moms like you. Just for sharing a bit of advice, you’ll be entered to win a prize package valued at $500! Check it out.
Disclosure: This is a paid sponsorship opportunity through my ad network, Real Girls Media, and Hallmark.
I don’t have my story yet…Miss Peach starts preschool in two weeks…TWO weeks!
She looks so cute and studious sitting at her little desk.
Friglet´s last blog ..You’re never going to believe it
She looks so happy! It really does take you back to walk into those schools and classrooms doesn’t it? I think that means that for me I’d better send the hubby next year for Jr. High!! LOL
Hugs,
Holly
Holly Schwendiman´s last blog ..Just Do It
My sweet grand daughter started kindergarten last week. She was so excited and nervous that she could hardly contain herself. So to make her at ease with the whole transition to ALL.DAY.KINDERGARTEN we packed her FAVORITE lunch for her very first day of school
1/2 peanut butter (NO JELLY) sandwich
1 whole apple sliced into wedges
1 grab bag size of BLUE (ranch) Doritos
celery
Bari fruit chews
and
1 thermos of Hi C orange drink
I also took the traditional 1st day of school photos and I had them printed out and taped them on her bedroom door (before she got home from school). She was so surprised and excited to see them. Her fav was the BIG school bus shots. Now when the newness of school wears off I will remove the photos and place them in her baby book for safe keeping and for her to look back on.
we talk, talk, talk about what to expect. That seems to really help!
Read a book and talk about the first day of school. Take pictures, pack my son’s favorite lunch and have a special dinner to celebrate. Thanks for the chance to win. This would really come in handy with the holidays right around the corner.
Those are great pictures and the little doll seems ready for the adventure to her trip to school. I had to carry mine kicking and screaming, fighting every bit of the way. No pictures, no smiles. But lots of love and memories filled adventure and mini independence! lol
For my girls, it’s all about the calm before the storm. We tried to keep things as normal and peaceful as possible around here for the last few days before school started, so when their nerves kicked in, we could center and focus on them. We made it through the first day! Phew…
Michelle Wegner´s last blog ..And They’re Off!
Reassurance and treats from Sonic on the way home
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We always get them excited about all the new things they’re going to learn by going on field trips and doing experiments!
Clarissa´s last blog ..Homeschool Boutique Review: School in Style!
I include little notes in my kids’ lunches… just “I love you” or “have a great day!”... so they know I’m thinking about them, and when lunch is over they only have a few hours left until the school day is done!
shannon´s last blog ..Can You Dig It?
We go to the school to find their home rooms and walk around a few days before school starts.
My brother just tranferred middle school in the city from a small county school. What helped his nerves was me going with him to orientation and helping him find all his classes. After that, I drilled his schedule and class locations into his head so that he had it memorized even if he got nervous the next day. That really helped him. He was showing other kids around!
A little note in their lunch or snack bags always chhered up the days for my kids!
mysuestories´s last blog ..Sweet Child Of Mine
No one off to school here, but I remember how I eased my own anxieties. I always made myself go off to my room early and read or watch TV. I do the same thing now before a big day at work!
Liz´s last blog ..Summer Infant 8/21
Aww, first schoolday is a milestone in every childhood. I’m glad she had enjoyed it much.
I don’t have kids yet, but my mom always wrote me a note or dropped me off to my classroom like you did with your little girl. I think it does help, and it gets you settled before we are left alone.
ShootingStarsMag´s last blog ..I’ll Be Reviewing This Lovely Piece…
i tweeted:
http://twitter.com/ShootingStarMag/status/3430555760
ShootingStarsMag´s last blog ..I’ll Be Reviewing This Lovely Piece…
My grandson is starting Pre- K in Sept. I have been talking to him about school to help ease any fears that he may have.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
I blogged:
http://blog-giveaways.blogspot.com/2009/08/hallmark-gold-crown-card-giveaway.html
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
Janet F´s last blog ..I’m With Wy with Wynonna Judd + win an Ipod
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My kids are grown, but when they were in school I was a roommother and I volunteered in their classrooms, helping the teachers with grading papers, etc. It made me feel better knowing I was closeby during some of their in-school hours, and they seemed to like having me there, too.
I ease my daughters jitters by placing a “love note” in her lunch everyday. She appreciates my simple words of encouragement and it helps her finish her school day with a smile.
I try to talk about the good things. All the friends she hasn’t seen since last year. The art they may do.
jessica c´s last blog ..agh
We have always told our children what to expect in all situations. it helps to prepare them.
denise_22315(at)yahoo(dot)com
We try and talk about the fun things. Usually the jitters aren’t really there because they are still young enough where school is still coloring and snacks.
Thank you
Talking positively about all of the good things that happen everyday seems to help a LOT. It helps them to forget about any scary things they might have experienced and gets them excited for the next day.
We made sure they had all the supplies they needed. My daughter told my son what to expect in kindergarten – he was really excited. My hubby was more worried than my son, so I had to tell him how the day would go (he’s a new SAHD).
Laufa´s last blog ..Spin: Books
Go through what they will be doing and go to the school a head of time so it isn’t overwhelming and so scary. Also let them help pack their bags and pick out clothes.
To ease my girls stomachache on the first day we listened to laurie berkner on the way to school and she sang her worries away!
joni´s last blog ..First Day of Kindergarten
To ease the back to school butterflies I talk to my kids about school a little every day for a week or two. I tell them the fun and new things that they will learn and do. I want to make going back to school as stress free as possible for them..and me!! Thanks for this great giveaway!
I put your link on facebook!
I also tweeted!
I think just talking about it and allowing them to express their jitters or fears. Also, I think that our attitudes are infectious. If we are positive and excited about it, I think that it spreads and touches the lives of whoever we come into contact with.
I contact the teacher prior to the start of school and explain the anxiety my child is feeling. The teachers usually let him come in and look around the classroom. It also lets him meet her, so he can get a feel for the kind of person she is. I wouldn’t ask for this if I didn’t think he needed it. I know setting up the classroom for a new year is time-consuming. Thanks for the giveaway!
satcphile1 {at} yahoo(.)com
Try by talking about all the new experiences the year will hold.
Here’s a tweet: http://twitter.com/SereneMoments/status/3478667898
Gena´s last blog ..Pur Flavor Pitcher Review and Giveaway
I buy my daughter a little trinket, like a smurf figurine, to help her remember her special first days. I also leave little notes in her lunch so she is reminded she has people thinking of her at home!
put a link on my facebook!
thanks for the giveaway!
My daughter starts Kindergarten this year and is so excited, I haven’t had to do much consoling or helping alone. It may change come Monday, our first day back at school. But, for the preschool years, The Kissing Hand book was amazing and came with little heart stickers that I put on my kids’ hand to take my kiss with them all day long!
Would love to be entered into this drawing!
Steph.´s last blog ..And, on to double digits…
I am tweeting this as well!
Steph.´s last blog ..And, on to double digits…
Wow! What a great giveaway!! My son started Preschool this year and I put a picture of our family in his backpack so he could pull it out and look at it. I also leave him a message on his dry/erase “message board” each morning because I’m usually gone to work by the time he wakes up to get ready for school – my mom comes over to keep him/get him to school. Another good idea, my aunt does this, is she gives her girls a heart locket to wear around their neck – telling them it’s her heart with them all day. Of course, that doesn’t work for me since I have a son!
Jamie´s last blog ..Free: Teaching Children To Read Video
Tweeted! And just signed up to follow you on twitter as savinginstyle
http://twitter.com/SavinginStyle/status/3493498464
Jamie´s last blog ..Free: Teaching Children To Read Video
I have been very fortunate my kids have gone off to school with no problems. The only question they ask is if I will be picking them up after school and can we go to McDonalds. lol
We go to the school’s open house and meet the teacher and check out their new classroom. This really helps them feel more comfortable on the first day. thanks.
Kari´s last blog ..Kmart’s "Be A Schoolebrity" Deals & Sweepstakes
I let my daughter pick a special snack for school and I always add a little surprise (a note or a picture or a special pin). We talk about all the fun things that come with school and we say a morning prayer for a great day!
I tweeted
username Purplemommi
My daughter started yesterday. She kept saying “mommy I haven’t eaten breakfast yet. But my stomach is hurting.” On the first day I didn’t push breakfast in fear of making her more sick and not being able to attend the first day.
My son started back today. He wasn’t nervous, it was all me. I just hate letting him go, but he has to go. I just give lot’s of hugs and kisses.
Thanks
I tweeted.
https://twitter.com/ccboobooy/status/3537366952