When my oldest son started kindergarten three years ago, I was the most emotional mom at school.
I had my sunglasses on as the tears streamed down my face, watching my son hold his teacher's hand and walk into school. He didn't go to daycare or preschool, except the times he went with my mom and me. He was looked after by my parents, in-laws, and grandparents, so starting school was a huge deal for me, and him. Letting him go into this new world made my heart hurt, but at the same time, I was so excited for him to be starting this new chapter in his life. He loved it, and when I picked him up that day, I was emotional all over again.
In two weeks, my big boy happily starts grade 2, and my baby—my baby—starts kindergarten. I know he's ready, but me? I'm still emotional! Starting school can be such a bittersweet time, for children and for their parents, but there are little things I like to do to make it easier. I leave little love notes in lunch boxes, prepare snacks and meals I know my boys will love, and surprise them with little treats that I know will bring a smile to their face, even when I am not there to see it.
Hallmark knows back-to-school time can be overwhelming and has come out with some adorable back-to-school supplies that I was able to review, like Hallmark's Kid Collection greeting cards with kid-appropriate topics, like dealing with academic achievement or social situations to achieving personal goals. These cards can help the back-to-school transition by helping provide encouragement to your child.
I love the Lunchbox Notes, too—these little note cards (50 in total) are a cute way to add a little sunshine and love in your child's lunch box.
The Bug'Em, a cute little plush, can hold cards and other tokens of encouragement to help your little one smile.
I am looking for school to start again, even though I'll be in tears, because there is so much excitement that comes with another school year. I'm also looking forward to surprising my kids with little notes in their lunch boxes throughout the weeks and months ahead!
Hallmark wants to give you a back-to-school package, too!
To win, just leave me a comment below telling me what words and phrases you love telling your kids as they enter another (or their first!) school year. How do you encourage your children? I tell my boys I love them every single day (probably a hundred times a day!) and I tell them to try their best, and no matter what, I'll be proud of them.
Yummy Rules and Regs: You must be a YummyMummyClub.ca member to win. Click to sign up! It's free and filled with perks. One comment per member. Entries accepted until August 28th, 2012. Contest open to Canadian residents (excluding Quebec). Winners will be picked using www.random.org.
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