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The beginning of the school year is ripe for conversation with our grandkids!
We also know that it can be a super busy time for our grown kids and grandkids as they adjust to the new normal of this school year.
In our family that includes my daughter heading back to her position at the local elementary school as well.
As grandparents, we may notice a little decrease in communication and the amount of time they have available to spend with us during all the newness.
For this reason, we want to encourage you to have a ‘Happy School Year’ celebration at some point during the first month or two.
So while the grandkids are busy navigating the first days of school, you can prep for a Back to School Party!
Everything mentioned below is included in the Happy School Year Celebration Kit! You can download this free resource in the printables library which is free to subscribers.
Here’s how to host a back to school party in 5 easy steps. Let’s get this celebration rolling:
1. Send out your Back to School Party Invitations
Mail or send a text inviting your grandkids to celebrate with you.
2. Prep a Cute Banner
Make and hang up this simple banner.
It’s a great way to convey that you have been thinking about them!
Plus it gives your home that celebratory back to school party feel.
Even those of us at a distance can set up our zoom or FaceTime call so that the banner is hanging in the background.
3. After School Snack or Family Dinner
Enjoy an after-school snack, or have a family dinner.
If you live near each other, of course, this is a bit easier, but don’t let distance stop you!
Do your grown kids use grocery pickup?
You might consider purchasing some favorite snacks from their local store after checking on a pickup time that works.
You can also check out having a few special groceries delivered.
If you would like to enjoy dinner together, you could have pizza delivered – one to their house, and one to yours!
RELATED: Top 11 Tips for Long Distance Grandparents
4. Back to School Party Conversation Starters
In addition to the always reliable ‘what class is your favorite?’, slide a few of the following conversation starters into the mix.
- What did you learn today that you think I might not know?
- What is everyone doing at recess? What did you choose to do?
- What do you think your first real job (or for older grandkids, your next job) will be?
- If you had to eat the same thing for lunch the rest of the school year what would you choose?
- What makes you a good friend?
- What made your brain work the hardest today?
- What are you looking forward to this year?
- What makes you feel good about yourself when you are at school?
- If you could take a class in anything what would it be?
- What was the best part of the day?
- What story from summer are you sharing with your friends?
- Add a story of your own that corresponds with one or two of the questions above
5. Play a Quick Game of Bingo
You can do this while you chat!
We’ve created a school-themed version just for your back to school party.
Prizes? Why not? Send a treat or coffee card to the winners!
Plus, it’s a fun way to convince your older grandkids to play.
We hope you have a ton of fun celebrating this new school year. We’re thinking of you, and love cheering you on!
So let’s get prepping!
Don’t forget you can also download the Back to School Party Kit for grandkids in the printables library for free if you’re short on time or want to see an example.