Kick the School Year Off Right: A Back to School Bash for Elementary Kids

Preparing for your child's return to school can be stressful for any parent, especially since most children do not particularly relish the idea of returning to a classroom. However, there are ways to help your child prepare for going back to the classroom without having to resort to telling them they are going, and ending the discussion. One fun way to get your child geared up and ready to head back to school is to throw them an "End of Summer Bash" to enjoy with all their friends.

Now, I know you are thinking to yourself, great just what I need another expense to add to my back to school list, but it doesn't have to be expensive, and even without loads of expense you can give each child one last fun summer night to add to their traditional "What I Did This Summer" essay that kicks off each school year.

First, make a list of your child's school friends. Maybe you can think of a few that they haven't been able to keep in touch with over the summer, but that they enjoyed playing with throughout the year. Have your child help you with the list by telling them that you know they are about to have to return to school, but you wanted to give them one last fun thing to do during the summer.

After your list is complete, have your child help you make invitations for all the friends on the list, and for you parents with elementary age children this will give them some much needed practice in writing, spelling and reading while they are having fun.

Once your invitations are out, begin gathering things for a campfire, a hot dog roast, chips and snacks, and spooky stories by the fire time. Also, start gathering things to give as prizes for party games, but keep them all school themed.