Making the first day of school special

Whether your child is starting kindergarten or college, it's an exciting time for the whole family. Make her first day of school special with a little extra care and preparation.

Make a special breakfast

Get your children off to a good start by preparing their favorite breakfast for the first day of school. Sit down together as a family and share a meal together before they leave for school. Breakfast doesn't have to be time-consuming to be healthy and delicious. Oatmeal with bananas and walnuts, yogurt with berries and make-ahead whole grain waffles are terrific choices. You can make waffles or pancakes ahead of time and freeze them individually to be heated up in the toaster or microwave.

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Leave her a note

On the first day of school, leave your child a note in her lunchbox or bookbag. Make it simple, loving and encouraging. Just a brief "I love you" or any words expressing your love, gratitude and pride will definitely be appreciated — even if your child doesn't say so.

Create a fun lunch

For the first day of school, pack a special lunch that your kid won't soon forget. Make it healthy, but include a tasty snack too. We can't get enough of bento boxes. They are a great way to get creative and make a lunch that your child will gobble up.

Make this funny face bagel bento box >>

Document the day

Take pictures of your children getting ready in the morning on the first day of school or snap a shot as they are leaving the house. It's fun to take a photo at the same spot every year on the first day of school to see how they are growing. Elmer's — makers of our favorite glue — created a free photo-sharing app, and an accompanying website, that helps moms capture, create and share memories of the first day of school. Using the 1st Day app, parents can take photos and create albums to share with family and friends. Simply log on to the secure 1st Day website, where images and albums are automatically synced up from the app. You can then create slideshows, add colorful borders and share galleries via email and on Facebook. Elmer's will donate one product for each photo upload to the Kids In Need Foundation, which provides free school supplies to students in need.

The free 1st Day app can be downloaded on iPhone and Android mobile devices by scanning the QR code found on select Elmer's glue bottles and in-store school supply displays.

Don't forget your college student

If your child is off to college this year, it can be an anxious yet exciting time for both parents and kids. Let your college student know you are thinking about her by having a care package delivered just in time for the first day of classes. Include her favorite homemade goodies, as well as microwave popcorn, Ramen noodles, protein bars and other munchies. Throw in some toiletries, school supplies, a roll of quarters for laundry, and a CD or DVD that she'll love.

By putting in a little time and care, you can make your child’s first day of school memorable and fun.

More about back to school

How to make changing schools easier for kids
10 Things moms of kindergarteners need to know
Back-to-school blues: Mom edition