In the Chicagoland area, we have had one of the best summer seasons to enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities. Gone are those days we can kick back and relax, and finally, back-to-school season is in full swing: by September 2, most schools will start their academic year, 2014.

While we enjoyed lots of summer activities and times together, it is important for the parents to rally their enthusiasm about learning (not studying!) throughout the year, including summer. However, there is no better time for the parents to reinforce the importance of learning and growing than the “back-to-school season.”

Studies show that kids feel more secure when they are involved in family and cultural traditions as they grow up. Even though it may not be the culture in which you’ve grown up, why don’t you and your family try to come up with your own traditions to celebrate this new chapter of the student’s life?

Here are some ideas:
1. Dress up nicely and have a family dinner or brunch at your favorite restaurant: We tried this and our kids loved the idea of dressing up go somewhere fancy!
2. Make a cute sign to display what school year they will begin and take a photo: Skip to my Lou has a great free printables

3. Put together a backpack full of school supplies and donate to your favorite charity. (Shoes, glasses, or sports gear will work, too)
4. Designate an hour (per week or month) as a family to volunteer reading for younger students at the library or at a reading club.
5. Bake or make your favorite back to school themed dessert for your teachers or loved ones: Dukes and Duchesses has irresistibly cute cupcakes I am going to try this weekend.