Back to School Traditions for Homeschool Moms

Back to school time is almost here, and social media will soon be filled with pictures of everyone’s first day of school traditions. Most of these traditions center around the kids, but I think it’s important for homeschool moms to have a little back to school tradition just for ourselves. I started my own tradition a few years ago, and I’m looking forward to indulging for a few hours.  Here’s how I treat myself, along with some other back to school traditions for homeschool moms that will give you lots of ideas.

 

My Own Back to School Tradition

Homeschooling is a full time job, and we’re usually deep into the planning stage during the summer. It’s almost time to put those plans into action! I like to mark this transition with a little treat for myself. It doesn’t have to be fancy or huge, but it should be something a bit special. I usually mark the start of a new school year by treating myself to dinner at my favorite restaurant. I bring a book and enjoy a delicious (and peaceful) meal that I don’t have to plan, shop for, cook, or clean up.

Then I walk next door for some quiet browsing time at Barnes and Noble. I’m a huge fan of the library, so I rarely buy anything. Instead, I take this time to leisurely browse and make a list of books that I want to read for myself. As homeschool moms, we are so focused on books, curriculum, and activities for our kids. This is the time when I focus on my own interests outside of homeschool. I don’t even look at parenting or education books! I spend enough energy doing that during the rest of the year. This back to school tradition is about honoring my own interests.

The whole evening costs less than $50 – even if I end up buying a book. I include this in our normal homeschool budget plans, so I don’t have to feel bad about taking the money to treat myself to my own back to school homeschool mom tradition.

Related Post – How to Create a Homeschool Budget

 

Back to School Traditions for Homeschool Moms

Back to school traditions for homeschool moms can be anything that gives you time for yourself. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but you can always save up if you want to indulge a bit more. Your indulgence can even be free! The only thing that matters is that it’s a special time for you to indulge in a little treat – whatever that might be. Here are some ideas to get you excited about starting your own back to school tradition.

• a quiet restaurant meal
• window shopping
• trip to a book store
• antique browsing
• quiet time at a park
• museum
• theater show
• movie
• wine tasting
• extra time for a hobby
• stroll through a botanical garden or park
• go on a hike
• short road trip for the day
• picnic in a park with a good book
• day at home by yourself to just relax
• quiet time at a library without the kids
• spa time for a manicure, pedicure, massage or facial
• try a new activity like indoor rock climbing
• beach time
• attend a class or event for a hobby or an interest
• girls night out with other homeschool moms
• volunteer for a day with an organization you support

I would love to see more homeschool moms start their own back to school traditions. Many of these would be wonderful to share with our friends. Perhaps, start this tradition within your homeschool group! The moms can get together for some girl time without the kiddos. One summer our group of moms went on a hike together right before the start of the school year. It was an amazing bonding experience which also challenged our physical abilities.

Do you have a back to school tradition for yourself? If not, what will you start doing?