(Back-to-School) Things I Love

There are so many terrific back-to-school (heh) guides out now that there's no sense trying to reinvent the wheel. I just thought I'd share a handful of things that make my life easier (and my kids happier) now that school's about to start.

Jelly Headbands. Easy for my 6-year-old to put on herself (after she brushes her own hair) and comfortable enough to wear all day. Her hair is wild and straw-like from all the swimming she's done this summer, but at least it's out of her face. Locally I source them at Honeys and Heroes. (My mom thinks it's a terrible name for a store, and yeah, okay, it is, but I prefer to think of the girls as the "heroes." They have a colorful selection of jelly headbands.)

Vans. Until my kids can tie their own laces (we're working on it), I refuse to put them in lace-up shoes. They wear slip-on tennies and Vans fit the bill. The shoes are well-made, the styles are abundant, and the price is right. To keep them clean, I give them a good spraying with moisture-/dirt-repellent spray before the first wearing.

Wrap-N-Mat. Genius. It's a washable (air dry) sandwich wrapper than doubles as a place mat. Get a couple so that you always have a dry one on hand. (And remind your little one to bring it home.) Pair with a lunch box,cloth napkin, and a SIGG water bottle you have yourself a waste-free, totally reusable lunch kit.

Timex Kids' Analog Watch. This was Bunny's 6th birthday present from mamma and papa. We've been working on telling time (at her request). Teaching time is hard, but this helps. I like that it has the numbers as well as the 5-10-15-20 action, and cute little ticking flower second hand. Big kid time.

Smelly markers.  Just cuz. Why not make art projects and homework happy?

Free To Be You And Me. I remember when my mom brought home the FTMYAM record and book. It totally changed my life. I listened to every story and song, and I swear to god it had an affect on the person I turned out to be. At a time of year when kids are transitioning and making new friends, there's nothing wrong with letting them know that they're okay just the way they are. We've been rockin out to the CD all summer. It is the most often requested CD when we get into the car. My girls sing a long, but I know there's more going on. It's still a reallyreally good album.

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Your turn. What cool back-to-school finds would you like to share?

Comments

[cat/bad kitty]

Okay, I didn't meet FTBYAM until college, and it still had an influence! Best. Album. Ever.

And I had the same "ick" rxn to the name "Honeys and Heros" -- I Tata.

[Asianmommy.com]

I love the headband.
We also have a watch like that--great for learning to tell time.
Our favorite lunchbox is from Crocodile Creek--lead safe, 100% Phthalate and PVC free, with butterflies on it. We also like the pink Jansport Trans backpack with stars all over it, a place for your water bottle, and lots of compartments.

[Liz]

I have been giving "Free To Be" to new parents since my friends started having kids....

[Liza]

My mom was reprimanded for letting me bring FTBYAM to school back in 1976. Of course that was the year some parent decided to draw shorts on all of the "naked" drawings in Maurice Sendaks In the Night Kitchen (which only increased its allure).

[krellpw]

In our house for our pre-K boy, a backpack with a working compass on one of the zipper tabs was THE back to school item that made him get excited.

He'd been camping with his grandparents this summer and using a compass in the woods, and has also discovered the digital one in the mini-van. So to have his very own compass that he can take with him to school every day was just too cool.

I expect it's not particularly special to the rest of the world, but it's sure got our house all ready to explore and that seems like a great attitude to have on the first day of school.

[LizP]

I had the album of FTBYAM! What memories. I sold it before I moved north. Why pay to move records when you don't have a record player?

My son is 3 and for some reason he is now becoming interested in time. Last night he asked what time was it and this morning he asked me to read him the time off of the microwave.

[Mom101]

Thanks for the CMP shout-out mama.
LOVE that you included FTB. I actually bought it while pregnant, so excited was I to have it for my kids. Then? It disappeared. You just reminded me I need a new one.

[alethea]

Dad bought me FTBYAM when I was five (in 1979). Lacking the record or a musical family, I had (and still have) no idea what the songs were intended to sound like! I do have great memories of Dad reading some of the stories. Sigh....

[Kelly]

FTBYAM is a great call! It is truly timeless. I have kept my copy of the album and book all these years and look forward to giving them to my daughter when she is older. Whether the old record player in the closet will still work is another matter.

Btw, I shop at Honeys and Heroes and they talk about how both girls and boys are honeys and girls and boys are heroes. Works for me.

[Candace]

Totally LOVED FTBYAM (and also smelly markers)...thanks for the reminder!

Oh, and I would have never remembered the sandwich wrapper (you must have responsible kiddos). My daughter shows remarkable powers of organization consider who her mother is, so maybe I'll luck out.

[Karen]

I love FTBYAM! I watched it everytime it came on TV. I so need to get it for my girls. You are so right about the message and what a great time to reinforce that. My oldest starts Kindergarten next week. We have that same watch and my girl loves to give us updates with the current time - not always the correct time, but it is a great stepping stone. One day she will get it right and for now, she is proud to wear her big girl watch. This week is finding a backpack and a Camelback water bottle and I will be on the lookout for those headbands - very cute.
Enjoy your time off Stefania.

[Karen]

I love FTBYAM! I watched it everytime it came on TV. I so need to get it for my girls. You are so right about the message and what a great time to reinforce that. My oldest starts Kindergarten next week. We have that same watch and my girl loves to give us updates with the current time - not always the correct time, but it is a great stepping stone. One day she will get it right and for now, she is proud to wear her big girl watch. This week is finding a backpack and a Camelback water bottle and I will be on the lookout for those headbands - very cute.
Enjoy your time off Stefania.

[ParentZing! Editor]

Thought you & your readers might enjoy another back-to-school pick list. We've included some fun & unique things for the peeps just starting school as well as those returning.

Hope you enjoy!

The folks at ParentZing!
ParentZing!
....is urban. style. parenting.

www.parentzing.net

PS Love the headbands!