AND...WE’RE BACK (TO SCHOOL!)

Did you miss us?! The Kinda Guide isn’t back for real, but we did want to pop back into your inbox to mark the big occasion that’s right around the corner. You know, the one parents wait for all summer long (and, in this case, a lot longer than that): the return to school! This year is bound to be a little strange and maybe more than a little anxiety-producing, so we’ve got some guidance on getting the whole family ready—physically, psychologically, and with the right gear.

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My kindergartner is starting school in the fall in a building we’ve never set foot in. How do we prepare her?

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PARENT HACK

Celebrate Good Times

There’s a lot on everyone’s minds this back-to-school season. As a family, make a plan for a simple celebration to mark the end of the first week back.

Favorite dinner? Ice cream in the park? Family movie night? Whatever floats your boats! It doesn’t have to be fancy, but get something on the calendar now so everyone has something to look forward to. When they’re dragging their feet on day two (after that day one novelty has worn off), you’ll have a motivational tool handy.

MORE HACKS

Getting Ready for School In a Changed World

Heading into a new school year is always a big transition. And this year the transition feels, well, BIGGER. Where do we start with prepping the whole family to thrive?

Pancetta Pappardelle

Welcome to back to school season, AKA time-to-simplify-everything-as-much-as-possible. Here’s a simple recipe for a filling, tasty…

RECIPE

Waffle Sandwich

Breakfast on the go is an American staple. Add this breakfast-sandwich-with-a-twist to your weekday (or weekend…

RECIPE

Bristol Mayo

Chef and Dad

DINNER QUESTIONS

What are you most looking forward to about going back to school this year?

What (if anything) are you nervous about?

What’s one new thing you hope to learn or try this year that you haven’t ever done before?

If you could switch places with a teacher or principal for a day, what rules would you make for your school?

If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be and why?

Go Back to School With Camp Kinda

This year’s back-to-school season might require a little more preparation than normal years, especially for students who were remote all year, or little ones who haven’t been in their new buildings yet. Camp Kinda (and Camp Kinda, Jr.) have you covered. Take a look at our Destination: School adventures to get geared up and ready to roll. You’ll find activities like these and more:

Clean out your gross backpack! Did you know you can throw the whole thing in the washing machine? The important part is to open all the zippers and put it in a washable bag or pillowcase first. Learn more from the pros at Whirlpool, including instructions for hand-washing as well. CHECK IT OUT

Set up a landing zone. Get ready for school by creating a landing zone at home—a place where you can put your backpack and any other papers when you get home each day.

And just for little campers... Make your own crayons! Got a lot of old, broken crayons lying around? Learn how to recycle them and make cool new ones! CHECK IT OUT

GO ON MORE FAMILY ADVENTURES