It’s always bittersweet as summer comes to an end. I’ve found that two completely different emotions can co-exist at the same time. The kids and I are feeling both sad and excited. We’ll definitely miss the slow mornings, the flexible days, and the freedom to go with the flow.
But with a new school year comes the eagerness for routine, fresh goals, and embracing the growth of a new season.
Back To School Party
One of our favorite traditions is hosting a Back to School Party the day before school starts. It helps all of us focus on the positive things ahead and set our minds on new ambitions.
Pursuing personal growth is a big part of our family values. We don’t just encourage our kids to set goals—we all participate! As a family, we break down our goals into three main categories: Body, Mind, and Soul.
Body, Mind, and Soul Goals
Body 💪
This is all about health and physical growth—and it’s usually the most exciting category for the kids!
Some of our past goals have included:
- Moving up two belts in Taekwondo
- Mastering a push-up with great form
- Improving speed or strength
- Perfecting a cartwheel
- Drinking more water
- Going to bed earlier
Basically, anything that gets us moving and growing stronger!
Mind 📚
This one’s about expanding our knowledge and brain power.
For the kids, this usually means hitting academic milestones. For example, one year, my kindergartener’s goal was to be reading by the end of the year.
For my husband and me, our “mind” goals usually involve reading more books, listening to podcasts, or diving into personal development.
This year, my goal is learning how to create an engaging blog that helps and inspires others.
SOUL ✨
This is focused on our spiritual growth. As Christians, we always want to grow closer to God. This is my favorite category, because I believe spiritual growth permeates every other part of life.
Some soul goals we’ve had:
- Creating a consistent prayer routine
- Reading the Bible chronologically
- Letting go of fear and anxiety to trust God more
- Finding ways to serve others as a family
Make the Goals Attainable—and FUN! 🎯
The key is to make goals challenging but realistic. And to plan a path toward them.
👉 Download my printable Goal Sheet HERE:
We always make two copies of our goals:
- One goes in a time capsule, opened at winter break.
- The other stays in our bedrooms as a daily reminder to stay focused and work hard
At winter break, we track our progress and make adjustments. Then we open the time capsule again on the last day of school and celebrate our victories with another party! 🎉
Keep the Party Short + Sweet
Our kids are 6 and 8, entering 1st and 3rd grade. As much as I’d love to have deep, hour-long goal-setting conversations, this is still a party—so we keep it light and fun.
In the weeks before, I like to start planting little seeds to help them brainstorm:
- “I wonder what you’ll be able to do by the end of the year that you can’t do now?”
- “Can you imagine how much stronger you’ll be in 10 months?”
- “Do you think you’ll learn to ride a bike with no training wheels this year?”
- “How much more do you think you’ll know about God by your next birthday?”
These simple questions get their minds thinking in the right direction so they’re ready when it’s time to set actual goals.
More Party Tips!
To make it extra special:
- Decorate like you would for any party
- Let the kids choose the food + dessert, this little gift of autonomy makes our kids jump for joy!
- Give small gifts (pro tip: wrap things they already need for school—it feels extra exciting to open presents!)
Some of our favorite back-to-school staples:
- Bentgo Lunch Boxes
- Pottery Barn Backpacks & Lunch Bags
- Simple Modern Water Bottles
- Nike Tennis Shoes
- Cheeky Plum Dresses for the First Day and Picture Day
And don’t forget the Back to School Menu download HERE! 🍽️
Wrap it all up with dessert, music, and a few games. The more fun this celebration is, the more excitement your kids will feel about starting school and working toward their goals.
What Are Your Back-to-School Traditions?
I’d love to hear how your family prepares for a new school year! Share your ideas in the comments below 👇
Let’s make this school year one of growth, joy, and purpose—together! 💛