Back to School Sampler

As you have probably guessed, I am crazy busy getting ready for back to school. I might not be posting very regularly for another week or two but I wanted to share some of the things that have caught my interest the last week or so related to Back to School.
Lunchbox Printables

Did you see this adorable set of Lunchbox Printables from Kiki and Company? I am going to be using these with my students as well as my kids. So cute!

Mini Accountability Binder
I also have my eye on this mini accountability binder from Mique at 30 Handmade Days. I think it would be perfect for my youngest who is starting junior high this year.

Find the boy color version here.

I know many of us have been impacted by Robin Williams death. I have had a close family member hospitalized with depression and so this issue really hits home to me. I think a new school year is the perfect time to talk to our kids about anxiety, stress and depression and open the door to communication if they have any problems in the future.

I loved this list of celebrities who have struggled with depression in the Huffington Post. The reason I liked this article is that each brief paragraph outlined different ways that the celebrities have found to help them cope with that depression. I am sharing this with my children.

43 Inspiring Celebs Who Lived with Depression

Photo from Michelle Lehnardt Scenes form the Wild.net

I also loved this post from Michelle Lehnardt at Scenes from the Wild. She talks about how the most important thins we can teach our kids is to be kind because "everyone they meet is fighting a hard battle."
Be Kind

The problem is that most parents say that they want their children to be kind but that is not the message that kids receive. This study shows that kids feel like their parents value grades more than they value kindness.

Parents value grades over kindness, kids say in new study

Something needs to change in the message that we are sending our children as they head back to school each year.

Perhaps you will want to join me in reading this letter to your kids before school starts

Dear Chase

Photo by Glennon at Momastery

Good luck in sending all your darling children back to school. I can't wait to welcome all my students into another fun year of growth and learning.