Start a New Back to School Tradition – Friday Night Family BBQ with Dixie

The kids have started their first week of school. It brings back all sorts of emotions. I am so proud to see how they have grown over the years and so lucky to be their mom. This year we are starting a new back to school tradition – Friday Night Family BBQ.

I’d like to say that I made a fancy sign for them to hold on their first day of school (does holding up fingers count?) or made them a special first day breakfast (um – cereal?), but the thing is, our lives our busy and sometimes we just have to make an effort to enjoy more moments just with each other.

As life with a family of 5 gets hectic, I find that it’s important to stop stressing about the small things. (like how I look in the picture above after a full day of mommyhood and having a kid photographer)

The truth is, my kids do not need a “Pinterest Worthy” back to school picture in order to remember their first day of school.  They will remember my smile after taking a goofy shot to send Grandma and Moms lingering embrace.

My kids do not need homemade cinnamon rolls or waffles topped with strawberries and whipped cream, although it does sound good.

My mantra this year is to stress less and enjoy the moments more.

What my kids need is – ME.

Without the stress of making picture worth events. Without the stress of rushing to clean up and do dishes.  Without the need to impress anyone.

They need to have me in the moment, cherishing time with family. I’m lucky to have them in my life and need to take time during the busy moments to embrace the moment.

Back to School Traditions – Friday Night Family Barbecue

So in lieu of all the extravagant back to school traditions, we are kicking it back to the basics this year with an end of the first week of school Family Night Barbecue.

It didn’t take much planning at all.

Steps to Organize a Family Night BBQ

Ask your family what’ they would like to eat on the grill.

Get the kids to make a table decoration.

1. Grab a piece of card stock
2. fold in half.
3. Let them write the words and
4. decorate it.

Assemble a tray with Dixie plates and silverware, vegetables, fruit and any needed buns.

Grill.

Doesn’t everyone grill and serve certified angus beef filet mignons on paper plates?
(That way my choice! The kids wanted hot dogs)

Sit down and enjoy the meal.

My husband walked through the door just as I was setting the food on the table…

WHAT? Filet Mignon on paper plates???

You bet honey!  Delicious meal and no one’s doing dishes tonight

Talk about your first week of school

• What are your classmates names.
• What is your favorite subject to learn about so far.
• What do you hope to learn this year.
• In 3 words, how would you describe your first week of school.

Then clean up! Which takes only a few seconds!

And because we saved time on clean up – we were able to play a game of spot it before snuggling up with a good book and heading to bed.

Family Notes:
Although we typically use glass plates, it’s really nice to bring out the disposable Dixie products for a really quick clean up.  Back to school can be hectic and stressful.  Those extra few minutes that would have been spent doing dishes were instead spent snuggling with kiddos.

It’s important to find the balance.  My kids need me present in the moment. Family gatherings should be cherished and enjoyed by all!

For More Parenting with Purpose Articles here On the Educators’ Spin On It, you may enjoy

• Tips for a Meaningful Mealtime
• Teaching Gratitude
• A Father’s Guide to STEM
• Six Ways I Became a Better Parent
• Bridging the Gap Between Home and School