Hey Bestie’s Summer Bucket List
It’s back-to-school season! From clothes shopping to fresh haircuts, there’s lots to do at this exciting time of year. Your little one is in for a whole new year of learning, growing, and making friends!
But with so much newness on the horizon, there may be some nerves attached. That’s why we’ve created the Hey Bestie End-of-Summer Checklist! This handy 2-in-1 printable is both a back-to-school checklist and a summer bucket list for kids, so you can stay on target while having fun. Now’s the perfect time to make positive memories!
Want to give it a shot? Print the activity sheet below and go over the list of to-dos with your kiddo. Keep a positive attitude and talk about how you’ll achieve each item. Then, fill out the summer bucket list together. Think play dates at the park, going to see a movie, or playing a board game as a family. Include all the things your little one would love to do before the school year starts!
What is a Bucket List?
In case you were wondering, a bucket list is a list of achievements or experiences a person wants to accomplish within their lifetime. In other words, it’s all the things they want to do before they kick the bucket.
Don’t worry—for this activity, we’re staying focused on the summer. Seasonal bucket lists are tons of fun to make, and they help to keep things positive. There are only a few weeks of summer left, after all!
A summer bucket list can help you appreciate what’s left of the sunny season. It can also be a great way to start establishing routines and structure, to ease kids back into the school schedule.
Summer Bucket List Ideas
When writing your kids’ summer bucket list, ask yourselves which activities are your favorite, what you would like to learn about, and what makes your family feel good. Consider checking your community’s event calendar, too, for any festivals you won’t want to miss out on.
Encourage your kiddo to make bucket list items and get the whole family involved! Fall is fast approaching, so now’s the time to soak up the sun and enjoy the summer break while it lasts!
Here’s some inspo for your family’s summer bucket list:
- Get ice cream
- Read a chapter book
- Go to the beach
- Visit a museum
- Host a play date
- Swim at the pool
- Finish a coloring book
- Go to a baseball game
- Camp in the living room
- Host a movie night
- Go for a long bike ride
- Play dress-up
- Build a fort
- Pick peaches
Strategies for Back-to-School Anxiety
Our end-of-summer checklist is a great starting point, but there are lots of other ways to fight the back-to-school heebie-jeebies. If you recognize that your kiddo is feeling anxious, try implementing the following strategies into the back-to-school period.
- Arrange a play date with a classmate or a peer. Besties boost confidence and help kids deal with difficult transitions!
- Rehearse your morning routine by walking to the bus stop or checking out the drop-off area at your child’s school. If possible, you can also tour the school and have your child practice walking into their classroom and saying goodbye.
- Read storybooks about the first day of school. This can help make the transition a little less scary for preschoolers.
- Role-play the first day of school with the help of Hey Bestie dolls, plushies, and other toys. If your child will be riding the bus, add a toy school bus into the mix! Using the toys, ask specific questions like, “where do you want to sit on the bus?” or “how will you make friends?” to encourage a smooth transition.
- Start your school routine a week or two early with a set bedtime. You can also start picking outfits the night before!
- Plan a special lunch for the first day of school, so that your child has something to look forward to at midday. When the big day comes, include a handwritten note or drawing!
- Give your kiddo a trinket such as a keychain or a Hey Bestie accessory. This will remind your child that you’re thinking of them while they’re at school. Place the trinket in their backpack, so it’s always close.
- Write a summer bucket list and check off as many things as you can!
Summer bucket lists are a fantastic way to end the season with a bang. Combine one with a back-to-school checklist and your little one will be all set up for schooltime success! There is so much excitement on the horizon for this new season of your little one’s life. The key is to stay positive, and, no matter what you have on your bucket list, have FUN.
What will you put on your bucket list? Tell us by tagging us @heybestiedolls on Instagram. For more free kids’ content, subscribe to our newsletter.
See you next time!
Back-to-School Besties
Hey Bestie dolls Bella & Nicole are ready for back to school! This adorable pair of 5.5-inch dolls are acing their first day look with plaid dresses, varsity sweaters, sensible shoes, and cute glasses. Study with the laptop, book bags, and other school accessories included!
