first day of school

As excited as Mom may be for the first day of school, chances are tots are a mixed bag of eager anticipation and nerves. Before posing them for their annual back-to-school photo, pack them a lunch that reminds them that Mom's thinking about them throughout the day. Lunch box notes are great throughout the year, but it's easy to add a special touch to that very first lunch of the year. We've rounded up nine fun ways to surprise them when they open their lunch sack on that very first day. Check them out!

The time has come! Back-to-school season is in full swing and both moms and tots are ready for the big day. School supplies are bought, tees and socks are in good supply, and Mama's even prepared a few special surprises for lil one's first day at school. Now's the time to get the cameras ready to capture the special occasion for memory books, grandparents, and (of course) Mom's Facebook page. Check out these 15 creative ideas to make your back-to-school photo session a memorable one.

The lil taste of home that mama packed for lunch tastes much sweeter when tots know it was packed with love. Back to school means back to lunch-making for many moms. When packing tasty sandwiches and snacks consider throwing in a tiny note showing your lil scholar that you're thinking of him throughout the day. We know moms are too busy to write out meaningful notes each and every morning, so we've rounded up eight lunch note options that keep it simple and sweet during the morning rush. Happy lunch-making!

Parents of toddlers heading to preschool for the first time this Fall have lots on their minds — especially if their tot will be "the kid" that's a total mess at drop-off. Separation anxiety can rear its ugly head at any time during your lil one's preschool experience, but making the first day a good day helps set the tone for the school year to come. Understanding you aren't alone when it comes to finding solutions is key, as well as sticking with a routine. Keep reading for a few easy ways to make the first day of preschool awesome for you and your toddler.

The lazy days of Summer are coming to a close, but school-aged kids are about to embark on a new chapter of their lives. If your lil ones aren't as excited for the start of school as you are, or if you're simply looking for an opportunity to throw a lil get-together to introduce your tot to her new classmates, a back-to-school party is a great way to get everyone together. Inspired by the party Just Call Me Martha threw for her tots, we've searched the web for products and ideas to help busy moms throw their own soiree together in no time. Check them out!

The first day of school is such an exciting event in the lives of parents and kids that it screams for a camera to be present! It's a milestone filled with memory-making photo ops. Making a big deal out of first-day-of-school photos makes your kids feel special, shows them that the ordinary is worth celebrating, and that mom and dad are proud of them! Be prepared to capture your wee one's new school-year adventure with these six professional tips from family photographers Bellamy Blue.

Back-to-school shopping season is an opportunity for kids to express their own style preferences. Whether they opt for something traditional and preppy or more hip and modern, there are plenty of options for lil ones all over the fashion map. We're looking at first-day-of-school options for every budget level, and today we're offering up six outfits for $75 or less. Check them out (and if Mama's budget is a bit tighter, be sure to see our head-to-toe options for under $35)!

Kids should look like kids not just shrunken versions of adults. That's the philosophy behind J.Crew's tot line of clothing. Led by Jenny Cooper, a Brooklyn mama of two boys — Walker, 9, and Miller, 6 — the company is, "trying to make clothes that feel authentic and vintage and durable and modern at the same time. Clothes that adults would wear, too. Clothes that are appropriate for children."

As the back-to-school shopping season shifts into high gear, I spoke with the purveyor of kid cool to uncover the hottest trends we'll see on the playground this season. Let's just say they won't be subtle! Keep reading for Jenny's bright predictions and some tips for getting kids into the clothes mom wants them to wear!