Aries — Setup an after-school sport
After sitting still and trying to pay attention in class all day, your Aries child is going to be restless and chalk-full of energy. An after-school sport is an excellent outlet for them and a great way to ensure they’re getting plenty of exercise!
Sports also teaches important lessons in team-building, dedication, and discipline. Belonging to a team will help your child grow and build character, and learn to make friends.
Even if your kids are older and have already been participating in sports, now’s the time to refresh the schedule. Give your child the opportunity to try a new sport they’ve been interested in, or help them find ways to become more involved (such as training as a student coach or by fundraising). Change is good for a growing Aries, and you want to encourage new passions — especially if it helps tire them out before bedtime!
Taurus — Let them pick out all their back-to-school supplies
Back to school shopping is something your Taurus child needs. Like Libras, they have a fine appreciation for beautiful things and want to be able to express themselves with their style choices. However, Tauruses also find solace in bringing something comforting with them, which especially helps them during times of stress or change.
Tauruses feel at home surrounded by their well-loved things. So, while that colorful cat-shaped eraser may not seem important to you, it is important to your child. And although they may not show it as easily, this goes for the older kids, too!
I know school supplies with fancy designs can be a little more expensive. To help, you could invest in some glittery or metallic-colored markers, and your child can embrace their inner artist and design or embellish their supplies themselves. Another tactic, although it requires a bit more planning on your part, is to shop for the following school year the year before while everything is on clearance!
Gemini — Listen to them tell you all about their day (and actually pay attention)
Geminis are expressive and charismatic individuals. They thrive whenever they get the opportunity to entertain their loved ones with a grand, riveting story — even if the truth is stretched just a smidge for dramatic effect.
The key here is active listening. Give your Gemini your full attention. What does that look like? Keep track of all their friends’ names, gasp at the appropriate moments, and ask clarifying questions to help you gain a better understanding. However, make sure this is genuine on your part. Your child will sense you feigning interest.
Your Gemini child will likely be up to date with all the gossip, so spend some time one on one (maybe while sipping your favorite beverage of choice, like tea or chocolate milk) and allow them to fill you in on all the excitement!
Cancer — Give them a big hug when you drop them off (and when you pick them up)
While the first day of school can be exciting, it can also be nerve-wracking for your sensitive Cancer. “What if I didn’t get put in the same class as my best friends?” “What if I don’t get along with the teacher?” These are just a few of the worries running through your child’s head before they face the big day.
Physical touch is usually one of the top three love languages for any Cancer, and sometimes a big hug is the thing your child needs most. It helps to ground them — reminding them that, no matter what may happen throughout the day, you’ll be there for them. No matter what.
And remember, even if they’re older, everyone still needs a hug from their parent sometimes. You’d may be surprised how happy your little Cancer child is to return your affection! You may just have to do it before their friends arrive…
Leo — Practice positive affirmations the week leading up to school (so they’ll remember all day)
As the first day of school approaches, I’m sure your loveable Leo is trying out all their best material to ensure they snag the “Class Clown” title right out of the gate. That being said, you want to remind your child that they are worth more than the laughs and more even than the grades they achieve!
They are funny, they are beautiful, they are bold, and they are brave. They’re going to show their first day who’s boss!! These positive affirmations help chase away nerves. They are something your Leo cub can cling to whenever their confidence starts to wane.
And while it may seem hard to believe — behind their bravado, your child will struggle just like everybody else. Not only do you want to shower them with positive affirmations, but make sure you’re teaching them to affirm themselves, too! It’s never too early to practice self-love.
Virgo — Make sure they get to bed earlythe night before (and wake them up early!) so they have plenty of time to prep
If there is one thing we all know about Virgos, it’s that they need their beauty sleep. First days are stressful enough, and not getting eight hours of rest will only make it that much harder for your child to focus and succeed.
Virgos tend to implode when stressed. They are the worriers of the zodiac. However, your child may not be the best at setting that schedule for themself. They need a little help to ensure they don’t self-sabotage, so make sure they get to bed early the night before.
You’re also going to want to wake them up way before you have to leave so they can make sure they have everything they need for a successful first day — including a nutritious breakfast! But try not to get frustrated when they cling to all the little details. Be kind, be patient, and you both will get through the day just fine!
Libra — Help them plan their outfit (including hair and accessories) the night before
First impressions are very important to your growing Libra, so they may be feeling an immense amount of pressure to look their absolute best on the first day of school.
Make sure to leave plenty of time the night before to help them sort through all their options. If they want to go through their entire wardrobe to find the perfect outfit, let them. This way, they’ll be more confident in their decisions and less likely to change their mind. Trust me, it will end up saving you time in the morning!
Try to remember what the first day of school was like for you when you were their age! Offer your honest opinion — but only when asked — and give your unrelenting love and support to help them look — and feel — their very best.
Scorpio — Let them come to you to tell you about their day
I know the first day of school can be an exciting one, but for Scorpios it can also be overwhelming. After a summer full of rest and alone time, the first day back at school may cause some sensory overload, so your child may be especially quiet once they come home. They may have had the best day in the world, but you’d never know it by looking at them when they first walk in the door!
Scorpios are a stoic bunch, but don’t mistake their silence for apathy. They need time to recuperate on their own, and they may need a few hours to recharge their social battery before they’re ready to talk. Don’t press them for details or ask them about their day before they’ve had this chance to decompress.
Be kind, be patient, and let them come to you. I promise, once they’re ready, they will fill you in on everything.
Sagittarius — Take them on an afternoon adventure after you pick them up
I know how difficult it can be to find free time during the school week, but taking your child on an afternoon adventure after school will mean the world to them. These afternoon adventures could turn into a bonding staple between the two of you!
These adventures could include a scavenger hunt through your town, going to see a new movie, or (if weather permits) a trip to a local beach or park. Even just a long car ride with no destination and a rocking playlist may be exactly what your Sagittarius needs after a long day of classes! If you’re really pressed for time, you can just stop by their favorite ice cream shop to pick up a sweet treat and hang out in the parking lot while you eat.
It’s not so much what you do. It’s about the quality time you get to spend with each other doing something outside of your normal, everyday routine.
Capricorn — Pack them an awesome homemade lunch
Actions always speak louder than words when it comes to Capricorns. Taking the time and effort to make a homemade meal will mean more to your Capricorn than the words I love you!
You don’t have to pack it alone, either. Capricorn children love to lend a helping hand and cooking together is a fantastic bonding experience. Feel free to get creative with it! Cut the fruits and veggies into different shapes or make a homemade “lunchable” with crackers, meat, and cheese. For older children, you could even create a lunch inspired from their favorite show or movie!
This home-cooked meal is sure to boost your Capricorn child’s spirit once lunchtime rolls around and help them feel not so swept away by the chaos of the first day.
Aquarius — Take them to a local museum so they can apply what they’ve learned
Aquarius children are logical and practical. They really enjoy when the things they’re learning in school have real-world applications! Local museums are a wonderland for your curious child.
Whether it’s a museum full of history, art, science, or even an unusual, niche subject — your Aquarius is sure to have a blast as they explore and absorb all the knowledge museums have to offer. Don’t forget to learn alongside them and try your best to answer all their questions (even if you end up Googling all the answers).
If you aren’t able to take them to a museum in person, don’t worry! Since the pandemic began, plenty of museums around the world like The British Museum in London, the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam have opened their doors virtually to anyone who wishes to visit.
Pisces — Plan a detailed back-to-school schedule (but be sure to leave time to daydream!)
As easy going and laid back as most Pisces may be, they really thrive when they have a structured routine. The best part of their adaptable nature is their willingness to adjust their schedules as needed, but a detailed plan will make their first day go a lot smoother and will help them as they grow into adults.
Finding a great planner is one of the best ways to help your Pisces child stay organized. Most planners come with pre-designed templates that make staying on top of their work easy, but if they are really artistic (as most Pisces tend to be) a bullet journal allows for total creative freedom.
And — most importantly — make sure to include specific time to daydream. They won’t be happy if they don’t have some time for this in their schedule. It’s essential in fostering your Pisces’ creative growth!