Making Back-to-School Magical: How Parents Are Creating Unforgettable Experiences for Their Kids

As the back-to-school season approaches, many parents are going the extra mile to make this time of year truly magical for their children. A recent survey of 2,000 parents with children aged 6-12 found that more than four in five parents are working to bring excitement and joy back to the classroom. With 86% of parents aiming to create positive and memorable back-to-school experiences, it’s clear that a little magic goes a long way.

For many parents, the goal is to get their kids genuinely excited about returning to school. The survey revealed that only 40% of kids are typically "very excited" to go back to school after summer break, which has prompted parents to step up their efforts.

From allowing children to choose their own outfits (62%) to purchasing school supplies that align with their interests (62%), parents are finding creative ways to make the back-to-school season something their kids look forward to. At Sandilake Clothing , we make it easy for your little ones to express their unique style with our fun, comfortable, and trendy collections. Whether your child is into bold prints, playful patterns, or classic styles, our outfits are designed to inspire confidence and excitement as they head back to school. Explore our collections today and let your child shine in the new school year!

The first day of school is a significant milestone, and many parents are focusing on making it as special as possible. Some parents are surprising their children with their favorite snacks (43%), slipping encouraging notes into their lunchboxes (33%), or even giving them a "lucky charm" to help the day go smoothly (19%). These small but thoughtful gestures are aimed at creating positive memories and ensuring that the start of the school year is filled with joy and confidence.

Snacks play a crucial role in making the back-to-school experience magical. According to the survey, 86% of parents are likely to pack a sweet snack for their child on any given school day, with Monday (52%) and Friday (57%) being the most popular days. Cookies emerged as the top favorite treat for kids (51%) and also ranked highly among parents (41%). Additionally, 70% of parents believe that an after-school snack can brighten their child’s day, especially if it’s been a challenging one.

But the magic doesn’t stop at snacks. Many parents (70%) also work to keep the magic alive by encouraging their children to use their imaginations, helping them believe in the Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, or Santa Claus (53%), and teaching them to see the best in people and experiences (50%).

It’s heartening to see that 96% of parents are striving to create more positive school memories for their kids, especially since nearly one in five parents (19%) admitted that they disliked school when they were younger. By incorporating elements of fun, fantasy, and encouragement, parents hope to make the school year something their children will cherish.

What’s particularly interesting is that parents are not just focused on their children’s experiences but are also participating in the magic themselves. The survey found that 80% of parents are likely to enjoy the same after-school snack as their child, creating shared moments of joy and connection. These shared experiences help reinforce the idea that school is not just a responsibility but an opportunity for family bonding and creating lasting memories.

As Alicia Mosley, Vice President of Marketing at Keebler Brand, aptly put it, “The back-to-school season signifies a change for all members of a family, and during this transitional time, there’s plenty of small ways to make a new routine ‘magical’ and help instill that love of learning and school in your child.” Whether it’s through special snacks, thoughtful notes, or creative traditions, parents are finding that it’s the little moments of magic that make the biggest impact.

By encouraging imagination, fostering positivity, and sharing in the joy of small traditions, parents are making the back-to-school season a time of excitement, growth, and magical memories that will last a lifetime.

This survey was conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Keebler, surveying 2,000 parents of children aged 6-12 between July 8 to July 16, 2024. The survey was administered online, targeting respondents who opted into online market research panels or who were incentivized programmatically. The survey utilized quotas and dynamic sampling to reach the desired demographic, with strict quality controls in place to ensure data accuracy, including captcha to exclude bots, checks for speeders, and measures to prevent duplicate responses. The findings reflect the opinions of internet users and may not be generalizable to the broader population.