From Playground to Preschool: Plus a Mini Boden Giveaway

I have a hard time sending my kids to school for the day. When Jack and Zoe were two, we enrolled them in a twos program at our local Y in New York City; It was only two hours a day for twice a week and there was parent participation involved, so I was able to ease them into what would eventually be a very normal part of their lives. I watched them develop socially and learn to be in an organized environment where they would be guided into learning how to be independent and in charge of themselves and their own needs. Specifically, I wanted them to be around children their own size and age so that they would learn about boundaries and respect for others, as well as just basic play participation with other kids. I also met some lovely parents and women I call my friends to this day, and Jack and Zoe developed important friendships as well.

Beau, being the third child with two siblings 3 and 4 years older than him, hasn’t really needed this sort of early socialization quite as much as I felt his brother and sister did. We didn’t enroll him in anything last year aside from a soccer and swimming class, and I think that was just right for him at the time. He’s now, at two and a half years old, very aware of what Jack and Zoe are doing, and is incredibly eager to be right at their levels in all things, including school. We found a program in our town for Beau to attend preschool starting this fall, and as wrenching as it is for me to think of him starting school, he is so ready and excited that it’s hard not to be excited with him. Back to School is going to be a really big deal for our family in the next couple of weeks, and I’ve been preparing heavily by stocking up on supplies, lunch accessories, backpacks and of course new clothing. One of our go-to brands for the past several years has been Mini Boden; Their clothing is adorable, vibrant, and incredibly resistant that it made for an easy decision to stock up for Beau’s first year at school, as well as Jack and Zoe.

We recently visited the new preschool Beau will be attending, he even brought his new backpack along and proceeded to immerse himself immediately into the activities and play area even though it was just the four of us. For days afterwards he talked about going to school, bringing his “packpack” and the new clothes he will wear. He is more eager and ready than I had even expected him to be, and it’s the definition of bittersweet for me. His sense of pride and grownupness is so prominent and shines through every time we bring up going back in the next couple of weeks. I can tell that the clothing and accessories make a difference in his demeanor as well; New school clothes bring a sense of new beginnings, and it’s important to me to find pieces and brands that bolster those feelings. Mini Boden’s designs, colors and structure take playtime and childhood to another level; These are clothes that they look and feel confident and great in. There are more than a few Boden pieces that Beau has that were passed on from his big brother, too, so I know that I’m investing in a solid product and brand. I actually used the discount code that I’m offering to you (below!) to stock up for all the kids for the fall. Having trust and love for a brand of clothing, as a parent, is something that I value immensely. I know what I’m getting and absolutely willing to invest.

The big kids are gearing up and totally excited about first and second grades, too. While I can’t wait to see what the year brings for them, of course I’m already wistful for the days when we could just spend all day doing whatever we wanted together: Crafting, picnics, playgrounds, you name it.

These photos are from our trip to the San Francisco Zoo. In case you’re wondering, it’s “winter” in SF right now!

While the course of the year and Beau’s feelings about preschool are still yet to be seen, I feel really good about starting this process with him and watching him blossom in ways that I’m surely not quite ready for. He is, however, more than ready and that is a good reminder that our decision is a smart one for him and our family. What’s better-my sweet baby boy will be home in time for naps every single day despite his new Big Kid status-which I know he’ll be more than happy about, too. He has his furry BFF counting on him for that, too.

Giveaway & Mini Boden Discount Code

I’m thrilled to be giving away a $250 Mini Boden Gift Card to one of you! Follow the prompts below, but make sure you check out the new Autumn collection here, first. Then leave a comment with your favorites from that collection to enter! Contest open to US Residents only.

Plus! Use the code CITY for 15% off and free shipping. Enjoy!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to Mini Boden for sponsoring this post, and thank you for reading!