Different families celebrate back to school in different ways.  In France “la rentrée” if you are starting school is all about getting your very first “cartable” and your first leather cartable is definitely a coming of age moment. In Germany children get a schultüte which is a sort of back to school “goody bag” in the shape of a cone.

Many children get back to school hair cuts and or new clothes and shoes.  Fall clothes are still my favorite and I remember relishing the cooler days and cozier nights of September.  Being able to put on a sweater after too many days of summer sun is so refreshing.

Here’s a little guide to back to school based on a stroll in the South End.  (oh, and BTW #BTS (Back to School) is not just for the kids.)

Back to School Haircut

Henry is not too fond of getting his hair cut, to put in mildly, but after reaching Scooby Doo Shaggy-esque hair, there was no way to avoid the back to school haircut.  We popped into Roosters, which recently opened on Tremont Street, and had a great experience.  The “old school” but totally new and clean vibe at Rooster’s made us both feel at home.  I can’t wait to send my husband in for a cut.  Beyond the old school barbershops Roosters washes hair, and has other amenities that women have enjoyed for decades but men have missed out on.

Roosters
518 Tremont St. #1B
Boston, MA 02118
(857) 305-3106

Treat of the First Week.. (and the next 179 days)

Flour is the perfect place to pick up some after-school treats.  Goodies for the teachers for the completion of that first week of school will be welcome in any staff room.

You don’t have to be Vegan to enjoy the Vegan chocolate cake and the gluten-intolerant staff members will be on cloud nine with the huge meringues.

Flour Bakery                                           Flour Bakery
131 Clarendon St.                               1595 Washington St.
Boston, MA                                              Boston, MA
(617) 437-7700                                    (617) 267-4300

Playrooms & Study Spaces

The spaces we play and learn in inspire us, and Gold Gallery has some amazing art for the playroom, den and study.

Be a champ with realist Barney Levitt.

Have your own #TBT moment with Big Wheel by painter Jason Chase.

Crash a paper airplane with Jeanne Vandeboncoeur or take a nap with Ryoko Tajiri.

Gold Gallery
655 Tremont St.
Boston, Massachusetts 02118
(857) 239-8972

Peanut, peanut butter & Jelly

Stop in at South End Formaggio and pick up my favourite peanut butter Brown Bear peanut butter from Rhode Island.

South End Formaggio
268 Shawmut Ave.
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 350-6996

Not just for Kids

Whether you’re getting your fall work wardrobe together, you need an alternate outfit that is school-drop-off-worthy or it’s your weekend look that needs an update, Flock is here for you.

Regain your own sense of style whether you accessorize with a burp cloth or you have a tween rolling their eyes at whatever you put on.

Flock
274 Shawmut Ave.
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 391-0222

Feed the Body/Feed the Mind

Siena Farms has a kids share.  Give children ownership of some of their food and ingredients and shift the way they eat or spend their after school hours.  Their interest in what is on the plate, when they had something to do with getting it there, will often shift.  Plus the beauty of the sunflowers when you walk in together to pick it up, will brighten even the dullest school day.

Playdate

It might not be so cool if you show up at recess to play with the kids.  The summer days staying up a little later playing games, running through the sprinkler or swinging on the swings together are fading into the background, but you can still get out at play together after school or on the weekend.

Check out art exhibit Bounce at the Boston Center for the Arts.  Keep your eyes on the ball and listen carefully.