Moms Talk is a feature on Patch that is part of an initiative on our sites to reach out to moms and families. Patch invites you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support for mothers and their families right here in the East Windsor-Hightstown-Cranbury area.

Each week in Moms Talk, our Moms Council, which includes Susan Masone, Siri Heinrichs, Cristina Fowler, Christine O'Brien and our intrepid columnist Lauren Kim, takes your questions, gives advice and shares solutions to the problems vexing all of us.

Have a question you would like to share, or just want to provide your opinion on the question of the week? Head over to the comments section to do just that.

So grab a cup of coffee and settle in as we start the conversation today with the following question:

Are there any special back-to-school day traditions in your family? If so, what?

Chrstine O’Brien: The first day of school could never be complete without a “back to school” photo session. There are three important photos to snap before the bus comes.The first is taken on the front porch in the same spot. With big smiles and eyes that glimmer with excitement and anticipation, the kids stand proudly dressed in new sneakers and a special back-to-school outfit, too. It’s neat to look back at old photos to see how much the children have grown from year to year, and which clothing was in style.

The second photo is a group shot taken at the bus stop. It is great to welcome new additions and think of those who have moved onto Kreps and Hightstown High School. The third is a group photo that focuses on everyone’s new sneakers (because they will never look that good again). Here’s wishing all students and teachers a smooth transition and successful school year!

Lauren Kim: We have a few back-to-school traditions in our family, but many of them changed this year, in part, because of the rain. I usually get up extra early and make my kids a big breakfast on their first day of school, but this year they wanted to have oatmeal and corn muffins instead, so we shared a simple meal together.

Each year I let the kids pick out new outfits for their first few days of school, so on Tuesday, they each picked out one of their new outfits to wear. Since we were up early and had plenty of time, we were able to spend more time on their hair, so one wore her hair partially up in a ponytail, while the other daughter chose pigtails.

I had the kids gather outside on the porch in front of the house for photos, and then we all hopped in the van for our drive to school. In years past we walked to school on the first day with some neighborhood kids, but the rain changed those plans this year. Once at the school, I took more photos in front of the school, with the school’s name in view (as I do each year).

I usually walk home with my daughters the first day of school, but because of the rain, we had to make the drive between the school and our house instead.

Susan Masone: Every year, before the girls go back to school, I take each one out for a "mom and me" shopping trip that includes lunch/dinner. They get to pick which restaurant they want to go to. Then they also get to decide which store they want to shop at. I love the one-on-one time that we get to spend together. After I am able to take all three out on their special day, they all get together and show each other what they picked out. Most years they find out that they have a lot in common. They usually pick the same accessories.

My old time favorite tradition is skipping to the bus stop singing "It's the most wonderful time of the year!" For some reason, my girls do not find this song as funny as I do!

Siri Heinrichs: Since last year was our first year of elementary school, I guess this year was the start of the “traditions.” The only thing I can think of was that we took photos in front of the same tree in front of our house as last year. It will be fun to compare the photos year after year if we can keep that tree alive!

Cristina Fowler: The morning of back to school is complete chaos, happiness, madness and fun. Regardless of how much we prepare prior to the big day, we are always missing a shoe, paperwork and sometimes, lunch too!

However, the excitement always makes the morning so much more pleasant than just a mere week later. Friends collecting at the bus stop, new outfits and school gear, and apprehensive bus drivers are part of what has become our tradition...oh and of course, me taking a ridiculous amount of photos.