Hallmark Introduces Greeting Cards and Products to Help Send Kids Back to School with Confidence

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Aug. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With backpacks full of new pencils, binders and glue, kids might think they're ready to take on the first day of school. But sometimes kids need more than school supplies to face the exciting and challenging situations the upcoming year holds. That's why Hallmark has created a back-to-school confidence checklist to help parents encourage and build confidence in their kids – now and all year long.

So, when parents are stocking up on everything from protractors to paper, Hallmark reminds them to throw in a little encouragement and confidence! Here is a recommended checklist of activities to help parents and children gear up for the school year.

Let them hold onto your words. Kids often get embarrassed when parents say "I love you" in front of their friends. Parents should think about sticking a card in their backpack or inside a textbook so the child can find it later and hold onto it all day. Hallmark's Kids Collection features cards addressing topics for young kids, including nerves about school and positive reinforcement for hard work, as well as topics for tweens/teens, such as peer pressure and choosing friends wisely.

Pass the encouragement bug around the family. Challenge the entire family to support each other by passing around the encouragement bug – Hallmark's Bug 'Em. One person starts by filling Bug 'Em with treats, a coupon to do something nice (e.g., make their sibling's bed) or a kind note of encouragement, and then leaves Bug 'Em where the recipient will find it. Once the recipient finds Bug 'Em, he or she is charged with surprising another family member and spreading the encouragement bug.

Surprise a child with a lunchtime delight. Fruits and veggies will help a kid be physically fit but don't forget about a child's emotional wellness. Surprise a child with a serving of love and pride with Hallmark's new bite-sized Lunchbox Notes. The unexpected "I love you" or "good luck" will let the child know supportive parents are by their side even after they get on the school bus.

Bring story time to life. Story time is an opportunity to develop reading skills, but it's also a time for parents and kids to bond. If work keeps a parent from being home after school or an evening activity causes a missed bedtime, Hallmark can help. Hallmark Recordable Storybooks allow parents to record their voice, and kids can read along even if the parent is far away.  

Hallmark has done the home work ahead of time and wants parents to jump start the school year.  These products are available at Hallmark Gold Crown® stores nationwide and wherever Hallmark products are sold.

About Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Hallmark makes the world a more caring place by helping people express what's in their hearts and spend time together – a privilege few other companies in the world enjoy. Hallmark greeting cards and other products are found in more than 40,000 retail outlets in the U.S., including the network of flagship Hallmark Gold Crown® stores. The brand also reaches people online at Hallmark.com and on television through Hallmark Hall of Fame original movies and cable's top-rated Hallmark Channel. Worldwide, Hallmark offers products in more than 30 languages available in 100 countries. This privately held company is based in Kansas City, Mo., and is led by the third generation of the founding Hall family. Visit http://corporate.hallmark.com for more details.

SOURCE Hallmark Cards, Inc.