As the summer comes to a close for many school-age children, busy parents are challenged to guide them back into a more structured rhythm. Oftentimes we choose convenience over quality and, due to our often perceived lack of time, we spend more than we should on back to school items. Going back to school doesn’t have to break the bank if you follow a few guidelines:
• Monitor your Sunday circulars for sales on school supplies. You needn’t rush out to the mega office supply store at the mall for items you might get cheaper at your local drugstore.
• Sit down with your child to discuss a clothing budget for the school year. Give him or her jobs around the house to compensate for more expensive attire he or she may really need. Compare prices for particularly expensive items such as sports equipment and must-have technical gadgets by visiting http://www.TheFind.com.
• Prepare yourself mentally for the coming school year by gathering information on topics you know your child might face such as bullying, being the new kid on the block, or teen issues. http://www.back2school2007.com is a fabulous resource for parents and children alike as they enter the new year.
• Start early. Consult your school’s Web site for school supply lists, if they offer them, to avoid unnecessary purchases.
• Ask your child what new goals they’d like to set for the pending year. Perhaps your child would like to learn a new instrument or try out a new sport. Determine whether you can rent instead of buy the necessary equipment before committing to something your child may not continue throughout the school year.
Back to school can be a tense time, especially if facing an entirely new situation such as a new school or set of friends. It can also be fun for everyone with a little preparation in anticipation of a whole new year of possibilities and learning.
Christine Louise Hohlbaum, author of Diary of a Mother: Parenting Stories and Other Stuff, is also a freelance writer and PR consultant for clients who make a difference. Subscribe to her parenting newsletter at http://www.diaryofamother.com.