Getting ready to go back to school is a time of year when parents have more stress than their children. Children are out having fun during the summer, and in the middle of July, they don't want to think about school supplies. Since school doesn't start until the end of August, what's the point?
That's true, but parents do need to start getting ready for school early if they want their kids to be ready. It's not a good idea to wait until the week before school starts to buy school supplies, school bags, and clothes. This will only add to the stress and cost. If you take the time to plan ahead, you won't have to worry about the back-to-school money crunch. Here are some ways to save money on back-to-school shopping.
When you get the list of things your child needs for school, you may feel like you have to rush to the stores. Don't worry, there are enough supplies for everyone, so your child won't be short on anything. Keep your list in your purse at all times and shop over time, keeping an eye out for sales. You can shop on your own. Don't bring your kids, because if you do, they'll be drawn to the most expensive and flashy school supplies.
Don't buy the latest cartoon character-themed stuff. Your child may like the Disney characters that are popular right now, but in six months, that same character will be forgotten and another will take its place. The child's favourite lunchbox and schoolbag at the start of the year will become things they don't like anymore.
When it comes to lunchboxes, the best ones on the market today are soft-sided and have a way to keep food warm. Most schools don't have refrigerators for students to use, so these lunch boxes keep food cool and safe to eat. Instead of zip-lock bags, use plastic containers with leak-proof seals that you can reuse. A thermos is a good idea for keeping hot meals warm in the winter. Remember that kids like quick and easy food.
Choose schoolbags that are made well and will last a long time. Kids put their schoolbags through a lot, and by the middle of the school year, even the "cool" ones often have rips and tears. Backpacks are better, and you can find some great ones in a store's camping section. The zippers and pockets on these backpacks will be fun for kids, and parents will like how well they fit their bodies. As summer winds down, there will also be sales on backpacks.
During the summer, many parents buy a lot of new clothes for their kids to wear to school. Shop for pieces that kids can put together in different ways. Kids should have at least ten different shirts and seven different pairs of pants that can be worn with each other. Try to stay away from the "in" thing, because it won't be "in" in six months. On the other hand, being "in" is important to teens because it helps them fit in with their peers. As a compromise, let your teen choose one or two pieces of clothing that are trendy.
There are lots of other ways to make going back to school easier, but starting with these cheap ideas is a good place to start. You can save money and make sure your kids have everything they need to start the school year off right.
