It’s that time of year again: the time when summer begins to fade away and pumpkin EVERYTHING starts to appear. With that, “Back to School” comes too. There are two Back to School mentalities, the one dreads having the kids go back….yet the other cannot wait. I believe most moms have a mix of both. You can love the routine that school provides while still loving the family-time that summer does. Whether you are anxiously awaiting it or trying to slow the days down, the kids will need school supplies. Considering all the different ways kids are attending school these days (classroom, online, homeschool), the needs will vary. This post will focus on kids returning to the physical classroom.
Most schools have their specific School Supply List on their websites, emailed and/or even listed on Amazon. The younger kids need crayons while the older ones need scientific calculators. These type of items are pretty detailed, along with the teacher’s special requests, so make sure to plan ahead to get them. The first day of school is nerve-racking enough, being the kid who shows up empty-handed will make it all the worse. We want our kids confident and ready to slay the schoolyear, being properly prepared helps.
We are going to spend time on the (in my opinion) more fun, back to school shopping! First, do an inventory on what your kids already have and what FITS! From there, you can make a list of what is needed to have your child feel good, comfortable and confident for the year ahead. You ideally want 7-10 days’ worth of outfits that help your child to succeed while at school. If you have a strict laundry regime that has you washing clothes more often, you can get away with 5-7 days’ worth.
Here is a list of idea staples:
Underwear and bras: enough that everyday your child is wearing clean underwear. Check the local sale ads (and Simply Sales, of course), many stores run a Buy 1 Get 1 Half Off (or free) around this time
Socks (and/or tights): Check your current inventory and toss any socks with holes. An uncomfortable sock is a sure way to keep your child distracted in school.
Shoes: A comfy pair of sneaker, casual slip-on shoes, dress shoes….and, depending on where you live, boots.
Bottoms (pants/jeans/leggings/skirts/shorts): Have enough bottoms to wear something clean every day of the week.
Tops (t-shirts, hoodies, sweaters): Depending on where you live, you may need more t-shirts than sweatshirts or vice versa. Again, the goal is to give you child enough {clean} options to wear what he/she is comfortable in everyday of the week.
Backpack, lunch box and pencil bag: Try to make it FUN and fitting to their personality! Kids can get homesick when they are gone all day. Security blankets do not fly in school but having an item that brings the joy and reminds them that they are special will help. Everytime they grab their pencil case, they will be reminded of this.
Accessories: This is a great time to buy items we keep putting off: a new, well-fitting belt, headbands, (depending on your school, facial masks), shoe laces. I recently saw a new item, “mommy and me” matching bracelets for kids who have separation anxiety. They are geared towards the little ones just starting preschool and kindergarten but I believe older kids would benefit from them too – especially after the year we just had!
That all being said, make sure to check with your individual schools for their dress codes prior to buying new items. For example, some schools do not allow open-toe shoes. Also, if your child attends a private school and requires a uniform, your shopping list just got easier!
Back to school shopping should be fun; however, people are at varying states in terms of finances. If this is a stressful time for you financially, there are churches and organizations that can help. Thrift Stores are another great idea. School is important but your relationship with your child is more important. Do what you can with what you have, but it is more important to send them off to school wrapped in love than in new sneakers.
Best wishes for a great school year!