The blissful and fun summer is over, and upon entering stores, it dawns on you that another school year is approaching. Back-to-school sales are everywhere, and when you go to sleep, the chance of dreaming about it is high. If your child is not excited about returning to school, buying school essentials is an opportunity for you to introduce school in a positive way.
Shopping for school essentials is fun and stressful at the same time. Fun, because you get to go on a bit of shopping spree. Stressful, because it is can be overwhelming to think that you have to make sure you buy everything your kids need. Do not panic, we’ve got you covered with some basic tips that can help you as you prepare your kid to return to school.
School Essentials
School Supplies
School SuppliesBackpacks, pens, pencils, papers, notebooks and water bottles are all essential items your student needs to prepare for the new school year. I would suggest a sturdy backpack, especially when a humongous number of school items are carried every day.
Their backpack, or any form of bag they prefer, should also be waterproof, in case of rain. The bag should also be theft proof, to prevent important items or gadgets they carry. Buy dependable brands of pens and pencils; sometimes a simple drop from the table can cause them to break. You can never have too many of them. It is also important to know the items your child would need in terms of their crafts and other project materials. Water bottles are a great way to stay hydrated, plus they are eco-friendly, unlike bottled water.
Clothes
Clothes bought last year may still be in good condition, but kids grow and change sizes very quickly. It can look ill-fitting, especially when they are in the verge of a growth spurt. The amount you need will depend on your child’s growth and how frequently you do the laundry.
If you only do laundry once a week, you need at least a pair of tops and bottoms per day. I would suggest stocking up on basic shirts so that it will be easy for them to pair it up with other accessories or shoes.
Shoes
If your kid is active in extracurricular activities at school, you are likely to buy a number of pairs to prepare him or her for the school year. You also need to have different kinds of shoes for different occasions. Two pairs of sneakers and one or 2 pairs of sandals or flip-flops are ideal for the whole school year.
Lunch Items
Buy a dependable lunch box that can endure the tests of time and temperature. Choose a sealed, insulated, leak proof lunch box. For food, buy sandwich ingredients that are easy to prepare, like peanut butter, jelly, or Nutella. Try to balance out the nutrition you pack every day and put fruits like raisins, bananas, or yogurt in the meal.
Tips
Make a Checklist
Make a comprehensive checklist when you are about to go shopping. By comprehensive, I mean detailed from your current inventory to the possible purchases you are going to buy. Check if you still have a stock of notebooks, pens, paper, and rulers from the last school year. This allows you to focus on buying what you really need. This applies to the different types of moms.
E-commerce Your Way
Check the price of the items you need online and compare them to the price available in stores. Most of the time, online shops have the same sales and discounts, depending on the season. They sell good quality products, from school supplies, to stylish children’s clothes. You can shop in the comfort of your home, and get to spend more time with your family.
Setup A Study Area
If you are the kind of parent that is very serious about your child’s education then you should know the importance of setting up a study room or area for them. Having a place solely dedicated for studying is way better than doing assignments or projects in the bedroom, kitchen, or living area. These areas can present several distractions that are likely to cause them to be out of focus. This in turn will help your kids to be successful.
Your students are less likely to be disturbed when they spend their time in the study area. A study room should be private, spacious, comfortable, well-lighted and ventilated. Most importantly it should be free from distractions like computer games, TV, and other entertainment related items.
Check the School’s Requirements
Before buying any expensive items, like books, laptops, and calculators, talk to the school to see what they require. Go ahead and buy a USB drive; more and more schools are doing the majority of schoolwork digitally, and your child will need a place to store their files.
I hope you are more equipped after reading this, and ready for the school shopping season. Planning ahead, prioritizing what is needed, and being resourceful will save you money, time, and stress.