Page 19 - Indulge August/September 2015
P. 19
le kids and parents alike eagerly await the fresh
start of a new school year, the back-to-school
season is not without its share of stressors for busy families.
The start of school means new schedules, teachers, shoes,
backpacks and friends; as well as new academic challenges.
Adding some fun and excitement to the newness can
help smooth the way. For example, allowing kids to help
choose their outfits for the first day of school can help
diffuse that nervous anticipation.
If the shopping itself is adding stress to your household,
ease the back-to-school burden on your family with these
helpful tips to simplify shopping for the school year ahead.
1. Make note of your inventory. 6. Put quality ahead of price.
School lists often carry over each school year, so make While it’s tempting to go for cheap when your list is long,
sure you aren’t buying multiples of things you already remember that sometimes quality buys actually save
own. Some supplies are more exciting when refreshed more in the long run.
every year, but buying the same ruler year after year is
simply a waste of money. 7. Make your children
shopping buddies.
2. Make a list with your children.
Involve your kids in the back-to-school shopping process
Put everything you need on that list, and be clear that by giving them a budget. Help them allocate money for
once the list is done, it’s done. all the expenses, including clothing, school supplies,
shoes and more. Use the opportunity to talk about how
3. Begin shopping as shopping smart for the necessities can leave room for
early as possible. some fun buys, too.
Hunt bargains before the traditional back-to-school 8. Reduce and reuse.
season to get the best deals. Not only will you save
some cash, shopping before the rush will give you a Save plastic and money by encouraging kids to embrace
wider selection to choose from, so you’re sure to find the reusable items, such as lunch bags in place of paper
items you need in the styles you (and your kids) want. sacks and plastic containers instead of sandwich bags.
Spreading the shopping over several weeks or months If water bottles are allowed at school, look for a durable
also allows you to distribute the expense across several refillable option that can be used again and again.
pay periods, helping lessen the chance that you blow your
monthly budget with one mega shopping excursion. 9. Make the old new again.
4. Be a savvy online shopper. Turn barely used items into something new by
decorating or adding stickers. Not only is this a fun
Check out your favorite brands and retailers online, and activity that can help get the kids excited about and
sign up for their email alerts, so you’ll be in the know engaged in planning for the year ahead, it’s easy on the
when the best deals hit. Many retailers now offer online- budget and eco-friendly.
only specials, so watch ads closely to know when you’re
better served making purchases in-store or online. Also 10. Swap with other moms.
keep an eye out for free or reduced shipping for extra
savings that make it even cheaper than buying in person Make back-to-school time more fun by hosting a swap
when you factor in the cost of gas. Remember that you event with other moms for clothing, backpacks, shoes,
can also rely on social media to follow back-to-school etc. It seems that kids are forever trading with their
offers and hashtags. friends, so embrace that mindset and see what exciting
new treasures you can find for your kids to call their own.
5. Create a back-up bin at home.
You may find that your kids consistently run out of certain
items midyear. Devote a special area of your home to
keep extras in stock, and take advantage of sales during
back-to-school season or buy in bulk to get a better price.
start of a new school year, the back-to-school
season is not without its share of stressors for busy families.
The start of school means new schedules, teachers, shoes,
backpacks and friends; as well as new academic challenges.
Adding some fun and excitement to the newness can
help smooth the way. For example, allowing kids to help
choose their outfits for the first day of school can help
diffuse that nervous anticipation.
If the shopping itself is adding stress to your household,
ease the back-to-school burden on your family with these
helpful tips to simplify shopping for the school year ahead.
1. Make note of your inventory. 6. Put quality ahead of price.
School lists often carry over each school year, so make While it’s tempting to go for cheap when your list is long,
sure you aren’t buying multiples of things you already remember that sometimes quality buys actually save
own. Some supplies are more exciting when refreshed more in the long run.
every year, but buying the same ruler year after year is
simply a waste of money. 7. Make your children
shopping buddies.
2. Make a list with your children.
Involve your kids in the back-to-school shopping process
Put everything you need on that list, and be clear that by giving them a budget. Help them allocate money for
once the list is done, it’s done. all the expenses, including clothing, school supplies,
shoes and more. Use the opportunity to talk about how
3. Begin shopping as shopping smart for the necessities can leave room for
early as possible. some fun buys, too.
Hunt bargains before the traditional back-to-school 8. Reduce and reuse.
season to get the best deals. Not only will you save
some cash, shopping before the rush will give you a Save plastic and money by encouraging kids to embrace
wider selection to choose from, so you’re sure to find the reusable items, such as lunch bags in place of paper
items you need in the styles you (and your kids) want. sacks and plastic containers instead of sandwich bags.
Spreading the shopping over several weeks or months If water bottles are allowed at school, look for a durable
also allows you to distribute the expense across several refillable option that can be used again and again.
pay periods, helping lessen the chance that you blow your
monthly budget with one mega shopping excursion. 9. Make the old new again.
4. Be a savvy online shopper. Turn barely used items into something new by
decorating or adding stickers. Not only is this a fun
Check out your favorite brands and retailers online, and activity that can help get the kids excited about and
sign up for their email alerts, so you’ll be in the know engaged in planning for the year ahead, it’s easy on the
when the best deals hit. Many retailers now offer online- budget and eco-friendly.
only specials, so watch ads closely to know when you’re
better served making purchases in-store or online. Also 10. Swap with other moms.
keep an eye out for free or reduced shipping for extra
savings that make it even cheaper than buying in person Make back-to-school time more fun by hosting a swap
when you factor in the cost of gas. Remember that you event with other moms for clothing, backpacks, shoes,
can also rely on social media to follow back-to-school etc. It seems that kids are forever trading with their
offers and hashtags. friends, so embrace that mindset and see what exciting
new treasures you can find for your kids to call their own.
5. Create a back-up bin at home.
You may find that your kids consistently run out of certain
items midyear. Devote a special area of your home to
keep extras in stock, and take advantage of sales during
back-to-school season or buy in bulk to get a better price.
