As summer winds down for some, the back-to-school season is creeping up faster than we’d like to admit. While some parents cherish the remaining days of summer vacation, others, like me, are already counting down to the first day of school. August 7 is looming ahead, and while I crave a little uninterrupted time to tackle my work (or maybe just enjoy a moment of peace in the bathroom), the thought of preparing for school sends a shiver down my spine. The mountain of school supplies, paperwork, and endless forms for my four kids seems daunting. However, embracing a positive outlook can help us navigate this chaotic time. Here are some clever strategies to help you tackle back-to-school madness with ease.
1. Make School Supply Shopping an Adventure
Instead of dreading the endless aisles of school supplies at Target, transform the experience into a fun scavenger hunt. Grab several copies of the school supply list from the local school’s kiosk (double-check the grade level to avoid a return trip with unwanted items!). Highlight the items you’d like your kids to find and hand them each a shopping basket. Save the trickier items for yourself to locate. To up the ante, promise a small reward to the child who gathers their items first. While they race through the store, you can enjoy a moment of relaxation with a Starbucks in hand.
2. The “You Choose One, I Choose One” Game
Clothes shopping can become a battleground as kids grow older. They may have their hearts set on outrageous styles, while you envision them looking presentable for school. To strike a balance, try the “You Pick One, I Pick One” approach. Let them select a flashy item, and then counter with something more practical. This way, you can reach a compromise that satisfies both parties—ensuring they feel confident without sacrificing your standards.
3. Utilize Printed Labels for Supplies
Ditch the tedious task of writing your kids’ names on every single item with a permanent marker. Invest in printer labels instead! Create a simple template with your child’s name and print them out. Avoid using nicknames; trust me, “Bunny Boo” won’t fly when it comes to school supplies. Slap those labels on everything to save time and effort! Additionally, streamline the paperwork process by copying common information across multiple forms. It’s a game-changer for managing the paperwork for multiple kids. You can find more insights on this topic in our other post here.
4. Keep an Eye on Your Budget
Don’t shy away from bargain stores for school supplies. Basic items like wide-ruled paper can be found at discount shops and work just as well as pricier alternatives. Take advantage of tax-free weekends, but be prepared for crowds reminiscent of Black Friday. For high-ticket items, like computers, avoiding tax can lead to significant savings. Keep an eye out for deals in local ads, particularly from drugstores like CVS, which can sometimes offer unbeatable prices and rewards.
5. Stock Up for the Year
Take advantage of the back-to-school sales and stock up on essential supplies like paper, pencils, and crayons. These items can be used for birthday gifts or stocking stuffers during the holidays. Just be mindful of where you store them—choose a cabinet that’s out of reach of your little ones. I’ve learned through experience that if the kids know where the good supplies are stashed, they’ll go through them faster than you can say “school year.”
As you gear up for this hectic season, remember that the chaos of back-to-school prep is just the roar of a lion before the peaceful bliss of a quiet house. Relish those few hours of silence while your kids are at school—until the first holiday break rolls around, of course!
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Summary
Back-to-school preparation can feel overwhelming, but with a few clever strategies like turning shopping into a game, using printed labels, and budgeting wisely, parents can navigate this busy season with ease. Embrace the chaos, and look forward to those peaceful hours when the kids are back in school.
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