Isn’t this post late, Karen? Not really.
Now’s the time to begin to stalk your local Walgreen’s, Target, Kroger, etc. as they’ll begin to significantly mark down back to school (BTS) supplies. Trust me when I tell you that that box of crayons you bought for Timmy isn’t going to last the entire school year.
Here’s things to look for, and stash away:
1. Invest in a good electronic pencil sharpener. It will be used for at least a decade on a very regular basis.
2. When you see Ticonderoga pencils on sale (you can buy them this time of year for about 1/2 the price), STOCK UP!
3. See #2 above and repeat for things like crayons, markers, glue sticks and dry erase markers. Your kids will come to you in December with a list of things they’re out of, and you’ll have to pay dearly to re-stock.
4. Create a place to store the extras in your home. What you need extras of will change as your kids get older. I now need no crayons, but lots of loose leaf paper.
5. When/if you have to buy binders, buy the expensive ones. Really, just do it. Or you’ll end buying more within just a few weeks of school.
6. Same thing in #5 applies to things such as scissors and crayons. Buy the best or you’ll end up like one of mine who had scissors that wouldn’t cut and crayons that wouldn’t crayon.
Once your kid hits 7th grade, begin to add things like index cards and pens to your list.
Finally, back to school is tough on teachers. Help them out. In fact, make it a point to ask them what they need. I read years ago that you want your teacher to be your new BFF (not for real, but think that way). Bend over backwards for your kids teachers. Ask them what they want. Even if they have a wish tree. Ask them, really, what didn’t you put on here because you didn’t see it happening? If they tell you, go ninja on the world, and make.it.happen.Your efforts might not pay off in September. Maybe not even in November, but they will before the end of the school year: when you’re kid is the class pain, brat, trouble maker, or even star student, the teacher will remember who their mamma is, and they’ll cut the kid some slack or give them an extra hug. Regardless, it’s a win/win for everyone.
What are some great tips/advice you’d like to share? Post them in the comments.