Five back-to-school tips from an old mom to all moms
I’ve been doing this back-to-school thing for about 20 years now. And while that may make me feel old, I prefer feeling mature, sensible, and wise. There were days of great excitement in years past − the school supply lists and buying just the right color folder, the demanded photo in front of the front door with a display of grade, the annual “night before school” dinner that we always had that was camp food and corn on the cob in honor of a summer well done.
Maybe I’ve just slowed down, and I suppose some could argue I don’t quite care as much but I don’t think that’s true. I think I just calmed down over the years and while preparing for this next school year, I think I’ve finally got some things figured out.
Tip One: Chances are you don’t really need to buy school supplies. If you have multiple children who have been in school, there is probably a stockpile of new things they had to have but never used somewhere in your house that would rival the main aisle at Target. “Shop” there first.
Tip Two: Back-to-school clothes shopping should be minimal, because there is a good chance that a) your child will acquire a new style upon seeing schoolmates, b) they will grow seven inches in the first month, or c) cafeteria sauces and recess grass leave killer stains. Be thrifty and smart, and don’t expect to like the clothes they choose.
Tip Three: When it comes to lunches, don’t work quite so hard. I’ve probably packed a thousand lunches, each with reusable containers and vegetables only to find that they would rather eat the magically amazing school pizza and walking tacos and when I have a serious moment with myself, I, too would probably rather have those than a lukewarm salami sandwich and carrot sticks.
Tip Four: Stock up on supplies you don’t think you need at home. These include cold and cough medicine for the germs that sneak into backpacks, stain remover (see above), batteries for odd calculators, and posterboard which you should buy in bulk.
Tip Five: Give yourself, and your children, a massive amount of grace. It’s a whole new world every single year with new people and routines and things to learn… and I’m not just talking about the kids. You may lose a permission slip or be a few minutes late and they may forget an assignment or oversleep. We learn and grow together, and I think what’s most important is a love that is as constant and warm as that delicious pizza under the heat lamp.
Reach Karrie McAllister at mckarrie@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: McAllister: I've got some back-to-school things figured out.
