Back to School!

It’s 6:00 AM and you hear your child’s alarm clock going off. Suddenly it stops, there’s a warm smile that comes across your face thinking about your child is growing up and getting themselves out of bed for their first day of school. You hear the coffee pot’s beep and the loud sound of the blades grinding your coffee beans. It seems like the perfect morning. And then your child’s alarm clock goes off again at 6:30 AM! The warm smile turns into sudden panic! “Oh no! We are going to be late for the first day of school!”

Sounds all too familiar doesn’t it? No matter how much of a time-manager you are, if you have a child or two, this has happened. With the summer season coming to an end, school is just around the corner. And with school starting, that means it’s time to hit the stores. Unfortunately for you, you’re going to the two aisles in the store that are jammed-packed with people shopping for the same supplies you are. Here are some easy ways to save time and money this school year.

Hand ‘em Down: Kids these days always want the new and in-style items that just hit the shelves. Understandably, at a young age money is not of their concern, yet. But even if you have only one child, purchasing new back-to-school items can get pricey. Best thing to reuse? Pencil boxes. If you have an old one, you can buy some stick on glitter from Amazon for almost nothing, throw a little dazzle on for your little princess and it’s like brand new!

The Dollar Store: I know I mentioned the Dollar Store in my last email to you on How to Throw a Party on a Budget, but it’s the most sensible solution for the items you need to purchase. The Dollar Store has packs of pens and notebooks that would cost you almost twice as much or more at Walmart.

Prep-Work: If your child or children are the late risers of the bunch, as a parent you’re there to catch them when they fall. Prepare their lunches the night before so you’re not worried about scraping the peanut butter jar when you have to be out the door in two minutes! Another tip: Try making the sandwiches on Sunday for the whole week. Individually freeze them and each night before the next day of school, simply pull them out of the freezer and put them in the lunchboxes. It will thaw out by lunch time!

Coupon Mom: Yes this is real and if you haven’t heard of it yet, I implore you to check it out! Coupon Mom shows you what’s on sale in your neighborhood and the matching coupon! Double the savings! If you took that extra money, you might be off lunch-packing duty for a week! Saving time and money! Go to www.couponmom.com to check it out.

Going back to school is just as much of hassle for your children as it is for you. Your schedule changes just as theirs do. As much of a change as it already is or going to be for you, just keep telling yourself, “I’ve got this!” Keep that warm smile on your face have fun going back to school with your kids this year! I hope these tips help save you time and money and make your mornings just a little less stressful!

Stay well and happy learning!