Back to School!

     The smell of crayons and newly sharpened pencils.  Empty notebook pages that hold endless possibilities.  It's time to head back to school!

     No more listening to the kids whine, "I'm boooooored".  Instead, parents get a reprieve.  Kids will be excited to see the friends they have missed and eager to relay their summer adventures. 

    The weeks leading up to the beginning of the school year are filled with excitement, anticipation, and sometimes even a little anxiety.  One sure way to calm your student's frazzled nerves is to take them school supply shopping.  I have learned that this is a great way to calm my daughter's anxiety.  If she feels that she is doing something proactive, she feels like she is in control of the situation.  This activity is even helpful with teens, but make sure they get to choose cool gear.  So grab a copy of your child's school supply list and let's get started! 

     It is best to start a month or more in advance.  Start watching the weekly ads for Office Depot and Office Max.  These stores will offer select basic school supply needs for as little as a penny!  Each week the stores offer different deals.  Have your child watch the ads with you and compare them to their list.  If the item is needed, make a special trip to pick up your bargain.  Not only will your child be excited about finding something they need, they will have learned a valuable financial lesson to boot!  Kids are never to young to learn about saving money. 

     By the way, I am sorry to say that the parental reprieve from whining will be short lived.  The second week of school brings a new routine.  The pleading whiny voices at our house ask daily, "Do I haaaave to go to school today?"  Good luck!  Have a great year!