First, and this might sound kind of harsh. I can't stand going to shop for school supplies when it is so darn busy and overhear a parent say "Gosh, I hate when the 1st day of school comes. It's like la la la and then BAM from the school we need THIS THIS AND THIS" Sorry, this Momma isn't buying that line. As the sun sets each day, you know the 1st day of school is coming. You wouldn't take a road trip with out putting gas in your car would you? Planning ahead can be amazing and wonderful. Right now, if you are itching to get shopping For the week of 7/6/14 Staples and Office Max had some great stuff going on. Toys R Us is still doing the Buy a Backpack and get a free lunch box. It's summer yes, but deals start the moment it rings Midnight on July 5th. If you have an awesome deal, please share with all the other readers in the comments, we all want to save some money. :)
I can understand it can be a financial burden for some to purchase the supplies. There are school drives, churches, and even talking with your child's teacher about it. I actually spoke to a teacher and she tries to minimize the impact on parents. She buys HALF of the supplies she needs for EACH STUDENT so the parents will only have to buy the other half. She also plans on buying 10 Extra items the parents need in case of a student is in need or ther is a new student transfer. I was amazed by her wonderful generosity towards her classroom and her understanding of some families having financial burdens.
Let's talk lunches! I had the HARDEST time some weeks with my son who was a picky eater. Grapes and carrots. Those were ALL HE WANTED. If you follow my Instagram account devoted to lunches, you saw a lot of those. I worked super hard this summer to open his taste buds up to new things and I will continue to do so. Peaches, nectarines, snap peas, green beans, summer squash varieties etc. This will help my budget in the long run. Grapes can be expensive these days I mean $4.99 a lb, nope, time to try a new fruit.
With lunches, start doing a special day where they try new foods. The rule is "Once to try, twice to decide" so 2 bites. Don't go crazy like if they are a PB & J all the time sort of child and go have them try Escargot. Small steps (This is something that you will want to stick with me through the series. HINT)
When you get an idea of what it is you want, create a lunch list on your computer to print out. Pinterest has a ton, but if you make one customized to your family it might make it easier for you. I presently don't have a list, but I am working on ours. I do menu plan for each meal almost down to snacks and right now it looks a little sloppy since I don't have a planner.
See, it's hideous!
However, as hideous as it looks, it's ours and it's what we like. It don't follow it to a "T" but it does help a lot. When I finally get a planner, it will be planned out by the day and I can get ready. Less stress for a parent is the best "less" you can have.
I know I hopped from supplies to lunches. So I have some homework for you (don't moan and groan, it will help you)
Assignment A- Make a list of your child's favorite foods. Organize it by category and also snacks. Hang it in your pantry, put it in your meal planning binder, or even on your phone.
Assignment B- Call your child's/children's school and get their supply lists. Start now stocking up for the rest of summer.
If you need any other lists, start working on those. School clothes, a list of "Who needs What", maybe if you need to get yourself some things. Like I need a new planner, so I am presently looking for one. Recipe ideas for dinners, a camera to take pictures, a fun sign announcing the grade your little one is going into... there is so much that can be done now to ease your stress.
REMEMBER, if you stress the week before, the night before, or on the 1st day of school. Your child will stress too. Their nerves are already rattled I am sure, having a stressed parent won't help either person.
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