It’s the phrase you’ve been dreading ever since the break-up for the school holidays, and you can’t quite believe it’s here – back-to-school time. *Shudders*
Look, mums, we know exactly how you feel right now – because we’re in the same boat. Soon, those morning lie-ins will be a distant memory, and in no time, you’ll be back to drinking cold coffee and barking at cars during the school run. Bliss.
Before all that, we have the back-to-school shop to get out of the way. While no one looks forward to that mad dash to tick off every item on the book list, it doesn’t have to be stressful – or break the bank.
Here are some tried and tested practical tips that will save you time, money and stress – you can thank us later!
1. Create a budget
2. Do your research
4. Purchase in bulk
This is one of the most expensive times of the year, and parents often find themselves under serious financial strain by the time books, supplies, uniforms and fees have been accounted for. This is why creating a budget can be so helpful.
Sit down with your calculator (and possibly your partner), and figure out exactly how much you have to spend on back-to-school. Once you have a sum in mind, work from there.
Study isn’t just for your little students, mums – a little preparation will go a long way! Gather all of your book lists together, along with itemised lists of your own (for things like stationery, etc.), so that you know exactly what you need.
Look up prices online, compare competitors, and see where you can get the very best value for your money.
Find out if you can get some of the books and supplies second-hand – this can really help to make your money go further.
3. Prep those meals
If there’s one thing that we particularly dread about back-to-school, it’s that routine of school run, homework and dinner – we only have two hands! Fear not though, mums, as there is a solution.
Just like with your back-to-school shop, a little preparation with your meals can save you stress and time. Prep your meals, do a little batch-cooking on a Sunday night, and get ahead of yourself – when you’re heating up that hearty homemade stew for the family, you’ll be grateful for your forward-thinking.
There are certain items that you can pick up for a total bargain – we’re talking packets of copybooks, folders, pencils and pens, and other stationery. If you find a particularly good deal, we highly recommend buying in bulk.
While this is particularly helpful when you have more than one child to buy for, it’s also handy from the point of view of stocking up – you might not think it, but your child will fly through the supplies in no time, and then you’ll be really grateful for that surplus!
5. Buy online
Online shopping has completely transformed how we live our lives, from the weekly groceries to the all-important Christmas shop. It just takes the stress and hassle out of shopping, doesn’t it? You can browse and submit your order from the comfort of your chair, and you don’t even need to set foot outside of the house!
So, why not take the stress out of the back-to-school shop by doing as much of it online as possible? A chilled-out afternoon in front of the laptop sounds far more appealing than waiting in line, hands overflowing with packets of pencils and highlighters, doesn’t it? It will also force you to consider your purchases more carefully, something we definitely need a little help with!
Good luck, mums, and remember: we're in it together!
