Detroit Families: Lessen The Stress Of Back To School

By Sharlonda Buckman, CEO of Detroit Parent Network

Back to school means new school clothes, uniforms, underwear, socks, shoes,  supplies, book bags, you name it....And just as the list of needs is long, none of it is free. It's enough to shock you right out of summer mode and into the increasingly busy schedules many parents juggle between work and pick ups and drop offs each day.

If that's not enough, there are also new meetings to attend: parent night, open house, meet the new teacher, and new principal. As involved parents, we know this is what we must do to get our kids off to a great start and positioned to do well during the school year. Detroit Parent Network talked to parents about their tips on how to ease some of the stress and expense that's created from this massive transition from summer to school year.

JeDonna Dinges, mother of a teen daughter suggests: "Start shopping as soon as possible to catch sales and find bargains. Sign up for email lists to get advance notice of sales. Buy thrift when possible and recycle binders, backpacks and lunch totes if you can.  If you have more than one child have them swap lunch totes for example. Or have a mom 2 mom clothing and school supplies swap at home or in the neighborhood."

Chastity Pratt, mother of two suggests: "For peace, run (exercise)! A glass of wine isn't a bad idea. For expenses, get the school supplies early. Put clothes in layaway in the summer and pay it down by the start of school. Remember you don't have to do it all at once. Back to school clothes  shopping can be spread over several weeks even after school starts. And I love resale shops because you can get trendy clothes for a fraction of the cost. Never pay full price!!"

Kelly Donaldson, mother of one says her advice is simple: "Create a schedule that will dictate your day from start to finish and DO NOT DEVIATE FROM IT. Also remain calm because there's no such thing as a perfect school. You're bound to find something you don't like at even the best school and something you can't live without at the worst."

Cre Baker, mother or four says: "Get kids involved in making choices on their own.
Attend giveaways. I've collected one backpack for each of my children and finally, enjoy a smaller grocery bill as the kids go back to school."

Hopefully some of these ideas from very engaged parents will help you in your countdown to get it together and get your kids back to school on-time and prepared!

*Content provided by our sponsor, the Michigan Education Savings Plan.