You feel it in your bones. You avoid those sideways glances and instead bury your head in the human sand called the internet hoping that they will slowly recede back to their rooms without noticing you are alive. Sweat starts to drip down your forehead, your pulse rate mimics an African drum and you began to squirm in your seat and wonder if you might have a tapeworm. The hot seat. Ignore, ignore, ignore you tell yourself. Not going to happen. They found you. The place you tried to hide out in becomes your prison as your two teenage kids block the exit of your room, holding advertisements in their hands with back-to-school pictures of the things they "need" for school. Yes, it is that time of year again. Didn't we just go on Summer vacation?
Parents dread this time of year and yet relish it at the same time. Back to school means you can free up some time to get work done around the house, spend time relaxing or simply run more errands and it gives the kids something to do after the many times you have heard these words, "I'm bored" the whole Summer. Not anymore sweethearts.....you will have so much homework, you will puke out math signs. If only it were that easy. Back-to-school also means that your wallet will suddenly lose weight and the stores will gain it. Starting up school means clothes, backpacks, school supplies, shoes, haircuts, class fees, school pics (these are usually done 1st week of school to catch the kids in a good mood before reality sets in) and any other costs associated with sending kids to an all-day campus to get their education on and their social skills perfected.
Well, don't lose heart. Not all is what it seems. We, as parents can get through this tough time of the year. Having raised 5 kids by myself, I have had to be quite creative in providing for them during special times in their lives and this is definitely one of them. So I have created a list of ways for you to save money, and yet still get them ready and looking good in their awkward years. And yours :)
Haircuts - Usually around this time, salons will send you coupons for kid hair-cuts that offer a steep discount for those back-to-school specials. Keep an eye out for them in your mailings and also look for them in your Sunday Newspaper.
School Supplies - Many places like churches, big companies, stores, sales businesses (realtors, car dealerships) and community organizations give away backpacks, school supplies, free haircuts and more. Reach out to your local State organizations, libraries, community centers and churches to find out who is participating in these programs. You can also use the internet and look up organizations such as http://www.kinf.org/programs/srs/ or https://www.thespruce.com/free-backpacks-and-donated-school-supplies-2996985 and https://www.classroomcentral.org/?gclid=CjwKCAjw2ZXMBRB2EiwA2HVD-EaHK-j-_c3FVNq1JVo0lw6FaWWcCZq0ftOkNNQ4DklIpjh1BOxZUhoCwGcQAvD_BwE. These are just a few resources for you.
Clothes/Shoes - Many churches in your area offer Free Clothing programs that carry clothes that are in good condition that have been donated to them. You won't have to worry about stained, torn or clothes in bad condition being given to you. These items are usually gently worn and even carry designer labels. Don't forget those outlet stores which sell new clothes and shoes that are overstocked in other stores and end up at these places at great bargain prices. You can also check out your local thrift shop which usually offer 1/2 off sales every other weekend:
https://www.goodwillaz.org/?gclid=Cj0KEQjw_JrMBRDPx_PF9fjmgrcBEiQAKKzUfKWKlTBAwQLVc1tabjw4lxYmbl5fgKBMpJKjypBUnj0aAhiA8P8HAQ
Well, there you have it! You can began living life again and stop hiding from your kids when August rolls around. These are just some ideas that can help you save money, and get your kids ready for one of the most important days of their lives.