Best Time to Buy Back to School Clothes?This is my daughter's second year of school. She will be in the first grade. Is it less expensive to buy her clothes now or after school starts? She already has one new outfit to wear for the first day.
- Jennifer
Extra Back to School Expenses for High School?My son is heading for high school this year. We are on a very tight budget and have other children. What added expenses should I expect during the first weeks of school?
School Supply Tip: Cheap Office SuppliesOk, this not exactly a tip on how to buy cheap school supplies but is something to think about while you are busy buying your kids supplies. Every year although my kids are all grown I hit the school supply sales and here is why:
Thrifty Stores for Back to School ShoppingDon't forget to check out Goodwill and the Salvation Army stores for good buys on clothing. Stick to neutrals when buying the basics and you can expand your wardrobe.
Teen Back-To-School Saving On Designer ClothingI discovered Plato's Closet which is a teenage designer clothing consignment store. My teen can get name brand clothing for less than it would cost to buy her clothes at Walmart. She also can take her outgrown clothes that are in good condition and receive money back. Go to http://www.platoscloset.com to find the location nearest you. You won't be disappointed!
By M. Day
Brand Names Vs. Your BudgetHow can we avoid the back-to-school shopping "brand-name blues?"
Ten Dos and Don'ts for School DazeKids all over the nation are returning to school. Here are some things to anticipate, and some tips.
Let Older Children Handle Their Clothing BudgetGive older children and teenagers their own reasonable clothing budget. They quickly learn that the money only goes so far. If they want designer jeans, fine, but they'll have to cut back somewhere else or earn the extra money themselves.
Box Lunches That Boost GradesThe right lunch can boost kids' brainpower, cut down on sick days and give them steady energy. Here are the best foods to keep school kids in tip-top shape:
Buy Dark Clothing - Know When to SkimpIf you're on a budget, spend less by buying dark-colored clothes. Workmanship is much less noticeable in dark-colored fabrics, so most inexpensive darks can pass for pricier.
Shoe Shopping Strategy - Trace Your Child's FeetSo that I don't miss out on kids' shoe sales when I am out shopping without my daughter I periodically trace her feet on a piece of paper, cut it out and tuck it in my purse.
Laptop Bag and Backpack Reviews?I'm going back to school and need some ideas on a good bag to get.
Also, is it a good idea to get a laptop backpack instead of carrying a laptop bag around? I'm just worried that it will damage my laptop.
Bakeless Bake Sale Ideas?Bakeless bake sales are the new big thing at my daughter's high school. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Sharpening a Pencil?Why is it that I can't seem to sharpen a pencil without the lead falling out as it gets pointed? I have to sharpen a few inches off a pencil until the lead does not break.
Using Email To Keep In Touch With TeachersUsing Email To Keep In Touch With Teachers. If you are a working out of the home parent, let a teacher know if you can be reached by email at work. . .
School SnacksBack to School Snack. A little story of when my daughter was younger. I would now and then make her some peanut butter crackers. No big deal. Before you know it she was coming home with all types of junk snacks. . .
Back to School "New Year Resolution" Studies say that you are less likely to be able to keep a January resolution due to fatigue and post holiday stress syndrome... So, why wait until January to resolve to make a lifestyle improvement?
Cheap Notebooks For Back To SchoolJust a tip to pass along. Right now you can get really cheap notebooks at Wal-Mart. They are 10 cents each. I bought a whole case, probably enough for a whole year for $2.40.
Back to School Shopping TipsPurchase items early: the school gives supply list at end of year so when you find requirement on sale, purchase if not able to use from previous year.
Tips for Buying School SuppliesAs a teacher and mom, I am on both sides of the "school supply list" scavenger hunt. Here are my tips.
Recycling Last Year's School SuppliesIt's time to go back to school which means it's an expensive time for parents. Besides buying new clothes and school supplies, time is spent cleaning out last years' things to make way for the new. Try to use some of the old to make the new and save some money.
Oriental Trading Company For Birthday GoodiesSince schools do not allow homemade goodies for birthdays and holidays anymore, Oriental Trading Company has various items in their catalog that would be fun to hand out instead of candy or sweets.
Ideas For "Body Parts" Topic For Preschool Class?Please give me some creative ideas to do on the topic "body parts" for preschool class?
Advice For Transitioning From Elementary to Junior High School?I'm entering 7th grade this fall and will be going to junior high. It's a lot different then my elementary especially in size. I am very nervous. Do you have any advice for me? Please help!
Meet The Teacher NightIf your school has a "Meet the Teacher Night", this is a wonderful chance for your child to view their new classroom, learn where it is located, perhaps meet a few of their new classmates, and most importantly, get to actually meet the teacher while Mom and/or Dad are there to make them feel a bit more comfortable.
Stock up at Back To School TimeI used to work in a daycare, and at back to school sale time, I stocked up on items I would need for the daycare for the year (scissors, colored pencils, markers, etc.).
Label Child's Belongings for SchoolWith school back in full swing, for your younger children who might have trouble remembering their coats, jackets, or other items, at school or on the school buses, please put their names on the clothing tags inside, so they can be returned your family.
Sturdy Book CoversUse your left-over wallpaper to cover your kid's books this school year. Wallpaper is sturdy, lasts, and it's also a way to make use of what you have.
Help Kids Match Clothes with PhotosMy 4 and 5 year olds pick out their own school clothes after I used this tip and are always in matching outfits. Before school started this year, we played model and took a photo of them in each outfit.
Buy School Supplies Now for ChristmasBuy extra school supplies now, as they start to go on clearance. By Christmas time, new markers, crayons, cute pens, notebooks and folders will make great stocking stuffers and small gifts. They will be needed by then, too.
Buy Notebook Paper on SaleWhen notebook paper comes on sale, buy enough for the entire school year. Why pay $2.00 later for the same pack of paper that will cost you $.50 during the big school supply sales in August?
Be Good the First Week of SchoolIn the first week of school, don't act bad. You will really be considered the "bad kid" and teachers won't be nice to you during the school year because they know how you act.
School Supplies for Low Income Children?How do you get help buying School Supplies for low income children. My daughter could use this money to pay bills instead of buying school supplies, as she lost her job.
Plan Your Back to School PurchasesYour children might want new clothes, backpacks, and etc. but you can't afford all of it. Start out planning what you will get, starting with your kids supplies.
Brass Band Instrument TipI have tips about brass wind band instruments for the young student.
Buy Teachers' Gifts NowIt might be fall, but now is the time to purchase your child's teacher gifts. Teachers always appreciate tokens of student appreciation, especially those that are hand-picked by their students.
School Supply Savings at Dollar TreeDoes your kids go back to school? Or are they homed schooled? It doesn't matter! You can easily get your kids the supplies that they need. Don't spend your money all at Walmart. If you go to Dollar Tree you could save $25.99!
Donate Leftover School SuppliesDo your children come home the last day of school with overflowing backpacks from cleaning out their lockers, cubbies, desks, etc? I like to donate the extra supplies to a local shelter that helps families with children.
Saving Money on School SuppliesThis is a page about saving money on school supplies. Every year, the list of school supplies seems to get longer. There are ways to minimize the expense of school supplies while still getting everything your child needs.
Saving Money on School UniformsThis is a page about saving money on school uniforms. Uniforms make getting your kids ready for school easier, but they can be quite pricey. There are options out there that can ease the financial burden on parents when it comes to buying uniforms.
Preparing Kids for Going Back to SchoolThis is a page about preparing kids for going back to school. When Summer starts coming to an end, it's time to get the kids ready for going back to school. Shopping for clothes, school supplies and getting rid of old items are all on the agenda.
Saving Money on Sports Equipment for SchoolThis is a page about saving money on sports equipment for school. If your child plays sports at school, there are a lot of expenses for equipment. Finding ways to save on this equipment is important especially if they play more than one sport or you have more than one child.
Getting Your Children to Do HomeworkSetting up a routine to complete their after school studies, will help your child succeed. This page is about getting your child to do homework.
Tips for the First Day of SchoolThis page contains tips for the first day of school. Children who are used to being home often find it a stressful time adjusting to leaving mom and dad for school.
School Bus SafetyThis is a page about school bus safety. The driver of and passengers on a school bus must work together to ensure their safety.
Decorating Your School LockerThis is a page about decorating your school locker. Decorating with photos, magnets, artwork or inspirational phrases will personalize your storage locker space at school.
Eating Breakfast Before SchoolThis is a page about eating breakfast before school. Studies have shown that students perform better in school if they eat breakfast. Busy schedules sometimes make this a difficult task.
Have a Kids Jacket SwapKids seem to grow overnight, outgrowing their clothing before it has time to get worn out. One way to save money on replacing their too small jackets is to plan a jacket swap. This is a page about have a kids jacket swap.
Finding a Cheer Squad Sponsor?When your child is in cheer, there are many expenses and obligations. Sometimes, you can find a business that is willing to help shoulder the burden. This is a page about finding a cheer squad sponsor.
Finding a Sponsor for a School Leadership Conference Trip?This is a page about finding a sponsor for a school leadership conference. It is not uncommon for a student to be invited to participate in an event, but the school is unable to cover the cost of travel, boarding, etc. for that student to be able to attend. Finding a sponsor can help defray the costs of an expensive activity.
Finding Sponsors for Daughter's Cheerleading Activities?Is there anyone that can help point me in the right direction. I am looking for companies or organizations that sponsor cheer-leaders. We live in the northern Virginia area. My daughter is 15 years old and she has been a cheerleader since she was 6 years old, cheering for 2 different all-star teams.
Convincing Parents to Drop Extra TutoringMy mum forces me to have lessons with tutors outside of school. I'm really busy (with clubs, homework, etc.) and I barely have any free time! I get good marks on tests and in class, follow the rules and so on. I don't need the lessons, I'm not struggling in school but it's not too easy. The lessons are extremely boring, not helpful, and I'm getting really sidetracked from school worrying about them!