Back to School Shopping TipsWe asked our readers how they save money on their school clothes and supply shopping. Here are the answers.
No Fighting TipCarry a few hot wheels type cars and little "men" around in your purse. These are only to be taken out for "waiting time", as in the doctor's office, etc. Let the kids play with them. The tip is - no fighting is allowed because these toys belong to mom!
Fantastically Frugal Family FunFamily activities don't have to be elaborate or costly to be enjoyable. Often the simplest activities are the ones kids enjoy the most. We've taken our kids to Walt Disney World and a host of other extravagant vacations, but the things they seem to enjoy the most are going on picnics and having family game night.
"Mom, I'm Bored!": Summer ActivitiesSummer brings mixed feelings. Usually the first week is fun but after a few days we hear the familiar refrain, "Mom, I'm bored, what can I do?"
Add Cottage Cheese To Baby ApplesauceWhen my daughters were babies, I would mix cottage cheese in with their applesauce to give them extra calcium. This was really important when my middle daughter decided she didn't want a bottle at nine months.
Trade Rent for ChoresIf you have a grown child living with you and paying rent, see if he/she will trade off housekeeping duties for all or part of his/her rent. Hey, it might work!
Coloring Books and Crayons in the CarWhen I take coloring books and crayons in the car, I use an old baby wipe container with a snap lid. The kids can open it by themselves and they aren't spilling them in the car thus no lost crayons and they are responsible for their items.
Tina
Reading to the KidsMy 4 year old Grandson loves to soak in the tub when taking his bath. I use that time to read him classic children stories
Prepaid Phone Cards as a RewardStudents need to read every day. To encourage teenagers to read, try the following: As with the prepaid phone card teenagers can earn minutes of phone time. For example: Michael reads 15 minutes he earns 15 minutes of telephone time.
Free School SuppliesSchool supplies for my children this year were free! What I did was sign up for Office Depot's rebate program which gives you money back in the form of a Office Depot Gift card when you make purchases at their stores.
School Supply Clearance SalesIf possible, wait to buy most things after school starts when school supplies go on sale.
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.
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:
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
Numbers on the Ceiling for Nap TimeWhen it was nap time for the children I had one little boy who could not be still. I had the children cut out numbers and shapes from colored construction paper. I taped these to the ceiling.
Buy Baby Clothes in Neutral ColorsIf you have a baby or young child still in diapers, purchase clothes in shades of yellow, orange, or red.
Whistling for the KidsI taught my children to come when called...er...whistled for. I have a different tune that I whistle loudly for each child and they come running as soon as I whistle for them.
Keeping the Baby from SlidingProblem getting infants and toddlers to sit upright in restaurant highchairs and booster seats? Do they slide off the swings because of their tiny hinies? Take some of the contact paper designed in the honeycomb weave made out of a rubber like material.
Make Baby Food With Your BlenderSave many dollars and feed your baby healthy food. When my children where babies I did not purchase baby food. Take the same food you prepare for your family, after it is cooked run it thru the blender.
Helping Your Schoolll be going to open house at our children's schools and this would be a good time to check out the recess things your children have access to. When we were in school, the school would provide each class room with balls and jump ropes and things to be used at recess. Nowadays most schools are lucky if they have enough stuff for a gym class. Making jump ropes at home and buying a few balls at the dollar store or Walmart could be just the boost your child's class room needs. PVC pipe cut into sections can be used for games such as "hide the bone" or relay sticks for relay races. Our school has a newsletter that goes out once a month with a "Wish List" of items that our school could use. You might want to help establish a newsletter for your school or a "Wish List" in your newsletter. You will be surprised at how many parents will respond.
By Debra in Colorado
Kids Jacket SwapKids grow out of their jackets really quickly but the jackets don't seem to wear out quickly. Get together some of your friends and host a jacket or coat swap. You can also do this with adult clothes too. Everyone needs to bring a jacket that is in good shape. And now you can swap for a good jacket that will fit your ever growing kids.
Babysitting Checklist and Emergency NumbersWhen my children were little and I had to have a babysitter I would make a checklist for the babysitter and would leave it by the phone.
Putting Shoes On The Proper FeetTips for helping preschoolers put shoes on the proper feet. Post your own tips here:
Baby LullabiesYou can download many baby lullabies and classic music off the internet and make a custom CD for the baby too be played at nap time or bedtime. Also many sites have children's Audio Books that can be made into a bedtime Cd for older children.
By Debra in Colorado
Infant Cereal TipIf you have an infant and feed him infant cereal you know how difficult it can be to get all the cereal out of those silly boxes without spilling and wasting it. Just pour it into a freezer bag or Tupperware when you get home and you don't have to worry about waste! It's expensive enough!
Diaper Cream AlternativesWhen my daughter was first born, I spent a small fortune on diaper creams and name-brand baby powder (she's prone to diaper rash). She would still get a diaper rash every so often, even though I used the creams with every diaper change. When circumstances forced me to cut back on my expenses, I began using corn starch (from the baking dept.) and pure petroleum jelly (vaseline) from the dollar-store. She has not had a single diaper rash in 4 months! Not only is it much, much cheaper, I think having fewer chemicals against her sensitive skin is much healthier (and really - who is going to get close enough to a baby's butt to smell that baby powder scent?!)
By Leann D
Cleaning Baby BibsBabies are messy eaters. Bibs tend to stain badly. I've found an easy way to keep my baby's bibs as nice as possible..
Bathwater Temperature for BabiesThere is no need to purchase a special "bathwater thermometer" for your baby's bath if you already own a fever thermometer. In reality, you will be able to tell if the water is too hot, or the temperature your baby prefers, by sticking your own wrist in the bathwater. But once you have determined what that "perfect" temperature is with a fever thermometer, you can pass this info on to babysitters or grandparents who might be giving the little one a bath.
By Leann D
A Popsicle Makes the Medicine Go DownBefore you give your child a nasty tasting pill or medicine, try giving him a flavored frozen Popsicle to suck on. It'll help to anesthetize their sense of taste long enough to make the swallowing a little easier.
By Kathy
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.
Tip For The (ahem) ToothfairyI use a pretty pill box (available at most pharmacies) - the ones intended to carry pills for when you're on the go - for my daughters when they lose a tooth. I have my daughter place the tooth in the box and then put it under their pillow before bed. This makes it easier for the Toothfairy to find in the dark. Then, when my daughters wake up in the morning, they find the empty pill box and the Toothfairy's gift in a ziploc bag, as the pill box isn't large enough usually to hold the gift.
By Melissa from Missouri
Antacid Liquids for Diaper RashWhen my son gets a diaper rash (usually from foods that contain more acid than he can tolerate) instead of using the high priced ointments that don't work on the burning feeling, I use liquid malox or mylanta on his bottom. As soon as I apply that, he feels instant relief.
By Green18chick
Reminder of Love for College StudentsWe have started a tradition for our children when they go off to college. Each time my daughter comes home for a break from school, she is met with a single red rose. Just a reminder of how much we love her! Many times roses are only $1 each so this is also not expensive!
By Robin
Swapping Clothing With Other MomsSince my son was born the biggest money saver for me has been a group of moms I swap with. We all have children within a year or two of each other so we just rotate the items the kids outgrow.
Pack a Lunch for the Preschooler TooWhen I pack lunch for my school age children, I pack one for my younger child as well that way he gets a kick out of using his lunch box and we have lunch prepared if we are on the go at lunchtime.
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.
Teach Your Children How To Count Back ChangeIf your kids were to get jobs where they'll be running cash registers. Help them. Gather up some cash and change, sit down with them. Give them an amount of your pretend purchase, you pretend to "pay" for something and let them count out what change they'd give you back.
Teach Children Bathroom Hygiene EarlyYou can't start too early to teach children to wash their hands after using the potty! Remind them where their hands have been and where they put them, on the handle to flush.
Practice Reading With Your ChildrenPractice reading with your child everyday. If you read one page, she reads one page, the story goes quicker, you and she can discuss the story as it goes.
By Linda
Baby Oil For Cradle CapMy son had cradle cap until the day before his first birthday. The doctor kept telling me it would go away on its own. Well, I had had it by the time he was almost one so I found this home remedy.
Quick Homemade WafflesWe're always rushed on school mornings, so I make up a batch of waffles ahead of time and freeze them in individual serving sizes. You take them out of the freezer and put them in the toaster and they come out awesome!
Feeding My ToddlerMy toddler eats a lot of the same foods we eat but when it comes to peaches, apples, sandwiches, meats, and some veggies, they are still to tough or too much for her to chew.
Using Medicine DroppersIf you have to give your toddler tylenol or other "dropper" medicine measure the medicine in the dropper then transfer to a spoon. That way you won't recontaminate them with the same sick germs later, or have to throw out the bottle of medicine.
By Melanie
Unmatched Socks for PlayWhen your kids go out to play in the snow let them wear pairs of unmated socks, probably more then one to keep warmer. Then when they come in just let them put on the regular mated socks.
Keeping the Kids from Unrolling Toilet PaperIf you have small children, they've probably played unroll-the-toilet-paper at some point. To make it harder for kids to unroll it, and make toilet paper last longer, squish the roll so that it's no longer round before you put it on the holder. Kids won't be able to give it a spin and unroll it.
By Camilla
Reusable Drawing SurfacesPut a coloring page, clip art, etc. in a large Ziploc bag and let the children trace these with wipe-off markers. The same page can be used over and over.
Disposing of DiapersThis for all parents, caregivers etc. of infants/toddlers in diapers. Before putting smelling diapers in trash use a bread sack/plastic bags to wrap them in. We use this in my room at work. I care for infants. Somedays 9 or 10. We even use bags for the urine diapers. Makes a big difference.
By Starla
Making a Bed For Night Time AccidentsDuring night time potty training, I came up with an idea to avoid middle of the night sheet changing by "doubling up". I made up the mattress like this: plastic fitted sheet, regular cotton sheet, plastic fitted sheet, cotton sheet.
Helping Stop Popsicle MessMy boys, ages 2 and 4, love Popsicles year round. They also have to rush to potty or to catch a good tune they hear on the TV and put the Popsicle down. A paper towel does not cut it, so I give them cups to hold the Popsicle until they get back.
Exercise For A Preschooler At HomeHelp your young preschooler (3-4 year old) in hand strengthening, fine motor skills, name and shape recognition.
Keeping Track Of Your Sippy CupsWhen taking my daughter to church or other outings, there were always people there with her same kind of sippy cup. I hated to write on the actual cup with a permanent marker so I used my label maker to print out her name and placed it on the lid of the cup.
Make a Writing Time CapsuleHere's a great project for children just learning to write. Make a Time Capsule. Have the child write their name or ABCs on a piece of paper and date it. Roll the paper and place in a paper towel tube. You can decorate the tube with paints, markers or fabric. Tape the ends closed and use a pen to mark a date to be opened. The start of the school year is a good time to do this project and have the kids open it on the last day of school. They'll be able to see how much their handwriting has improved and will have a real sense of pride and accomplishment at their progress.
By Cheryl from Missouri
Use Hand Cut-outs To Teach NumbersTo teach my little ones the concept of numbers I did the normal counting beans and other objects. A fun thing we did as a craft and a lesson was this. We traced both hands on construction paper and cut them out. Then we traced these several times and cut them out. I would have the child take one cut-out hand, and show me how many fingers we needed for the number one. They would use their glue stick to glue down the other fingers just as we do when we hold up one finger. It was so cute watching them figure out which fingers to glue down and how to do it. When we got to the numbers six thru ten they really had to think because they had to figure out which pair of hands they needed.When they had met the challenge we tacked their work on their personal bulletin board.
By Trigger
Tips For Expecting MomsDon't waste money on special diaper disposal systems. Start saving the plastic bags that newspapers come in and when you have a stinky diaper, put it in the newspaper bag, tie a knot and put it right in the regular trash. Make sure to carry some in the diaper bag also for when you are out.
First Aid Kit for Diaper BagTo make a first aid kit for your baby's diaper bag, take a cleaned out peanut butter jar, then put your tylenol, band aids, bottle of mommy aspirin, bee sting pen, alcohol pads, etc. inside. This is quick to locate and keeps the bag neater looking.
By Melanie
Boys and Bathroom BreaksI am the mother of 3 little boys ranging from the ages of 3 1/2 to 7 months and when we have to be out somewhere I found it was quite difficult to unload all 3 and go inside to use the bathroom when one of the older boys had to go.
Ideas for Rainy Spring Days with the KidsOn those rainy spring days when the kids are complaining of being bored have them do a scavenger hunt in the house! You can have them find any number of things and it will keep them busy as well as helping them have a little fun!
Do You Ever Run Out of Baby Wipes?And you can't get out for more? My son is 13 but has Cerebral palsy so wears "adult pull-ups." I go through A LOT of pull-ups during a winter storm where I couldn't get out.
New Parents Need Help, TooMy sweet granddaughter is such a good baby, but bless their hearts, the parents haven't had a full nights sleep since she came home.
Teaching A Child How to Spell His/Her NameI have a four year old daughter and I am trying to help her get a head-start on learning before she starts school. My husband and I taught her how to spell her name one letter at a time.
Bag Balm for Baby's BottomIf your baby has diaper rash and you have tried all the creams (i.e. desitin etc.) use Bag Balm and your baby's bottom will clear up overnight. It's the only thing I use for my babies. It also works on their sore noses from blowing them when they have allergies or a cold.
Less Laundry with BabiesTo lessen your laundry load with babies, put a bib on your baby when you feed and burp them, this way if they spit-up it will get on the bib and not their clothes.
Monopoly Money for TreatsWhen grandkids are visiting for the summer I have already bought up lots of things from garage sales and then they help with different tasks at the house.
Colic Remedies - Tip for Colicky BabiesI know that new Mothers are VERY hesitant about anything us OLD FOLKS reccommend, but honestly this works. Doctors aren't there when a young mother is dealing with a screaming baby. My Mother suggested this when my oldest had colic for nearly 3 months.
Summer's Coming: "Mom, what can I do?"Usually the first week is fun but after a few days we hear the familiar refrain, "Mom, I'm bored, what can I do?"
Homemade Drinkable YogurtMy kids love the Danimals brand drinkable yogurts, but they are such small servings and quite expensive. I make my own drinkable yogurt in a glass or plastic drink shaker.
Baby Teeth and the DentistEveryone teaches their children to brush their teeth, but lots of people don't think of baby teeth. Baby's teeth should be brushed every day as soon as they come in. And children should see a dentist as early as 1-2 years of age.
Reduced Pain from Booster ShotsWhen your young child gets that next set of booster shots, be prepared with a bottle of Camphophenique. Pour some on a cotton ball and place over the inoculation site held in place with a bandaid for several hours. This will help reduce the pain that seems to linger for hours or days afterward.
Letting Toddlers Pour Their Own JuiceWhen your toddler reaches the "I can do it myself" stage, and wants to pour her own juice, give her a small size partially full pitcher. Place her cup on the open door of the dishwasher.
Always Use Seat Belts In CartsWhen shopping with young children please use the seat belts and child seats in buggies. I have seen children almost fall out or climb out themselves. You know it only "takes a second" for something awful to happen.
Covering Baby Car Seats During Hot WeatherKeep a white towel in your car for covering the babyseat, steering wheel or front seat during hot sunny weather.
Thrifty Fun at the MallGo to a mall with the kids try out massage chairs, Try scented soaps and have kids use soap and lotions. Bring picnic lunches and eat in food court and people watch.
Teaching A Child To Be ThoughtfulThe other day while babysitting my Grandson told me his friend across the street had the day before had a birthmark removed so she couldn't come out and play. I suggested he get out construction paper and make her a card and take it to her.
Double Knotting LacesI often take care of a little girl with a profound learning disability. When she wears tennis shoes with laces she hates to have them double-knotted.
"The Teacher" PoemI have this sweet poem in my family scrapbook, and thought I'd like to share it:
Budgeting for AdolescentsIf your adolescent seems to have no idea about money and budgeting issues, set up a monthly or quarterly clothing allowance. When it's gone, that's it.
Single Parenting: Dealing With Dead-Beat DadsMy heart goes out to the innocent children who are dragged into Talk Shows with two cursing, yelling parents letting the world know they have a problem with support for their child. Children have feelings too, and the bitterness only produces frustrated adolescents. Then parents wonder why kids go off the deep end and commit crimes in an effort to get someone to listen.
Let Kids Help Prepare MealsLet your children help prepare lunch or dinner. While you're fixing the meal they can put ice in the glasses, set the table, wash and tear lettuce or salad mix, place napkins on the table, etc.
Marking Jackets for SchoolUnless you want to replace jackets and the like that are lost at school, be sure to label everything-on the inside. White-out can be used on dark clothes and will not wash out. One year I had 6 students with identical navy blue sweatshirts in my class!
Keeping Your Children Safe In PublicThis is more of a safety tip than a thrifty tip! With back to school, here, don't label your child's belongings with his name where strangers can see it. Put his name inside his things. If a small child is addressed by name by a stranger, the stranger seems "known" to the child.
Dressing Kids in Matching OutfitsBecause of our work schedules, my husband usually gets our 2 year old son dressed in the morning. To make things easier, I made up a set of hangers with the days of the week on them.
Organizing the NurseryHere's one of the ways that I organized my son's nursery before he was born, and I still use it now that he's a toddler! I found a nice, large rectangular wooden basket and lined the inside with a receiving blanket.
Small Signs for Learning Vocabulary and MathI use this to learn more medical words concerning my illness, but I had used this when my daughter was in school.
Free Child ID KitI have seen on the news that Hurricane Katrina left many children separated from their parents; I cannot fathom being separated from my son, and could imagine that I'd be extremely panicked and would be trying everything possible to locate him.
Limiting Fights Over TV ShowsTo stop some of the TV program fights set times for each age group in home.
New Life for Kids' ShoesI've brought new life into shoes by buying 'Scuff' repair dye next to the shoe polish...
Post It Notes for Toddler LearningUse post it notes to play with your toddler. Write letters, numbers and draw pictures on them to stick to the wall. They are economical, safe and fun!..
Emergency NumbersTips for organizing emergency numbers.
Banana Stroller CoverI always had problems with my son's stroller getting dirty in the trunk of my car or the back of our truck. I noticed one day that we had a few folding lawn chairs that come in their own storage/carry bags.
Removing Sour Milk Smell from Baby BottlesBaking soda will take the nasty, sour milk smell out of baby bottles. Just fill them with some warm water and a spoonful of baking soda. Shake it up well and then rinse it out. Then you can wash them as usual.
Teaching Responsibility and Accountability to PreTeens and TeensDoes it seem your son or daughter always "needs" (or wants) money? One way to save YOUR money is to help your preteen/teen develop a small business.
Have Fun With The Kids On Rainy Days!For preschoolers and babies, nothing beats a cardboard box! Older preschoolers can color on it, and decorate. Babies like to play peek a boo with the flaps...
Flash Cards for Learning New WordsI made flash cards for my daughter to help her learn new words. I bought a pack of index cards and went through some old magazine and found pictures...
Making Masks for the Kids From Paper PlatesMake a mask with a paper plate. Have your child paint a face on the plate (bear, tiger, worm) then glue on ears, cut out eyes, and attach string on the sides. Make more masks and put on a play!
Getting the Kids Involved with the Food BudgetOur children used to love having a certain brand of cookie or snack, but unfortunately they were also the most expensive. I wanted to teach them about a budget without making them feel as if they were missing out on something so we invented "Family coupon night".
Keeping Kids Warm in the SnowWhen your children are ready to go out and play in the snow a great way to keep them warm is to have them wear their pajamas. The ones with the feet in them.
Register at Baby SitesOne of the Best Money Saving Tips I've found for new mothers is to go onto the baby sites and register. They have sent me tons vouchers for up to $5.50 off formula and also full sized cans of formula...
Teaching a Child Their Left From RightAn easy way to teach a child their left from right is to tell them to put both hands in front of them with their thumbs extended and other four fingers together.
Substitute for Baby WipesDo you have a little one just learning to potty or want a better alternative to plain old toilet paper? Use one of the pump type dispensers for foam soaps/shampoos and place it near the toilet.
"You Are Driving Me Crazy"This weekend I had a craft day with my five year old nephew. I was having trouble with my words getting through to him. He kept doing the opposite of everything I asked.
A Letter from the Tooth FairyI always enjoyed playing the Tooth Fairy with my children. To make the experience more fun for my kids, after they were asleep, I would remove the tooth from under their pillow and in place of it, I would include a letter that the Tooth Fairy wrote.
Bumper Pads for Toddler's RoomWhen my Grandson was learning to walk he fell against the wall and bumped his head. I came up with the idea of putting bumper pads on the walls of his room. . .
