As the new school year begins, I remember the "getting ready" in August,
rushing around to stationary stores (Staples, Office Max, Office Depot didn't
exist) to be sure supplies were available at home for my four kids. Kids
weren't quite as fussy about the style of back-packs, folders/binders,
pens/pencils, etc. as they are today, so that was easier. This is still an
important part of the preparation at home, and, since kids can't get to
stores on their own, it falls to parents. It's wise to "stock up" in the
fall, practically (so you don't have to rush out last minute for a necessity)
and economically (buy in bulk, much cheaper).
Also, parents should always be looking for "teachable moments" - shopping is
very much in this category, especially in this recession economy.
There have always been "name brands" and "fashion fads". Teach your kids
about wise and practical shopping. Even back-in-the-day, kids wanted what
everyone else had. My parents were not wealthy and did not believe in
credit; they were never in debt. When I was a kid, there was a department
store called Alexander's in NYC; it carried everything. Most of the parents
of my friends shopped there. My mother didn't - she hated shopping, hated
the crowds in such stores, was looking for quality rather than quantity. My
sister and I didn't understand at first, and we were not too happy with my
mother's decisions, but we were the "kids" and she was the "parent", and we
didn't win such discussions. We had fewer outfits, but they looked better
and lasted longer (they were classic styles which didn't go out of fashion).
I still follow this shopping rule of thumb - I buy what I can afford (no
debt), what is quality and lasting (you won't believe how old some of my
sweaters are), and what I need, rather than what I want.
It's also a good time to teach kids how fortunate they are in having what
they do have. I read somewhere, not so long ago, that the poorest person in
the USA is richer than 2/3 of the people in the world. Food for thought!
