It is that time of year! A new school year is exciting but there is no denying that it can be stressful too.
8 days. My children start school in 8 days. I’m starting to freak out a little. I have two long school supply lists staring at me, begging me to buy the things listed on them. I haven’t done a darn thing for Back to School and I have 8 days. Okay, I’m really freaking out now.
Both kids need new uniforms and school shoes. I should probably get them backpacks and haircuts as well. I do this every year. I procrastinate until the very last minute on getting what the kids need and then I am frustrated that I can’t find what I need. I guess I like to torture myself. And the lists are so long with so much on them. How is one kid supposed to carry all of that to school? They aren’t camels! I don’t remember needing all this stuff – Kleenex, hand sanitizer by the gallon, supplies for an entire class. Am I the only one questioning why I’m buying supplies for an entire class for the school year?
As I was driving around today, I was thinking about those awful school supply lists and I wondered why doesn’t Wal-Mart or Target get together with the local school districts and offer the supplies in a bundle online? That would make my life so much easier! I refuse to take the kids with me when I do the shopping. It just becomes chaos and a fight over what is wanted versus what is actually needed. I am thankful that my kids have to wear school uniforms so we don’t have the Back to School clothing fight.
I know I could probably save a bunch of money by shopping around and finding the best deals but really, I have 8 days. I don’t have time for that. So now, I guess I’ll be manning up and spending the cash to just buy what’s needed at whatever price I can find it at. I’m sure the stores love slackers like me. I hope I’m not the only one out there in mommy-land who isn’t ready for Back to School yet? Someone? Anyone?
Please take our poll and share your thoughts on what is stressing you out this back to school season. No kids in school this year? Share what stressed you out in the past!
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Photo Credit: Phil Roeder
About the Author:
Jen loves to read. She can’t stop herself. It’s become an obsession. She is in love with her husband, kids, iced coffee and books. Jen lives in beautiful Colorado but is originally from the West Coast.
Thank goodness all our kids are grown and I have no back to school stress here.
My daughter’s school let’s us order everything online and its there waiting for them on the first day of school…i of course forgot to do it by the deadline….
Jodie, there are no words for that nonsense!
Mo kids-so no back to school shopping–I have noticed that Staples has really great prices on that kind of stuff–I made the mistake of walking in there during this time of the year last year!! Maybe you Mom’s should all suggest to Walmarts, Staples etc that perhaps they should donate hand sanitizer, tissues, etc to the schools which reside in their districts!!
I remember when my boys were in school, my complaint was “why does EVERY teacher have a different list”? It would be so much easier if there was one list for Elementary school, middle school and high school. Instead of every teacher handing out a list the night of open house, school starts the next day and they want the whole list. So glad those days are behind me. But I do miss my boys.
I have to purchase books for my kids too so that is the major stresser for me. Trying to find discounted ones online before their classes start.
It’s totally different in Germany. Everything is super organized before summer break already, so you have time all summer to buy the new things and only have a little left once school starts 🙂
At least I don’t have the stress of a child that doesn’t want to go to school. My little girl has been begging to go back since the week after school let out!
The only thing that is stressing me out this year is my middle very shy and sensitive child is starting pre-k. My daughter is easy she is very independent and was happy to start school and leave me, him on the other hand may be an issue. I am afraid for the crying and mommy dont go 🙁
My daughter isn’t old enough for school yet, but wow that seems like a lot of stress for you… I guess I have something to look forward to 😉
We’ve decided to give homeschooling a try this year.
Seems a lot of us are stressed out about finances for back to school stuff. I know I am! And honestly, I’ve been under so much stress this summer I don’t even know the official day of when school starts :/
This the most stressful time of the year for me. After this year, I will be down to just one at least. : )
Personally, I’m dreading showing up for the first day of school only to discover that the $100 I spent on school supplies was wasted because each of my kids’ teachers has created their own, entirely different supply list.
I guess I am lucky, my baby is grown up now and I don’t have to worry about those things. She is looking for a job and that is pretty stressful. Good luck to you and your children.
I don’t have kids, so I don’t know yet what it is like to go shopping for someone else but even as a college student, it can be stressful!
So my Back to School procrastination bit me in the ass yesterday.
I knew my son had orientation this morning but I didn’t know he was supposed to be in full dress uniform AND bring all his school supplies. I got a voice mail about 6 pm last night advising us. I was at the gym. Workout cut short, I ended up shoe shopping and supply shopping last night. Didn’t get home till 9:30. Have I learned my lesson? Probably not. LOL
OMG, Jen. Too funny. I guess not really to you.
I had to find humor in it Pam, or else I would have been really, really ticked.
Wow Jen, your kids start back early. What about those last Summer days? That’s just no fair.
I am ready. Though, I am not happy about Summer coming to an end. It’s never long enough. We are switching things up a bit and trying homeschooling this year. If she doesn’t care for it she can go back to public school. We live in a great school district, but I am sort of fed up with the problems and concerns that accompany public school, no matter how good it is. There our a couple of other mothers I know who made the same decision.
I’ll be headed back to the workforce and finding good after school care is my primary concern right now.
Lily,
My kids are on a modified year round schedule so we get a two week break at the end of October. That makes up for going back so early.
Rosey,
I hear you on the daycare issue! My husband and I both work full time and the kids ride the bus. The bus drops off no where near our house and there is no way we would ever let them walk that far home. We got lucky and found a mom that also picks up her child at the same bus stop and she was willing to pick ours up also.
Hope my little cousins are not too nervous
I don’t have kids of my own so I don’t have to deal with back to school shopping, but I do have a 9 year old niece and 6 year old nephew that I watch for my sister almost every day so my life is about to change when school starts. One more week and then I’m going to have a big, giant hole in my days. I should be looking forward to having so much time to myself, but mostly I know I’m going to miss having them here every day.
As a parent, you cannot be a procrastinator. You have to have a schedule about when and how things will get done, or you will find yourself with 8 days until the school year begins and will be freaking out. I would rather get that chore out of the way so that I do not have to think about it. It is tough enough with all the changes that happen with the beginning of the new school year. We should not have the added pressure of doing last minute shopping.
I am so glad school is starting back soon! I love my daughter but she loves to talk and is missing having the other kids to play with. I am usually a slacker lol but I’ve got my girl ready to go!!
I totally agree, Heather! I shouldn’t be a procrastinator. It’s one of my most Imperfect qualities. 🙂
My kids start school on Aug 26, I’ve only bought school supplies for 1 so far, still 2 kids to go. I always take my kids. 1 at a time for school shopping, we make a day of it – supply shopping, clothes shopping, lunch ect. Does anyone know why a second grader would need 12 glue sticks?
stxmom,
Nice to see you. I see lots of art projects coming home. 🙂
Oh my, 12 glue sticks! Lots of projects going on in that classroom.
My kids are so looking forward to the new school year.
12 glue sticks??? My guess is this will be a shared school supply with the other classmates.