Tips For Surviving The Back To School Shopping Daze
Posted on April 9, 2008 - Filed Under Home and Family
Soon as the August long weekend is over, most parents, especially the moms, are faced with the both fun and dreaded back-to-school shopping daze. Moms, you know what I’m talking about. Depending on the age and sex of your child, you end up either dragging or being dragged throughout the mall searching for ‘the’ outfit, school box, sneakers, or backpack.
For those of us who have children young enough who really don’t care what they wear, and are just thrilled when we come home with a Thomas the Train lunchbox, or Dora sneakers, enjoy it while you can, because it doesn’t take long before you are faced with ‘the’ shopping experience to end all shopping experiences - shopping with a teen.
For those moms who work all week and are left with no time but to take their teen shopping on the weekend, when every other parent is out shopping with their kids, here are a few tips to help you keep your sanity:
1) Have a good breakfast, a strong cup of coffee, and get out of the house early. The earlier you get into the mall, the earlier you can get out. Don’t even think about missing breakfast, you’ll need the nourishment to keep you going through this very physical and emotional shopping boot camp.
2) Make a plan with your kids before leaving the house and have them sign it. I know it sounds extreme, but, remember, it’s for your own sanity. Make sure they know you will only go to ‘x’ number of stores, and spend ‘x’ number of dollars and, that once you’ve reached both limits, it’s time to pack up and go.
3) Keep on schedule. Remember, spending more time looking at tops with the girl, and not as much time looking at sneakers with the boy, could lead to a mutiny. Set a timer if you must.
4) Take breaks. When you notice eyes are starting to glaze over, yours or theirs, recognize that food and drink and rest are needed, otherwise you’ll never finish.
5) Know that you’re not alone and lend a helping hand, glance, wink to the other mothers you see struggling with their shopping daze. Actually, it might be a good idea to print an extra copy of these tips out for your friends, or keep some in your purse to hand out to those moms who look lost and could use a little moral support.
Nancy Slawski is a parenting author and the owner of ParentSource.ca and Visit Parent Source to find family activities, events, birthday party ideas and more.
Tags: back to school, family, kids, parenting, teens
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