As a parent to 4 energetic children, I get excited when the summer whines down, and we prepare for the children to go back. I mean, I cannot describe how hectic the summer feels but just know I can relate to your agony during those summer months. All your bills go up, all your food is flying out of the fridge, and the kids probably fight more or stare at you for no reason at all for an inconsiderate amount of time. Nevertheless, you love them anyway but desperately need them back to school.
Back-To-School: Parent Edition
Unfortunately, going back to school can also show us another problem we dread every year: Empty Pocket August Syndrome! Now, this does not just mean you experience a sudden shift in finances, but that big pocket that holds our precious brains seems to be experiencing a whip-out.
Symptoms include:Â
- Anxiety due to a large checkout bill once your child has experienced a swift growth
- Excessive sweating due to the frustration of searching for the same school supplies every year
- Increased fatigue due to the endless store hoping in search of all back-to-school mystery items
- Bouts of crying due to the realization that you have to spend way more money than you hopedÂ
In all seriousness, even though you may have to spend a large sum of money, your child(ren) going back to school can be a relief to some degree. Especially if the school provides all of your child(ren)’s meals; that helps ease some financial hardships. However, I want to leave you all some tips that could give you some relief at the beginning of the school.
Back-To-School Relief Tips
Tip #1
Watch the news and your social media feeds for back-to-school drives because they are everywhere. You have a good chance of getting a few of the supplies you need while also meeting other non-profit organizations that supply help year-round.
Tip #2
Let your child(ren) school know what your needs are. Trust me when I say we have a lot of great teachers and principals across Texas School Districts. Some of the teachers use money from their own pockets because they love their work and absolutely care about their student’s success.
Tip #3
If you have a church that you attend regularly, you can speak to someone on staff there, and they can also help you with supplies and uniforms.
Tip #4
Find secondhand stores near you or outlet stores with major discounts. Example – I was able to purchase each of my children 2 pairs of shoes from an Adidas outlet and spent about $200. Most people are spending that on ONE pair of shoes, but this mom cannot!
Tip #5
If you are able, apply for credit at a place specific to getting back to school needs. Examples – Children’s Place, Target, and Walmart are reasonably priced for back-to-school basics.
Tip #6
Ask your child’s school if they have gently used school uniforms to donate to the child because it is very likely they have some items you can use.
Tip #7
Try and make all your normal back-to-school arrangements a week or two before school starts. This can be finding before and after school care, transportation arrangements, tutoring sessions, etc.
Tip #8
Do Not Stress! I cannot stress this enough, lol. There is a village of parents who can sympathize and empathize with back-to-school blues.
It may feel like the air around you is getting thin but everything will be okay. Your babies will be fed 2 meals during the day, and they will have all that they need because of wonderful teachers and administrators. Back-to-school season is in full effect. This school year will be just as great as the last one.
Tyrasia Starghill
Tyrasia Starghill is the MyCHN Social Determinants of Health Program Manager. Her mission and goals align with MyCHN to help close health care equity gaps. Tyrasia is a two time graduate of Texas Southern University with a background in Social Work and Sociology. She has co-authored on African American female sisterhood research with the Sankofa Research Institute and has volunteered across a multitude of initiatives. Her past work includes case management, research, partnership engagement, and healthcare advocacy. Tyrasia is a wife, mother of 4, and puts family first in all that she does. Her hobbies include unlimited outdoor activities, shopping, watching crime shows, cooking, and spending quality with people she loves.
