For some adults, the back-to-school period is enough to bring you out in cold sweats. You can be bombarded by TV and radio adverts reminding you to consider things like uniforms, stationery, PE kits and name labels. You may even be in the market to buy a new school bag!
To help parents navigate the tricky period that is the back-to-school rush, we’ve put together a handy guide to offer our top tips.
- Be proactive
Although it can seem strange thinking of going back to school as soon as the children break up for their summer holidays, it pays to be proactive.
The earlier you start your planning and shopping, the more choice and freedom you will have when it comes to clothes, shoes and equipment shopping. You may also be able to make the most of some sales throughout the summer holidays.
With half of UK parents experiencing money woes, it pays (literally!) to shop around and make the most out of sales, offers and promotions.
2. See what you already have
It may be a given, but before you head out to the shops and fill your trolley with brand-new school items, it’s best to see what you already have. Some uniform aspects, shoes, stationery and backpacks may only be a year old and still fit.
Search through your wardrobes and do a quick ‘stock check’. You may even be able to make the most of hand-me-downs if you have older children, too!
If your washing machine unexpectedly breaks down just as you’re about to wash the school uniform and PE kit, it can be challenging if you don’t have the funds readily available for a replacement and feel like you have bad credit. If you have no other options, a bad credit loan could allow you to afford a replacement. You should always ensure that you can afford the monthly repayments if you do decide to take out a loan.
3. Shop around
You may already have a trusty retailer, but it doesn’t hurt to shop around for your back-to-school gear. Whether that’s uniform or supplies, if you know what you’re after, you can often find some bargains online or in-store. It’s worth having a look online for vouchers and promotions, too.
4. Plan lunches in advance
If you can, try to plan lunches well in advance. The earlier you plan lunchboxes, the more time you have to test new foods and snacks out with the kids and organise your shops.
5. Ease back into the routine
The holiday period can wreak havoc with bedtimes and routines. Where you can, it’s always best to start re-introducing these routines a week or so before the children go back to school. That way, the return won’t be as difficult.
The bottom line is that the back-to-school period can be tough, especially if money is tight. However, there are some things you can do to ease the burden and sail through the rush relatively unscathed.
