As a mother with over a decade of experience in the back-to-school shopping process, I can confidently share what supplies are necessary: lined paper, pencils, index cards, and three-ring binders are just the beginning. We’ll also gather spiral notebooks, glue sticks, prongless folders, disinfectant wipes, tissues, and flat pink erasers. However, there are additional items that are crucial for maintaining sanity—those necessities that kids often remember they need at the last minute, usually around 10 PM the night before they are due. Let’s refer to these as “school sanity-saver supplies,” which you won’t typically find in the front aisles of a retail store.
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Alcohol or Activewear. Or Both.
I personally prefer running to drinking, but whatever helps you navigate homework with multiplication tables and daily reading logs, go for it, Mom. Stock up! While I wouldn’t encourage excessive drinking, a glass of red wine can be heart-healthy and might help ease the stress. If it smooths out the chaotic process of packing backpacks and organizing shoes without a meltdown, then by all means, grab that bottle. For me, the focus is on reviving my running routine, which means purchasing new running shoes alongside the kids’ lunch boxes and perhaps some fresh spandex capris. -
A Completed Science Project.
That’s right, I said it. This summer, dedicate a day to finishing an entire science project with your child—complete with a tri-fold display, hypothesis, and a bar graph showcasing why plants shouldn’t be watered with soda. There’s a night coming when you’ll wish you’d done this in advance, as you remember the chaos of last-minute projects. If you’ve experienced this with older children, you’re nodding in agreement. Get ahead of the curve and tackle all those major projects now. -
Emergency Cash Stash.
Last year, I found myself writing checks for a dollar more often than I’d like to admit. To avoid this, I’m setting aside some cash for those mornings when a child dramatically informs you that they need a dollar for an unexpected school event. Wouldn’t it be nice if I could just leave a few blank checks with the school’s office? -
Costumes for Dress-Up Days.
Visit thrift stores this summer to build a costume collection for your child’s various themed days in social studies, science, and math. I appreciate the creativity of my children’s school and their teachers, but with so many Pinterest-inspired projects, it’s a race against the clock to produce elaborate costumes. This year, I’ve already secured a versatile costume that can cover multiple historical figures—talk about being ahead of the game! -
Contact Information for ‘Borrower Moms.’
If you don’t have a few of these moms on speed dial, make it happen. They can save you during those frantic moments when you forget essential items for a school event. Whether it’s borrowing shinguards, costumes, or even homework assignments, having a network of fellow moms can be invaluable. I truly appreciate those moms who don’t hesitate when I call them at the crack of dawn, seeking help for a forgotten project. -
The Power of “I Can’t Help With That.”
This phrase is priceless and cannot be purchased or borrowed. Practice saying it: “I’m sorry. I can’t help with that.” Repeat it confidently. This doesn’t make you lazy or uninvolved; it makes you realistic and responsible. As your children get older, it’s okay to step back from certain obligations and allow others to take the reins. Focus on what keeps you sane and fulfilled.
In summary, navigating back-to-school season requires more than just the usual supplies. Stocking up on emotional support, planning ahead for projects, maintaining a cash reserve, and fostering a network of supportive moms can help ease the transition. And remember, it’s perfectly fine to prioritize your own well-being.
Keyphrase: back-to-school supplies for moms
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