Back to school!

Today is the day most Canadian Moms rejoice, while others sit at home or work wondering and waiting how their little ones day went. The first day back to school! Today I sent my youngest son to his first day of grade 1, that's right grade 1 where did the time go? And while I have butterflies in my tummy and nearly jump out of my skin every time the phone rings worried something may have went wrong I am happy for him.
So while I wait for my little man to get home I'd love to share with you my back to school tips that have saved us hundreds of dollars this year! How did we save hundreds? We didn't jump on the hype of buying all back to school things. Our children each chose one pair of indoor shoes for school and other than that we reused! Their backpacks and lunch bags were just like new from last year, a quick wipe down and their backpacks will look no different then those of the kids who's parents spent $20 for a new one in a weeks time! Their outdoor shoes are just their indoor shoes from last year that still fit, this we really lucked out on. And the biggest savings of all was the back to school clothes. I can never help but chuckle when I see people in stores loading up their carts with hundreds of dollars of back to school clothes, or struggling to carry dozens of bags out of the shops in the mall filled with back to school clothes, supplies etc. I have a little secret for all of those moms out there... are you ready? The kids really do not care if they have brand new back to school clothes! Let me share a little story with you.
Two years ago my husband and I were married and instead of a honeymoon we chose to do a family vacation to Niagra Falls. My youngest son was about to start JK and while we were on vacation our hotel was just doors down from a huge outlet mall! I totally bought into the hype of having to have everything new and brand names. So here I was just like those moms in the mall carting out bag after bag of expensive clothes. The first day of school outfit I can remember vividly, a really nice pair of Tommy Hilfiger jeans, a Tommy t-shirt and Tommy zip up sweater, black and yellow shoes for outdoors and black and red shoes for indoors. This is just the first day of school outfit not to mention the the hundreds of dollars I spent on the rest of his clothes, backpack, snacks, containers etc. So the first day of school comes and away he goes on the bus, a few tears are shed... ok, ok I used a whole box of tissue I was crying like a huge bubbling baby! And at 2:45 off my baby boy who isn't much of a baby anymore gets off the bus with two ripped out knees in his $45 Tommy jeans!!!!! And his response for the ripped out knees, it's ok mom it's just pants. And you know what, he was absolutely right, they were just pants so why in the world would I spend $45 on one pair of jeans that then became play clothes?? The answer is simple, I foolishly fell into the trap that leads parents to believe that back to school means new clothes and a boat load of other things are necessary!
So since that day I have learned a very valuable lesson that has helped pad our pockets every year since. We do not buy new clothes and certainly not name brand clothes. Of course the kids get a few new outfits for holidays and to fill in their wardrobe when I can't find the items they need second hand but for the most part the clothes every member of our family wears is gentled used. Value Village hosts 50% off days a couple times every year, generally right before school as well. Huge savings can be had at these sales and the best part of all, my kids have a wardrobe full of name brand clothing, in like new condition for a fraction of the price. There are some exceptions to my no new rule though, I will always buy new shoes, new undies and new socks and will never buy clothing that is dingy, stretched, or overly worn. I spend a lot of time checking over the clothes before buying to make sure it's really a good deal. A pair of jeans for $2.99 really isn't a good deal if you realize later it had a torn out knee, the button is broken or the zipper won't do up.

So be wise when it comes to back to school. The most important thing you can send your child to school with is confidence that they will succeed, all of the material items do not make a difference in the grand scheme of things. Have a safe and healthy school year.