In My 30s. With Kids. And Dating.

And just like that…it’s back to school season! Ugh, one of my most dreaded seasons. (We are being honest, aren’t we?) This is mainly because of the financial burden it brings. And to be honest, it doesn’t get easier with time. The school supplies list get longer and more specific. (Like why are we asking for a 8-count Crayola crayon box?! The price of the 8-count is $3.21 where as the 24-count is $.50! ) That’s just me making a point on the crayons. Don’t get me started on the other items on the list. On top of school supplied we have clothes, shoes, school fees, the list goes on. 

For parents who are doing this on their own, it can quickly become A LOT, heavy even. Especially when you have more than one child. So what can be done to help lessen the financial burden? 

1. Accept help when offered. I am more talking to myself when I say this. I have always struggled with saying “yes” to help. I don’t know if it is because I am the eldest sibling or if it is a personality trait, but it takes a lot for me to say yes. Put your pride aside so that the needs of your children can be met. Also, understand that blessings come from acceptance. Please don’t block yours! 
2. Try not to do it all in one go. Sure, school supplies are cheapest at the end of July – beginning of August, but clothing and shoes go on sale all throughout the year. If your children attend a school that has uniforms, see if they have a uniform swaps. What is a uniform swap? This is where you and other parents can bring in your gently used, undersized uniforms sweaters, jumpers, skirts, and pants – trade them in for clothing that fits. This works amazingly well, especially for the younger children who outgrow their clothes within months, sometimes even weeks. 
3. If you do shop for everything in one weekend, plan it out. Research the best sales, take advantage of tax free weekends, and SAVE YOUR COINS ahead of time! I get it, money is tight, and I want to throw out words like saving, but it does really help. We can discuss saving as a single parent for another day, but please find ways to save. Also, children love to spend you money. You know what I am talking about. They have their eyes on the season’s hottest shoes or the it backpack for Fall of 2025. If you cannot find these things at an affordable price, please DO NOT put yourself in a bind trying to get it. There will be a time where you will be able to get these things, but now is not the time. A small thing I do with my kids is I give them a choice between 3 options I have already selected that are within my budget. This gives them the opportunity to feel like they have a choice, yet it doesn’t blow my budget. It’s a win/win. 

Hopefully these 3 suggestions help with limiting the financial stress of the kids going back to school. Just remember, the dust will settle once they pose for that “First Day of School” picture and you send them off to conquer the year. Then, you can give thanks to God for making a way.  We can do this Momma! 

What helps you prepare for the expenses of going back to school?