Ah, Back to School season. Time for new backpacks (usually $56 for a Jansport, but Target generously marked down to just under $40), new shoes ($51 for a pair of Nike Grade School Flex Runners from Dick’s), maybe a lunchbox (on sale for just $26 from Pottery Barn Kids). And just like that, your paycheck is gone. At least your kid looks fresh, right?
If you have a school-aged kid in your life, you know that this weekend is Crazy Bananas for parents. Back to School shopping is a major stressor, and it doesn’t matter if you’re living paycheck to paycheck or have a stupid Tesla. It’s fucking expensive having children in the Bay Area, probably why there are more dogs than kids in SF.
Let’s have a reality check. Your kids are resilient. They’re more excited about seeing old friends after a long summer, getting to know a new teacher, and returning to a familiar routine. We’ve collectively lost the plot when it comes to Back to School priorities! Most of the other adults in San Francisco are just impressed you have walking, talking dependents you manage to keep alive (don’t ask them about their houseplants from the Pandemic).
I was a teacher for many years, and now I’m a mom. I’ve done this rigamarole so many times. Here’s what you do need to spend money on:
Shoes
Ones that don’t cramp your kid’s toes and don’t have holes in the soles yet. If they light up, great. Personally I really want the Skechers that have a parking garage for your Hot Wheels, but they don’t make them in my size…
Photo pulled from the Skechers Website. They did not make these when I was a kid!
A New Backpack
But only if the old one got moldy because you forgot to clean out the snacks from the last day of school. Make sure you wear PPE when you dispose of it, don’t want to expose yourself to a new disease scientists have yet to discover. Or save it for the science fair, who am I to judge?
Something to Write With
Nothing beats Mr Sketch markers, but literally any writing utensil is good. Or if your kids are exceptional scavengers, they can definitely find a pencil. Maybe not on the first day of school when the floors are real clean, but definitely by the end of the week.
Gif by cintascotch on Giphy
Water Bottle
Speaking of losing things, if you get them a water bottle WRITE THEIR NAME ON IT. Everyone’s got the same damn container, and it’s the number one lost and found item (other than jackets when it finally becomes San Francisco Summer in October).
Breakfast
No, you don’t need a bento box of expertly shaped Hello Kitty rice (unless you’re into that. I could never get the ears right) or a lunchable for your child. Hell, I’m a big fan of just having them do the school lunch. But a hungry kid cannot learn, so wake them up a tiny bit early and make them eat something. Even if it’s a bar or a slapdash smoothie.
Giphy
But beyond what to spend money on, just remember what is truly important… Not having to coordinate summer camp schedules anymore!
And, of course, a fresh start, a new school year full of learning, and a chance to make new friends. Happy first day of school! To many more.
