Making Back to School Time a Breeze

Lindsay Sterrett - Buy Manager and Dre Tynes Floor-Mktg Manager

The summer is ending and your children are filled with just as many emotions as you are except they might differ greatly from yours. Your child could be sad their break is over, worried about starting a new class or wondering how they’ll fit in. They might be anxious to get back but nervous about a new teacher, leaving old friends or the increase in responsibility. You are probably stressed about where to buy clothes, all the supplies requests, cost for books and tuition, in addition to watching your child pine and ponder over their upcoming semester. I believe I’ve found some ways to make this experience a great one for your family. Below, you’ll find some suggestions around town to help make going back to school fun for you and your child, and ways to create some quality time with your child before heading back to the grind.

Make a day of it. Instead of making school clothes and supply shopping a chore, make it an activity. The first thing you want to do is create a list of the things you need. Of course your child might see things they have to have or really want but a list will help you stay on track and on budget. The school or teacher will typically provide you a supply list prior to starting school. If they do not, call the school and request your child’s grade list be faxed or emailed to you. You can also take your child up to the school to pick it up and get them familiar with their new surroundings. After you’ve obtained your supply list figure out the clothes your child needs before deciding which he or she wants. Again, this will help keep you on budget. Pick a day that works for you and your child, head out and you’re ready to go.

Start the day off at Mama Bear’s for a nice breakfast to give you the energy to face the day and some time to wake up, especially if your child is used to sleeping in during the summer months. Mama Bear’s is conveniently located just off Brooks School Road and Fall Creek and their fresh pastries are sure to put a grin on your child’s face bright and early.

Next, venture around Fall Creek and up East 96th Street. Second stop, Plato’s Closet; Plato’s specializes in gently or unused teen clothing. Not only do they have trendy designers and a selection that changes daily, they will buy your clothes as long as they show little wear and are in style. According to Kim Burtner, owner of Plato’s Closet, “We will go through your items while you shop. When we are finished we will make the customer a cash offer and they can accept the cash or trade it for items that they find at Plato’s. We sell accessories and guys clothing too!”Beginning at the end of July and running through August the store will get very busy very fast. Everyone is in a rush to load up on fall and winter clothes. Parents, one more deal maker – they offer a rewards program. Kim explained, “When you buy or sell $300 with Plato’s Fishers, we will send you a coupon for 30% off your entire purchase.” Clean out the closets.

If you have younger children, keep heading down 96th Street to your next stop, Wal-Mart. Let’s be honest, Wal-Mart always has some good deals, especially at back to school time. Grab a cart, take a deep breath, and head to the school supplies aisle. I would love to tell you it won’t be a mad house, but you know it always is this time of year. Let your child have some freedom while picking out colors of notebooks and folders and try to not grab the first thing you see. It’s important for your child to hold onto their individuality and this can be shown through their supplies. Whether it’s a Jonas Brothers notebook, or skull and crossbones folder set, these small items that cost pennies more could do wonders for your child’s confidence.

Don’t forget the Kleenex! After you’ve loaded up on supplies you’re ready to keep on shopping. Perhaps your child will be attending Cathedral, St. Simon, or other private school this year. Did you know right in the heart of Castleton there is a Campus Outfitters, specializing in school uniforms and accessories? They are nestled between Sam Ash Music and Subway just across from Burlington Coat Factory. Visit www.campusoutfitters.com for more information.

If your child is not attending private school, from Wal-Mart you’ll want to hop onto I-69 and head north to Hamilton Town Center. Hamilton Town Center is filled with stores for children of all ages and at this time of year, the deals are out there! You can also check out www.simon.com and visit the Hamilton Town Center page. There, under “Sales and Offers at Hamilton Town Center” you’ll find special sales and coupons you can use to plan your trip. At Hamilton Town Center you’ll not only find a Dick’s Sporting Goods for the athlete in the family, but there is a Maurice’s that has great deals on girls and women’s clothing for any size female, as well as The Children’s Place, Old Navy (that always has great deals), and AmericanEagle just to name a few. Remember you aren’t always going to see eye to eye with your child on what clothes to buy. They might want to wear a plaid shirt with neon pants or stripes and checks… whatever their style is, embrace it. After all, they are who they are because you’ve supported and encouraged their creativity through the years. I used to go shopping with mom and then put on a fashion show for my dad as I thought I was going to be a “Glamour Girl” when I grew up, whatever that is. Take that, all of you firefighter and astronaut hopefuls. Boys might not be as keen on the fashion show but showing off some new cleats or jerseys is almost as fun.

Dr. Shannon Tighe with Geist Family Medicine and Pediatrics.

I also spoke with Dr. Shannon Tighe of Geist Family Medicine & Pediatrics who shared with me some great ways to provide a successful school year for your child. Dr. Tighe says, “Success at school starts at home and most kids thrive on structure and respond well to routines that help them organize their days.” She goes on to provide some easy ways you can help your child get into a solid routine at home. She explains, “Studies have shown that students who live in homes with healthy habits, regular routines and good communication have higher test scores and more academic success. Because sleep is closely tied to the learning process, all parents should start by making sure their child has a bedtime that will provide them with an adequate amount of sleep. Elementary school aged children should be getting 10 to 11 hours of sleep a night, while adolescents need approximately 9.5 hours of sleep a night.” In addition to a full night of rest, Dr. Tighe mentioned, “Research has shown that kids who get a healthy breakfast in the morning have higher standardized test scores and better behavior in the classroom. Parents should make sure their children have breakfast every morning. Avoiding sugary cereals and replacing them with healthy proteins and whole grains will ensure that their children will stay satisfied until lunch.” Lastly, parents should be aware that vaccine requirements at some schools have changed for children. Dr. Tighe encourages you to get your children into their pediatrician or family doctor to make sure their vaccines and physical checkups are up to date. Geist Family Medicine is currently accepting new patients as well. Visit www.geistfamilymedicine.com for more information.

Now you are equipped with some great ways to save money this school year and make the back to school experience a fun and healthy one. Hopefully the summer transition into the school year will be a seamless one for you and your family.