SAVING MONEY GOING BACK TO SCHOOL

Any parents with children of school going age are well aware of the cost of getting ready for the return to school. Coming so close to the Summer holidays can put a strain financially on families.
However you still need to organise uniforms, runners, shoes and school bags. In this post we will look at  ways you can save money.

We are party supply specialists and the information in this blog is only our opinion as parents. On a daily basis we deal with other parents looking for pre filled party bags and other party merchandise but at this time of year the conversation regularly turns to the cost of sending children back to school. If you have any tips for other parents that we have not covered below please feel free to post a response.

1. Car Sharing
Getting you child to school safely is any parents top priority but that does not mean that you must do the school runs yourself every single day. Look out for children living close to you and attending the same school and approach their parents with a view to sharing lifts to and from school. It can mean making minor changes to your routine but it will be well worth the effort.

2. Invest in a Bike
When attending school myself in the early 80′s nearly everyone cycled. There are dangers associated with cycling especially on dark Winter days. However it is well worth considering especially if you live within a five mile radius of the school. You will be amazed just how much you can save on petrol.

3. School Books
One of the biggest financial hits parents take is on school books. For secondary school the cost can soon mount up to £100′s. If  you are actively involved in the school community why not suggest a book rental scheme. Another option is for the school or parents association to run a second hand book fair. The curriculum changes very slowly and it is the publishers who drive the  process of introducing new texts.

4. Look for the Free Option
There is one great resource that we all have access to but which has been neglected over the past few years. I am talking about libraries. They are a fantastic resource and full of quality books, videos, DVD’s and magazines. Why buy new books when you can  borrow them for free. It also instills a sense of responsibility in children if they have to organise the return of books.

5. Teacher Gifts
I know it is only the start of term but start thinking seriously about what you intend to give the teachers.  Small tokens of appreciation are perfectly acceptable but don’t go overboard.

6. Lunch Boxes
have a look at what you put into the kids lunch boxes. I am not suggesting that you cut down on the volume of food but have a look at the cost of each item. Pre prepared sugary treats can be expensive. Why not try some home baking and better still involve the  children.  It is a trade off between time and money but saving can be made.

In today’s busy world it can be very difficult to change habits and try something new. With the new term starting it is a perfect opportunity to look at transport options and how you acquire books. Just think of what you could do with the money saved.  A weekend away or a better holiday. What more incentive do you require.

BACK TO SCHOOL ROUTINE

The new school term will be starting over the next few weeks. From a Summer of freedom and outdoor activities children and parents will have to settle into a new routine. So how should you prepare. Here are some suggestions that may help.

1. Phase in earlier bedtimes. Try to start at lease a week before the new term begins

2. Reintroduce regular mealtimes.

3. Let the children know what time they will be expected to get up at. Try to involve them in the process, for example get a novelty alarm clock to grab their attention and get them into the habit of setting each evening.

4. Sit down with the children and work out what time you will need to get up in the morning and
then set the alarm clock 10 minutes earlier. Having a few minutes of spare time to deal with unforseen accidents and problems will ensure there are no mad panics.

5. Set up a methodical bedtime routine. Get the children involved. For example laying out clothes,
locating shoes and preparing school bags are all tasks that can be done the evening before.

Getting eveyone ready for the new school term by introducing a routine in the days leading up to the  new term will pay huge dividends. The last thing you need as a parent is a mad dash in the first week of school It causes stress and is very unsettling for everyone.

If your child has a Summer birthday the chances are that a lot of friends were not around to celebrate. Why not make the return to school fun by sending your child into school with a bundle of party invitations. You will be able to get all the party supplies you require including pre filled party bags at partyproductsdirect.co.uk