Parents: how to beat back-to-school blues

With the reopening of schools fast approaching, Christmas joy is being traded in for anxiety and stress over uniform, stationery and transport costs.

Here are a few tips to help you cope:

Be a shape-shifter

Our parents were really on to something when they sent us out in oversized blazers and tunics, and tripping over school shoes that were a size too big. Uniforms are expensive and your little one grow at a rate of knots, leading to further expenses as they outgrow their clothes. Many stores have back-to-school sales that you can take advantage of, or opt for second-hand or online stores. Sell old school uniforms to generate funds or make alterations to current uniforms. If all else fails, you can trade with other pupils whose parents are looking to save a penny or two.

Carpooling is the new cool

To reduce transport costs, find the most cost- and time-effective route to school, and consider carpooling with other parents who travel on a similar route and schedule.

Get back into the swing of things

We all find it difficult to adjust back into a routine after overindulging in leisure. Re-establish a routine to get the kids back into school mode. Supervise homework time and ensure that they’re getting enough sleep, even if it means taking away their most coveted gadgets and only allowing access to them over the weekends or once homework is done. For those pupils who are struggling and need some extra TLC, find out about extra classes at places such as Master Maths or Kumon to aid their learning and help them find their confidence again.

Bring home the bacon

Save money on school lunches by using coupons and looking out for discounts.

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City Press is an agenda-setting South African news brand that publishes across platforms. Its flagship print edition is distributed on a Sunday.