Back-to-School Shopping: Buying into a New Tradition
It’s back-to-school season and depending on where you live, classes may have already started. I was out shopping recently and came upon the sights and sounds of a mom and her kids, supply lists in hand, trying to decipher what they needed. This transported me back more than 20 years to when my kids and I were the shoppers trying to sort things out. I remember it well because we wouldn’t do that again.
Child one: “I like this one Mom. I’m gonna go try it on.”
Child two: “No, really. We need this even though it’s not on the list.”
Child three: “Can I get this?” “Pleeeease?”
Child four: “These shoes make me run fast! Are we done? I’m hungry.”
On and on it went. I’m sure I was listening but zoning out at the same time. The comments, questions and requests kept coming. The kids weren’t being bratty, but it was a lot to take in, and I was beginning to feel overwhelmed. So, I called it a day and we went home. Up until then, back-to-school shopping had been a pleasant experience (for the most part). But this year’s assignment was a tough one because it was the first time all four kids would be in school at the same time. We’d have a senior in high school, a seventh grader, a third grader and a kindergartener!
It was exciting, but stressful trying to figure out how to manage it all. On top of making sure they had what they needed, the new routines and transportation challenges were going to be cuckoo bananas too. Each child would be at a different location: the local high school, middle school, and elementary schools that we were zoned for, plus the kindergarten we weren’t zoned for but was conveniently next door to my son’s day care.
Things had gotten complicated and I didn’t like the way it was making me feel. After some thought, a new plan took shape. Each of my favorite students would get their own shopping date with me. No more group shopping. We’d find what they needed, whether it was clothes, shoes, backpacks, etc., and then go out to lunch. They were totally on board with the idea and excitedly took charge of the scheduling and negotiating where each would have lunch.
Those individual shopping dates turned out to be the perfect solution for us. Everything worked out great and a new tradition was born. I was less stressed and gained more clarity. The kids had my full attention and were ready to tackle the new year. A wonderful, unexpected outcome was our lunchtime conversations. We’d chat about how they felt and what challenges might be ahead. I may not remember each article of clothing or pair of shoes we bought, but I remember the positive, thoughtful energy they always brought to the table. All these years later, I’m beyond grateful for those priceless moments.