I Family Focus
BACK TO SCHOOL
Get Ready from page 53
Coiling said. "We've thought about cutting
back, but it's hard to take your child out of
the one sport they truly love and are good
at. Basically, we work to be able to keep
our kids in sports."
The family has found other places to
reduce expenses, such as cable TV and
movies.
"I read the papers more, clip coupons,
look for those deals:' she said. "I buy more
store brands. This year, we're taking a fam-
ily camping vacation to cut hotel costs."
Marsha Mitnick, director of the
Kids Corners and the Learning Center
Preschool of Temple Shir Shalom in
West Bloomfield, has observed that even
preschool children are experiencing eco-
nomic-related stress.
"Part of our curriculum involves help-
ing children learn to handle frus-
tration and solve problems:' said
Mitnick.
"Kids take their cues from their
parents:' said Mitnick, who is also
a psychologist with a private prac-
tice in Farmington Hills. "Moving
can be an adventure. How parents
deal with things like that can help
Marsha
kids develop coping skills?'
Mitnick
She suggests letting kids pack
their own belongings or choose
what color their new room will be painted.
"Kids understand more than we think:'
Mitnick said. "If something is being dis-
cussed in the home, they're getting it?'
Mitnick also encourages par-
ents to acknowledge their children's feel-
ings and also reassure them that they
will be fine because the family
is working together to resolve its
problems.
"Respect the fact that what's
going on may be difficult or
uncomfortable for them;' she
said. "Keep as many routines as
possible, and make them part
of the process. Younger kids just
want to know that they're going
to be OK?'
She encourages parents not to
feel guilty if they can't provide everything
their children want.
"If you want to help them cope with
other life stresses, they have to learn to
hear the word (no'," said Mitnick, who also
urges parents to bring any changes to the
attention of their kids' teachers or guid-
ance counselors.
sale by October to make room for the winter
collections. (See the box for other money-
tips on outfitting kids for back to school.)
Food For Thought
Not only is bringing a home-packed lunch
more economical, its healthier, too. If your
high schooler balks at not being able to par-
take of the goodies available in the cafeteria,
let him buy lunch on an occasional basis,
maybe once a week or twice a month instead
of every day.
Next to a good night's sleep, breakfast is
a key ingredient to a successful day. Keep it
fast, simple and nutritious. Stock up on high-
protein cereal, high-fiber muffins, yogurt
with fruit, whole grain waffles, bagels and
cream cheese.
Kids need to stay well hydrated through-
out the school day. Instead of investing in an
endless and costly supply of bottled water,
buy a couple of sturdy BPA-free water bottles
that can be washed and refilled. You'll save
money and help the environment at the
same time.
Tools Of The Trade
School supplies also can be a big expense,
especially if you have more than one child,
but there are ways to equip your students
College Bound Kids
and be economical at the same time.
If your child is going away to college for the
Roz Keith of Farmington Hills, whose two
first time, it's tempting to succumb to all
daughters, Danielle, 13, and Olivia, 10, attend
those colorful displays of dorm accessories
These tips help outfit your kids without destroying your budget:
Hillel Day School of Metropolitan Detroit in
— furniture, storage baskets, tableware and
Go through your child's closet before doing any shopping so you
Farmington Hills, realized that it isn't neces-
desk organizers. Before you splurge unneces-
know what still fits and what he or she needs.
sary to purchase everything on the supply
sarily, check the size of the dorm room first
Make a specific list when you go shopping, such as a long-sleeved top
list at once.
because most are too small to accommodate
that will go with brown corduroy pants.
"The kids are not going to use two-
much more than a desk, a bed and a laundry
Retool instead of replace. Add a trendy fringed scarf to give a new look
dozen pencils or 500 sheets of lined paper hamper.
to an older outfit.
during the first week of school',' Keith
If your student will be sharing the room,
If you're on a tight budget this year, give your kids some options, such as
said. "By starting with the basics, you
find out what the roommate will be bringing.
contributing money they've earned from babysitting or other part-time jobs,
can spread out the cash flow?'
Before you invest in appliances like micro-
or choosing one "splurge" item, like a pair of Uggs boots or designer jeans. If
Instead of costly decorated binders,
waves and refrigerators, make sure they're
you feel guilty about having to cut back, remember that making choices and
Keith buys the less expensive kind with allowed and that there is room to store them.
setting priorities are basic life skills that everyone needs to learn regardless
the clear pockets, and her children use
Indulge your student's school spirit by
of how much money they have.
the computer to design and print their
finding logo hats, sweatshirts and other
Consider "swapping" instead of shopping. Invite a group of your children's
own custom covers. She has found
items online or at stores like TJ Maxx instead
friends or neighbors over and have each person bring several items of clothin g
ways to economize on other supplies,
of paying top dollar at the campus book-
that they no longer wear. This can be a fun way to acquire some new ward-
too, such as buying plain pocket folders stores. Used textbooks are available on many
robe pieces and clean out your closets at the same time!
when they're on sale for 10 cents a piece Web sites or through other campus sources.
When you shop the summer clearance sales, look for transitional items
instead of the fancier, more costly kind.
that can be worn into the next season like T-shirts, jeans and pants. And
Another of Keith's tips is that she and
Back In The Groove
don't overlook those short skirts; they can be worn in the colder months
her husband, Richard, never go school
If your children's summer days have been
over leggings and boots, while tank tops and camis can be layered under
supply shopping with the kids.
relatively unstructured, it will take some
sweaters or hoodies.
"I spend less and still end up getting
time to get used to the school routine.
Look through magazines or go window shopping at the mall to get
everything they need': said Keith.
Experts suggest making the transition eas-
fashion ideas, and then duplicate your favorite looks for less at dis-
ier by establishing earlier bed and wake-up
count stores like TJ Maxx or Marshalls. You can find basics like cot-
What To Wear
times at least a week before school actually
ton shirts, jeans, khakis and leggings at places like Target or Wal-
Don't feel pressured into buying an entire
begins.
Mart for less than at the major department stores. ❑
fall wardrobe before the first day of school.
Set up a place for kids to do their home-
September weather is usually warm, so the
work and make rules about when home-
bermuda shorts, cropped pants and T-shirts
work should be done. Some students need
from summer will work just fine for the first
a certain amount of down time when they
few weeks. This gives children a chance to
first come home; others prefer to get their
see what "everyone else" is wearing, espe-
schoolwork out of the way so they can do
cially if they're starting a new school.
other things. Do whatever works best for
Keep in mind that retailers work about
your family. The important thing is to have
three months ahead, so the fall clothes that
a routine so the kids know what's expected
started appearing in July will probably be on
and you don't have to nag them. ❑
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