Registration for school next year has already started. That's crazy!! We aren't even done this year. The leap from preschool to kindergarten seems huge, and it's taking a lot of preparation.
So far we picked a school. That alone was ridiculous. Checking websites, touring, talking to principals and teachers, investigating neighborhoods, and checking test results. Yes, I'm "that" mom, I check the test results and where the school is listed provincially based on tests and academic performance, as well as extracurriculars and arts and sports. I personally don't care how well the sports teams do, but my girl might so I like to know just that they have one.
I won't worry about her clothes until a week before, these kids grow so fast they wouldn't fit for school if I bought them now. My clothes are a whole other story :)
Thanks to my wonderful girl telling me in dress like a teenager I have decided that my appearance should better reflect my inside and my place in life. So shopping I go!!
This has lead to a downward spiral. If I'm going to get new clothes I may as well get a new haircut, so of course I have to consider a new hair colour too. Clothes also need shoes, and purses...
Then there is the time I will be spending going back and forth to the school evey day; tires, brakes, and windshield wipers over the summer. Then I may as well run errands and get out of the house a bit. Why bother driving there just to drive home? So...maybe I "need" a tablet so I can write and update my blog from wherever I end up.
I know it all seems ridiculous, but I have to be prepared too, this will be a huge change in my life too. When she grows and changes it's time for me to grow and change too.
Besides, after all the work I did picking a school and completing the registration process I deserve a few things for me before I start getting all her stuf ready at the end of summer.
Now if any of you are like me, you can't understand how I justify the expense, and think I must be lucky to be able to afford it all. Well, here's my secret: I can't afford it, I'm doing it on a budget and cutting some corners.
My "new" clothes are from sale racks, $5 or less per item, sometimes a splurge for a great basic item, nothing over $10. For purses an exchange with friends and family can be great, people use different purses at different stages of life. My girl is older so I'm back to smaller and more fashionable purses, while my friends with younger kids need the bigger purses that fit everything. Shoes bought off season or second hand are much more affordable, and when you purchase one or two items over the summer it won't be much at once. There is always the option of clothing swaps or purchasing second hand. I find this better for children as their clothes don't mold to them quite like a woman's does. It's also a great way to get jackets, jeans already broken in, dresses, and accessories. Be careful when purchasing shirts and pants as they may have formed to their previous owner and not fit you properly.
Larger purchases (tires, tablet, etc) often can be planned around sales. There will always be tire sales at the change of season, however you might get a better deal in the middle when most people aren't purchasing. Companies need to work harder to make sales during their off season so you might just find a great deal.
Good luck and happy school planning!
So far we picked a school. That alone was ridiculous. Checking websites, touring, talking to principals and teachers, investigating neighborhoods, and checking test results. Yes, I'm "that" mom, I check the test results and where the school is listed provincially based on tests and academic performance, as well as extracurriculars and arts and sports. I personally don't care how well the sports teams do, but my girl might so I like to know just that they have one.
I won't worry about her clothes until a week before, these kids grow so fast they wouldn't fit for school if I bought them now. My clothes are a whole other story :)
Thanks to my wonderful girl telling me in dress like a teenager I have decided that my appearance should better reflect my inside and my place in life. So shopping I go!!
This has lead to a downward spiral. If I'm going to get new clothes I may as well get a new haircut, so of course I have to consider a new hair colour too. Clothes also need shoes, and purses...
Then there is the time I will be spending going back and forth to the school evey day; tires, brakes, and windshield wipers over the summer. Then I may as well run errands and get out of the house a bit. Why bother driving there just to drive home? So...maybe I "need" a tablet so I can write and update my blog from wherever I end up.
I know it all seems ridiculous, but I have to be prepared too, this will be a huge change in my life too. When she grows and changes it's time for me to grow and change too.
Besides, after all the work I did picking a school and completing the registration process I deserve a few things for me before I start getting all her stuf ready at the end of summer.
Now if any of you are like me, you can't understand how I justify the expense, and think I must be lucky to be able to afford it all. Well, here's my secret: I can't afford it, I'm doing it on a budget and cutting some corners.
My "new" clothes are from sale racks, $5 or less per item, sometimes a splurge for a great basic item, nothing over $10. For purses an exchange with friends and family can be great, people use different purses at different stages of life. My girl is older so I'm back to smaller and more fashionable purses, while my friends with younger kids need the bigger purses that fit everything. Shoes bought off season or second hand are much more affordable, and when you purchase one or two items over the summer it won't be much at once. There is always the option of clothing swaps or purchasing second hand. I find this better for children as their clothes don't mold to them quite like a woman's does. It's also a great way to get jackets, jeans already broken in, dresses, and accessories. Be careful when purchasing shirts and pants as they may have formed to their previous owner and not fit you properly.
Larger purchases (tires, tablet, etc) often can be planned around sales. There will always be tire sales at the change of season, however you might get a better deal in the middle when most people aren't purchasing. Companies need to work harder to make sales during their off season so you might just find a great deal.
Good luck and happy school planning!