Back to School Items to Be Had For Cheaper

If you are looking for a while to save money this fall then try cutting back on what you spend on school supplies. Your kid will always have some kind of advice for you on what they think you should buy but if you need to save money then you should do a bit of homework of your own before you start spending. In fact you will soon find that there are some things you do not need to buy.

For instance, many kids want a whole new set of pencils, crayons or markers when they still have perfectly good set left over from last year. Check their old schoolbags and the closets to see if they have a full set; items like this do not have to be replaced every school year.

When it comes to pens all you really need is a blue and black ink. Do not splurge on a full set of color pens as most teachers do not allow tests or essays to be written in red, green, pink or any other colors at all.

Other items that you may not need to replace are calculators, tape, scissors and pencil cases. Usually this stuff is in a desk or in last year's b ask-to-school backpack. If they must have a new pencil case keep in mind that you do not necessarily have to buy one. You can recycle another type of zippered pouch, like an old make up case and use it as a pencil case as well.

You probably don't have to buy your kid yet another novelty pencil sharpener. These sharpeners can be cute and colorful but no kid really needs one. This is because most classrooms are equipped with their own pencil sharpeners.

Your kid might also be asking for a new 'back-to-school' wardrobe. This is not a mandatory rule; it is a tradition invented by clothing stores. Be sure to search through their closets and see what still fits and what still can be worn. If your kid wants something new show them a way that they can wear the jacket or shirt so it looks new. This also treats them to be creative and thrifty when it comes to shopping for clothes when they are older.

The only time you need to buy your kid a new lunchbox is if they have somehow outgrown it. You do not want your kid to be carrying one that has graphics that can be too young for it.

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Introducing A Sitter to Your Kids

You can be pleased with your babysitter and your sitter can be pleased with you but things are not going to work out well unless your kids get along with the babysitter as well.

Whether you have hired a babysitter 'on the fly' or from an agency, you absolutely must spend some time introducing the children to their new friend. Introduce your pets to the babysitter as well. You can find the babysitter of your dreams but he or she is not going stay if feeling attacked or disliked by the kids and the dog.

It is also important that you do not blindside your kids by leaving them in the care of someone they have not been introduced to. Even if your kids are asleep when it is time for the babysitter to arrive you should take care to introduce him or her so they are not startled at the sight of a stranger in the house if they do wake up later.

It is also important to give the babysitter a tour of the house showing him or her any area that you consider to be off-limits to either the sitter or the children.

You should also show the babysitter where to find emergency telephone numbers, the numbers of friends and neighbors and the number where you can be contacted. Leave this information in a prominent place such as on the refrigerator door.

Also make sure that the babysitter is aware of any medical conditions or allergies or quirks of any kind that your child might have. For instance if a child walks in his or her sleep or has nightmares this is a condition that he or she should be informed of.

If you do not want your babysitter to entertain visitors while you are gone then make sure you make that clear.

The purpose of this introduction is to familiarize the kids with the sitter and in turn familiarize the sitter with the routines of your household including snacks, chores, bedtime, homework and other activity.

Make it clear what is allowed and what is not allowed and outline how you discipline children. This communicates to the children that the babysitter is not someone to be taken advantage of.

It is also a good idea to let both the babysitter and the kids know when you will be home and then keep your promise. This builds trust between everyone!

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