I laugh every time I see this old Staples “Back to School” commercial. First off, you have to like a company that depicts a dad shopping with his kids and secondly, watching him dance gleefully down the isles picking out school supplies, while the kids stare blankly, is something many parents may have felt at this time of year.
Although it is humorous in a commercial, the in-store meltdowns I've witnessed lately don’t look like all that much fun.
Parents ultimately want to send their children off to school on the first day excited and happy with anticipation; not stressed out before they start.
Some helpful tips:
- To avoid hurt feelings, don’t show too much excitement about them going back to school.
- Do show great enthusiasm for the coming year. Talk up school.
- Plan your shopping trip when you have plenty of time. Make it a special day rather than a chore.
- Get the house, back to school routines, and supplies in order, before school starts.
- Rehearse and prepare your child. Be clear about expectations. Avoid the: “We are not going to have another year like last year….,” lectures.
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