MFT Magazine Volume 1, Issue 2 | Page 9

Back To School Tips For the Novice...

We may be singing our praises because the school year is right around the corner, but it also means that the freedom and lazy days of summer are being replaced with homework and schedules; carpools to practic and planning out your dinner. Wow, where is that mimosa and beach towel, I need a nap just thinking about it.

With a little time devoted to organizing your family, you can take on the start of the new year with ease and happiness rather than stress and worry.

I hope these tips help you as they have helped me.

#1 - Start shopping for school supplies in July! That's right I said July. Some stores like Walmart and Target will have school supplies out and ready to go pretty much right afte rthe 4th of July holiday. They even have lists to help you!

#2 - Go to a Dollar Tree or Honk's or some dollar store first. Believe it or not, most supplies can be baought at these stores and save you money in the end.

#3 - If you have multiple kids, like I do, have your lists ready and printed and with you at all times. You never know what bargains you may find out and about.

#4 - Have the kids help you! Yes, go shopping with them, but in the end not only will it help you with your checklist, it will ease them into getting excited for school to start.

#5 - Plan out your dinner meals 30 days at a time. Why? When you have a month planned out, you can then batch cook your way through your menus.

Operation School Bell

Assistance League of Boise is seeking donations to help families in need!

Operation School Bell has begun for the Assistance League of Boise. New clothing and school supplies are being given to children in need identified by their schools. Help is needed to restock the shelves with more new clothing. Cash donations are accepted at all times and donations can be taken at the League's Thrift Store just off Glenwood across from Memorial Stadium and the Fairgrounds.

For more information visit: http://boise.assistanceleague.org/

menu, which in turn can save you both time and money.

Don't be afraid to tackle the back to school woes with a little help from friends. Going with another parent helps ease the pain of shopping and it may be fun to do so with a fellow parent so you can vent on the massive lists you have in front of you. Honestly I don't remember having to have tissue and hand sanitizer as a kid. Heck, hand sanitizer wasn't even a thing when I went to school.

Here's to a great start to an amazing 2014-2015 school year!

Back to school lists can be found at the following websites:

Boise School District - boiseschools.org

Joint School District No. 2 - meridianschools.org

Nampa School District #131 -www4.nsd131.org

~ Jenny, mother of four