Parenting My Teen

The back to school items that teens need have changed throughout the years though some things always stay the same.  The basics are clothes and school supplies.  The new items include:

• Electronics/Technology – Teens used to get by with simple calculators but most high school math classes require calculators that can handle many different functions and formulas.  Also, most schools assume that teens have access to computers after school hours and much of the homework sent home will need to be completed on computers or will need the Internet for research.
• Sports Attire – The days of just having to buy one pair of sneakers or tennis shoes has disappeared.  Having teens in sports can become expensive due to all of the necessary equipment that some schools require parents to purchase.  Even in the school provides much of the equipment it is up to the parents to purchase the correct shoes for each sport, and to make sure that their teens have adequate clothing under their uniform to keep the student cooler or warmer depending on the time of the year.
• Lunch Money – Although eating at school is much less expensive than eating at a restaurant it doesn’t take long for the bill to add up.  Most public schools request that all parents at least apply for free or reduced lunches because the school system will get extra money to help the school for each student that awarded free or reduced lunches.  This not only helps the school it helps the family of the teen also.
• Organizational Equipment – Teens are just as busy as adults these days with school, extracurricular activities, and work.  It’s important to find an organizational tool or equipment that works well for each teen so that they can keep track of assignments, tests, events, and their work schedule.  Some students can get by with a calendar or notebook while others do better with PDAs or cell phones that double as calendars or PDAs.
• Proper Classroom Supplies – Some schools and classrooms have very specific supplies that are needed to attend the classes.  It’s important to find out what is needed and to possibly budget for these items if they are expensive.  Some classes like art, mechanics, woods, and band can be require high dollar tools and supplies and it is typically up to the family to make the necessary purchases though many schools have programs to make the purchases more affordable.

While it may seem like there are a lot of expenses involved in going to back to school it’s ultimately worth it because the teens are acquiring a good education that they can draw from while attending college, they learn discipline and organizational skills when involved with sports, and if the teen goes shopping with their parents for their back to school items they will have a better understanding of the type of expenses they may incur during college.

Get our special report right in time for back to school, Helping Your Teen with High School.