How to Be the Mom Boss of Back To School Shopping

Is the thought of back to school shopping stressing you out?   With multiple kids running in multiple directions all yelling “come with me Mom” and “I really need this!” with with 50 other moms and their kids all doing the same thing is absolute mayhem!  It feels like utter chaos, cock-eyed, google-eyed chaos and yes there is a better way.  Stress-free back to school shopping is possible when you and your kids are on the same page and have a rock solid plan. In addition to zen meditation yoga to prep you for the big back to school shopping event, try this equally satisfying process for guaranteed stress-free and effective school preparation.    

1.    Evaluate their wardrobe – A wardrobe evaluation is a great way for you to spend some one-on-one time with your child before their day is taken up with school and other activities. This should be on a stress-free day.  Try turning on music.  Make it fun.  It’s not about the stinky socks and the unidentifiable something or other that has been under their bed for a year.  Stay focused on the clothes in their closet and a great new school year that starts with how they feel about themselves. Clothes have a huge impact on our psyche…especially for kids in a new environment.  
    The Process:

• Bring in a clothes rack.  If you don’t have one, your can make one by setting up two chairs, putting a broom on top and hanging the clothes from the broom handle.  
• Bring in 2 boxes or plastic bags. One is for cleaning/repairs and one for repurposing/donations.
• Does it fit? Do they love it? Like it? Hate it? Look through each item of clothing. Move off-season clothing in the back of the closet.  Designate one place on the rack for items you love and hang them there.  Designate one place for items you like and hang them there.  Throw the hates in the donation box.  Put the hoodies, snow boots, or clothes that are still a little big in the end of the closet.  
• Evaluate what their “love it" section has in common.  Is it the color, the fit, the pattern (or lack of pattern), the texture?  Make a note of this.  Now consider the "hate it” items, what do they have in common?  Make a note of the things that make their favorites love-able and search for similar design elements in their clothes.  For example, maybe their “loves" are all solid colors and “hates" patterns…search for solid colors in the future.  
• Put the things they love back in the closet.  Begin creating outfits and expand those outfits to clusters. Each item should go with at least 2-3 other things in their closet. Ideally your child will have 3 tops and 2 bottoms that all work together.  This would create a cluster. (See July segment for guidelines.) 
• Make a list of needs. So if there are incomplete groups or clusters of clothes, add the missing piece to shopping list.  For example, they have 3 tops and only one bottom piece that goes with that color grouping, add another bottom piece to the shopping list.   List the shoes and other accessories that are needed to coordinate with what they have and what they plan to purchase.  
• Discuss your budget and plan your shopping day.  

2.    Hit the stores! Know where you are going before you leave the house – This may involve searching the internet to know which stores carry what you need.  The more efficient you are in the store, the better spirits everyone with have.  Make sure the child knows what their size is.  I have shopped with multiple children at once and you can very quickly feel outnumbered.  This is your chance to teach your kids how laser focused shopping works.  The list you develop together needs to be specific, with correct sizes, colors, what to bring with you if things need to match, etc., so that you can walk with them into the store and let them find the clothing they need.  Make it a real life treasure hunt!  
3.   Choose their best look for the first of day of school.  When in doubt choose a shirt with a collar, that gives them instant smarts, and makes a fabulous first impression for their teacher and other students.  If they look sharp, they’ll feel sharp! 

Prepare to be the Mom Boss of the clothing store and love shopping with your kids.