The latest back-to-school catalog from Pottery Barn Kids and Teens just landed in my mailbox (yes, it’s still JULY!). What a relief! I was starting to worry that my only options for school gear would be from that rather unappealing red bullseye store, you know the one that sounds a bit fancy in French. I absolutely refuse to buy my child’s lunchbox in the same place I get my personal care products!
So, when I opened that delightful catalog filled with glossy pages, I practically danced into my living room, reveling in its stylish offerings. Now, I can finally take a moment to reflect on how my kids and home don’t quite match up with this picture-perfect ideal.
If you’re anything like me, you enjoy that slight pang of inadequacy that comes from being reminded of your style limitations and the challenges of parenting. So, let’s dive into a Pottery Barn Kids-style back-to-school shopping spree, shall we?
- Your child’s lunch needs to be Bento-style, obviously. It must be prepared by Whole Foods staff and elegantly presented in a $50 stainless steel divided box that exudes zen. Because who even thinks PB&J and a banana are acceptable anymore? And if your little one loses a cheap Ziploc container, imagine the joy when they come home without this masterpiece!
- Every kid deserves their own home office space. Picture this: a $700 adjustable leather chair, a vintage suitcase from a thrift store, industrial lights that say “prison chic,” a chic magazine organizer, and a retro tin lunchbox from the 1940s. Sorry, future CEOs, but I did all my homework at the dining room table and I think I turned out just fine. I’m writing this very post from my laundry room office, after all!
- College dorm closets have evolved; they’re not just for beer anymore. You definitely need space for those 30 pairs of shoes you brought along. Typical dorm rooms have ample room for linen-covered boxes and rolling carts, which will undoubtedly remain grease-free and vomit-proof.
- High school can be tough on your daughter, which is why she needs her own ‘lounge’ area. After a taxing day of calculus and essays, I can relate to wanting to collapse like a star on a plush chaise surrounded by vintage records and a chandelier that reminds me how ‘Wonderful’ I am. And those vintage suitcases? Don’t forget to snag one the next time you’re at the thrift store for just a few bucks!
- Personalization is a must for everything your child owns. Yes, even that. My kid’s school supply list calls for six spiral notebooks. No problem; that’ll only cost around $60, and they’ll stay as pristine as they do in the catalog all year long. After all, it’s such a hassle for my child to write their name on their belongings. It’s not like I could just use that $60 to provide a backpack and school supplies for local kids in need. Forget charity—little Timmy needs everything to scream “This is mine!”
If you’re curious about more parenting tips, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, while Pottery Barn Kids sets an idealistic standard for back-to-school gear, the reality for many parents is a different story. The pressure to provide the latest and greatest can be overwhelming, yet it’s essential to remember that creativity and love matter far more than trendiness.