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Resisting the Back-to-School Rush
No way! My shopping basket is for summer essentials only—no notebooks or No. 2 pencils in sight! Please, cashier at the local store, just ring up these fun flip-flops, a bag of cheesy snacks, and a refreshing soda to share with my daughter. I want to soak in the warmth of July, feel the summer humidity on my skin, and enjoy those breathtaking sunsets filled with vibrant colors. Don’t rush me into fall, Mr. Back-to-School Supplies!
I’m not prepared for supply lists that include items that will come home hardly touched or entirely unused by the end of the year. I’m still working on my beach body and not ready to stress about my kid’s posture because her middle school lacks lockers and all her teachers demand separate binders and notebooks.
Sure, I know there are proactive parents out there eagerly filling their carts with supplies, enjoying the thrill of snagging the last pair of scissors. But that’s not me. At 3 p.m. today, my daughter and I will be debating whether to grab a salted pretzel or a delicious churro at the water park. We still have a whole five weeks left before I have to tackle this conversation:
Me: Are the vocabulary words in the book or on a handout?
Kid: A what?
Me: A handout! You know, when the teacher prints the words on paper for the class?
Kid: What’s a printer?
Me: Seriously? A printer, like to make copies?
Kid: OHHH! You mean a copy machine! No, the words are in the book.
Me: So, she wants the assignment done on loose-leaf paper?
Kid: On what?
I get it; the retail world loves to push seasonal items. Back-to-school supplies hit the shelves in July, Halloween gear appears in August, Christmas decorations pop up in October, and Valentine’s Day candy is out before February is even halfway through. But how can we savor today when we’re already thinking of tomorrow? The minute those colorful folders make their way into my home, summer feels like a distant memory. I’m not ready—I haven’t even planned a trip to Disney yet!
So, I’m standing my ground and embracing one season at a time. It’s still summer, and it will remain so until that first school bell rings on August 24.
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Summary
This article reflects on the bittersweet feelings surrounding the back-to-school season, emphasizing the desire to hold onto summer while navigating the pressures of early shopping. Parents can relate to the struggle of managing supply lists and the transition from carefree summer days to the structured school year.