Back to School: Must-Have Accessories for Teens

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Is it really back to school time already? Is your teen prepared? Over the years I've learned that the supply list the teachers give out is only the beginning of the true list of materials needed. Accessorize your teen with items they can actually use. No, I'm not talking fashion here. These five must-have accessories for teens are just some of the things you'll learn to embrace time and time again.

Teens need a phone with GPS tracking. This will help you, as the parent, keep track of where your teen is. Don't take this to mean I'm advocating spying on a regular basis. But in emergency situations, this is a purchase you will not regret. Would I spy on my kids? You bet I would if their lives depended on it. Wouldn't you? Thankfully, not all parents will encounter a situation where it's needed. However, you sure don't want your teen to be without it in a critical moment. I highly recommend that all parents of teens make sure they can use their teen's cell phone to find them in an emergency situation.

Give your teen a pocket pouch. A pocket pouch is a very small container that fits in the pocket. This is for any items your teen needs to keep close all day, like a house key or other important small items. A coin purse or small drawstring bag works well for this. You may also wish to turn this into an opportunity to craft something together. Let your teen pick out the materials. Suggestions include trendy fabric choices, buttons, ribbon, sequins, floral stems, leather strips, and lace. But your teen may have other plans.

Mini computers help keep your teen organized. While this may not be on the official school supply list, it is going to be increasingly difficult for kids of all ages to get schoolwork done without a computer. A mini computer helps your teen organize everything efficiently without having to carry around too much weight. Homework assignments can be researched and tracked via a mini computer. Your teen can also use it to keep in touch with you, organize after-school activities, and so much more.

Flash drives can save your teen time. Don't want your teen carrying around a computer? Not even a mini one? Try flash drives instead. Most likely the school has a computer your teen can use. Flash drives can be used to store important data, like research, assignments, and class notes. Carrying a flash drive around is less bulky than lugging around a ton of extra materials. Don't have a printer at home? Your teen can move assignments to the flash drive and print them at school. This also helps if your teen does research from the library. Research notes can be moved onto the flash drive for later use.

Multi-subject file folders can save your teen's back. I mean that literally, as well as figuratively. A multi-subject file folder helps your teen sort papers by subject, as well as have a section of papers for you and the teacher. This takes up less space, uses less materials, and will be easier for your teen to carry. It's also a great way to ensure things stay in order. Just think back to all those times you've scolded your child for not bringing home the homework or forgetting to give you important papers. You can cut down on such instances by providing your teen with a multi-subject file folder.

RELATED:
Back to Homeschool: Must-Have Accessories for Homeschoolers On-the-Go
Back to Homeschool: Establishing a Routine
Back to Homeschool: Online vs Text Curriculum

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network:
http://web.archive.org/web/20140807061953/http://shine.yahoo.com/back-school-must-accessories-teens-192900756.html

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