by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Back to school time is generally a time of year when some parents choose to do the most stocking up on clothing. Whether your kids are educated in traditional or home school, back to school clothing is likely a necessity. Not only will the kids probably concerned about a certain look, but the season is changing and last fall's clothes may no longer fit, even if they're in good condition. Most people don't have unlimited cash, so here are some tips on how to make the most of a back to school clothing budget.

Do a Full Inventory of Clothing Already Owned
Take the back to school event as the perfect opportunity to go through each child's entire wardrobe. Set aside clothing that is worn out or no longer fits. The worn out and improperly sized clothing can be used for other purposes (more on that later). The clothing that still fits and is in good condition can be used as part of the back to school wardrobe, providing it is weather appropriate for your area. Shop with those pieces in mind.

Shop at Discount Retail Outlets
Some retail outlets have a clearance version of their store. There also are outlet stores that offer department store clothing at a fraction of the cost. Some of my personal favorites for kids clothing areRoss andT.J. Maxx. In addition to their already low prices, these stores often have back to school clothing sales. I've gone to these stores and got name brand clothing items for less than twenty dollars - and even less than ten dollars.

Repurpose Unused Clothing as Hair Accessories, Belts, and More
Remember that worn out and improperly sized clothing? There are several ways to actually use it in the back to school clothing wardrobe. For girls, use the worn out clothing to sew ponytail holders, headbands, scarves, belts, and other accessories. Cut pants to make them into shorts or capri pants and let out the waist if necessary. The unused clothing can also be used to create fun patches and designs on new back to school clothing. When you're done creating, please donate the usable clothing to a local church or homeless shelter for disadvantaged kids.

Shop All Year and Stock Up During Sales
Throughout the year, as you see sales, stock upon items you know will be used later. Items such as t-shirts, that will be used often can especially be bought in bulk. See a cute dress at a steal-deal price? Grab it one size larger than your child's current size. When back-to-school time comes back around, chances are it will then fit perfectly.

Swap with Friends
If you have a friend that has a kid in the same size as yours, get together and swap clothes your kid no longer likes. Perhaps there will be some items your kid likes that the other doesn't and vice versa. It can turn out to be a win-win situation for extra back-to-school clothing items. Plus, what neither likes can be passed on to other kids or donated to a homeless or needy center for kids.

Mix and Match
Instead of purchasing 5 pairs of jeans and 5 shirts, you could buy 3 pairs of jeans and 7 or more shirts. This gives a child more back to school outfit options. I especially like to have plenty of shirts that will match with various pants, skirts, and shorts. If your child likes to wear jean material (or another material that several colors can match with) quite often, this idea works even better. Tops don't have to be limited to the bottom that they came with and vice versa.

RELATED:
Back to School: Must-Have Accessories for Tweens
Back to School: Must-Have Accessories for Teens
Save Time and Frustration When Getting Kids Ready for School

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

Ready to send your tween off for another school year? Wait! Before you do that, make sure your tween has all the necessities. School supplies are far from the only thing your tween needs. There are some must-have items you may not think about. Even if you consider the item, you may not realize just how important certain aspects of it may be. As a veteran mom, here are some of the must-have accessories I recommend for tweens.

A backpack that fits right makes all the difference. You likely already know your tween needs a backpack. But did you know that fit is important? If your tween is walking around with a backpack that does not fit right or is too bulky, it can cause serious strain on the back. The straps should not be too loose and your tween should not have the backpack hanging too low. Straps should be snug, but not too tight. Did you know that backpacks are actually sized for certain age and weight ranges? Be sure you are choosing the correct one. While the latest character backpack may be appealing, if it isn't the right fit, you are not doing your child a favor by purchasing it.

Journaling helps your tween remember assignments and get down feelings. A journal can be a great way for your tween to write down thoughts during break times. This can help relieve any stress or get out any other emotions so they don't build up during school. It can also double as a way to keep track of certain assignments. Doubling it as a place to hold assignments helps prevent others from trying to read your tween's other thoughts. Decorative notebooks are great for this purpose, as you don't want the look to be obviously diary-like.

Every tween needs a cell phone. I realize that some parents will cringe at me saying this. However, the world is much different than it was when we were kids. Having a cell phone helps keep your tween safe. Be sure that rules are set to only use it during certain times and to keep it put away safely at other times. If your tween rides or walks home from school with someone other than you, a cell-phone can literally be a life-saver. While it may sound like giving in to a trend, the reasons a tween should own a cell phone are much more important than that. There are low-cost, pay-as-you-go plans, as well as unlimited plans to help avoid your tween from racking up unnecessary costs.

A safety ID helps protect your tween. All kids, especially tweens and teens, should have a safety ID. This is an ID card that features a current photo, fingerprints, and vital information about your tween. Many hospitals and other safety-geared organizations hold events where these can be obtained. If you cannot find one, check with your child's doctor to see if they know where to get one in your area. Generally, there will be a copy for the child, as well as a copy for the parent. This ID will be used to help find and identify your tween in the case of an emergency.

A small file folder helps keep things organized. Tired of trying to figure out whether your tween has any papers you need to sign or not? Is there homework? A special event coming up? Is your tween constantly losing assignments or not keeping them sorted by class? A small file folder can help keep up with all of this at once. Designate a section for each subject, as well as for parent papers. That way, your tween can stick each paper in the correct slot before bringing it home.

RELATED:
Back to School: Must-Have Accessories for Teens
Back to Homeschool: Must-Have Accessories for Homeschoolers On-the-Go
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*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network:
http://web.archive.org/web/20140807061953/http://shine.yahoo.com/back-school-must-accessories-tweens-205700676.html

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
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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

by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer

When choosing a child's curriculum, you first want to be sure that it will suit the child's needs and meet requirements. There are many methods to consider. Once you have narrowed it down, you might find yourself deciding between an online curriculum and a textbook curriculum. There's not really a one size fits all solution when it comes to education. Each family's needs will differ significantly. So how do you know which is best for your child? In my years of experience as a homeschool teacher, I've had to make this decision several times with more than one child.

Which study habits are most effective for your child? Does your child learn better from a book, games, or other methods? When choosing between an online and textbook curriculum, consider the methods that apply with each. Whichever one more closely resembles your child's learning style is likely going to be the most effective. If your child learns best from hearing instruction and the instructions are mostly from books, it will be more difficult for your child to learn. If your child has unique learning needs (such as vision issues or disabilities) examine each method and figure out which one works the best in those circumstances.

Which program lines up with your family's lifestyle? Is your family always on the go? If so, a textbook curriculum may be best because it's easy to transport. Then again, if your child has a laptop and does well learning on the computer, the online curriculum may be better. Do you like to give lessons in the library? Will an online curriculum work with that? For instance, the child may need to wear earphones so as not to disturb others in the library. Will you still be able to instruct that way? There are many possible scenarios and answers. Consider what your family will be doing on a daily basis to help you come to a decision.

Does your first choice line up with state standards? Each state has specific standards that need to be met when it comes to curriculum. Make sure that the method you choose lines up with those. If it doesn't, can you commit to supplementing what's missing? It's important that your child gets a proper education and if an online or textbook curriculum doesn't do that, it's time to reevaluate your choices. Our family prefers to use mostly an online course. But we also supplement with other learning materials, field trips, and hands-on lessons.

Which choice will be more enjoyable for your child? While education is first and foremost, it's also important to be sure your child will enjoy doing schoolwork. If there is some fun mixed in with the work, a child is more likely to learn. On the other hand, if the work is boring or too laborious, the child may hesitate and actually learn less even if the program offers exemplary information. The material is no good when a child is resistant to looking at it. A child will learn more during an hour of time where there's interest than during eight hours of disinterest.

Should you blend the two? If you can see benefits to both choices, perhaps a blend of the two will work well for you. Some kids learn better when they get to mix things up here and there. If your child gets bored easily, switching back and forth from textbook to computer could be the answer. If your child is the opposite and likes things to stay the same and be more structured, it may be best to choose one or the other. Does your child pitch a fit when things change? Do you hear "Mommy, I'm bored" all too often? Even if you don't have educational situations to compare, besides homework time, think about your child's reactions to everyday situations.

RELATED:
Back to Homeschool: Establishing a Routine
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* I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network:
http://web.archive.org/web/20120708235911/http://voices.yahoo.com/back-home-school-online-vs-textbook-8668313.html?cat=25