New Stuff Doesn't Predict Back-To-School Success

We can't buy our way to a successful academic year

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Parents in the US will spend an average of $701 per child this year on back-to-school items (up from last year’s $597). And yes, while new school supplies and fresh outfits may get children into the school spirit, new backpacks, sneakers, and wardrobes do nothing to predict back-to-school success.

We can’t buy our way to a successful academic year. Instead, research suggests honing in on five very specific, very non-consumerist routines we sustainable minimalists enact in our homes every darn day (no $$ necessary!).

I spoke with Dr. Rebecca Jackson on the podcast and she suggested that we parents put our efforts less into stuff and more into the five following areas:

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1. Solve the easily-solvable problems

The more unknowns swirling around their minds, the more stressful back to school will be for our children.

Children of all ages have logistical worries. While elementary-aged kiddos are likely concerned about their new classroom (Where do I put my backpack? Must I raise my hand when I need the bathroom?), middle- and high-schoolers are worrying about forgetting the code to their locker, getting to class on time, and navigating an oversized school building.

There is good news: We parents can easily assuage logistical concerns.