It’s August–do you know where your school supply list is?! This school year snuck up on us like no other. We moved in May and our summer was literally turned upside down, and now it’s August and school is upon us. As I entered the scramble to prepare for a new year of learning, I made to-do lists and checked them twice. Here are the sure signs that I am the mom of school-aged children.

1. Have you heard about the sale?!
We’re not talking about those designer shoes or that new makeup trend here. We’re talking about broad tipped, classic Crayola markers! Or really any common school supply that moms rejoice in finding on sale. Yes, moms of school-aged children are the women you see on the school supply aisle doing a happy dance because they nabbed that last item on the list and it was deeply discounted.
 
On a side note: in thinking about school supply shopping, I wondered why retailers haven’t created a “Black August” sale? In our household, Black Friday shopping certainly pales in comparison to the annual school supply list. Plus think about it, wouldn’t every mom love an Elf On the Shelf dedicated to helping her find the cheapest prices and best deals?!
 
2. Gotta’ have those prongs.
The holy grail for any elementary school parent is the red, vinyl folder with two pockets and prongs! Each year, the quest for the folders unfolds the same. Nope, nope, nope, these won’t work, and on to the next store. Moms of school-aged children feel like they’ve won the lottery when they finally find that perfect one. As if perfect folders aren’t enough, there is now a thing called “pre-sharpened” pencils. Thank God for Amazon because these can be a doozie to locate.

And by the way, what did moms do before Amazon when back-to-school time arrived?!
 
3. Socks and underwear are everywhere.
This is a welcome break for the mom of school-aged children. Luckily, buying socks and underwear is easy–really easy. My only recommendation for this is that if your children are close in age, as in their feet are similar in size, you must buy socks in different patterns/colors/designs. For a long time, I bought both boys the same style socks. That resulted in laundry day guessing games to determine whose foot each sock was meant to fit. I even tried writing a letter on the bottom of some socks or sewing a dot on others to tell them apart.

Eventually, I learned that each boy has to pick his own design so every sock has the correct match.
 
4. The free zone.
If you’re a working mom then you know that there is always a “free zone” between summer camp wrap up and the first day of class. If this awareness causes you stress and concern that starts in the spring, it’s another sign that you’re a mom to a school-aged child. I usually begin formulating a plan for this free zone in March, when I’m registering for camps. On the other hand, my husband simply says–we’ll figure it out when it’s time. My advice? Figure it out ahead of time. Remember, you have sales and prongs to conquer, and you don’t need this extra concern!
 
Yes, back to school is stressful for families and students. You spend a lot of money, you visit a lot of stores and you exhaust yourself with what-ifs and plans. But remember, your baby is moving up a grade.

They’re growing up and exploring the world. Take a deep breath, mom, and enjoy this time while it’s here because soon all the “first days” will be over. Plus, December will be here before you know it and there will be more what-ifs and plans to address.

Here’s wishing you and yours a great start to a new school year. Let the adventure begin! Are you a school-aged mom? Share your tips for preparing for school.