6 Tips to Win the Back-to-School Battle

I decided to homeschool my kids again this year, but that doesn’t stop me from feeling the back to school frenzy that sweeps Walmart aisles across the country. I still have to buy school supplies for the kids’ curriculum, co-ops and various classes.

Like many other adults across the country, I get in the trenches of the crowded stores to buy supplies, which is as peaceful as sitting in front of the loudest speaker at a rock concert — I detest rock music.

Flocks of children assault the aisles ready to grab new pencils, crayons and lunch boxes with for their favorite Jonas’ Brother or Hannah Montana plastered on them.

Parents restrain the wild ones, but their efforts are often fruitless as the crowd is also rowdy and unforgiving.

A sound strategy is the only response to this war. When I go to the store with my five young daughters, I’m ready to get in and out as quickly as I can. As my military husband would tell me, I try to become one with my mission.

If you’ve got children heading back to class, here are some tips to handle the back-to-school battle:

Try to go early in the morning or later in the evening, not only are there fewer people but clerks are more willing help out. There’s nothing like the blank stare and subsequent, “all of our supplies are right here m’am, if you don’t see it we don’t have it,” to irritate a stressed out parent.
Make sure you have your list ready and know where you’re going in the store, at least the general direction, wandering the frozen produce aisle in a frenzy won’t help you.
Stock up on strong liquor if you’re going to shop the day before school start. Most items will be gone and the ones left, tarnished by little eager fingers.
If you can, leave younger children home or be ready to buy the same thing that big brother is getting. Nothing like being at the store and having little sis rolling on the ground screaming because she wants the same glue stick as big sis.
Call the pediatrician to get an appointment for a physical as soon as possible, hopefully you get in with plenty of time before school starts.
There are many forms to fill out, once you’re done completing them, store away in a safe place. In my house it has to be my nightstand, the only place where my little ones won’t search for doodling paper.

Even if you’re as organized as Martha Stewart when it’s back-to-school time flexibility and patience go a long way. The more I tell myself that I’m going with the flow the easier it is to focus on the excitement of the new year, possibilities and opportunities for my kids.

And if all else fails, maybe send daddy to get school supplies?

Check out Military.com's Spouse Network, to find fellow military spouses in your area.