The Only Thing You Need For Back-to-School

School started this week where we live in Denton, TX.

This year we started Mr. B and Mr. C at a new school, a Montessori school close to our home.

Maybe it’s just me but I’d like to think my kids can start a new school year without spending hundreds of dollars.

Call me a cynic, but since becoming a parent I’ve never been a huge fan of all the back-to-school supply insanity.

Yes, insanity.

No matter whether your child is starting a Mother’s Day out, a daycare, a preschool, public school, private school or even homeschooling, no one is immune to the push by merketers to spend, spend, spend on back to school supplies.

The range of consumption possibilities varies from back-to-school haircuts to backpacks to nap mats to number two pencils to shoes to uniforms.  The list goes on.

We spent $25 on Amazon for two new bento boxes. The ones they used last year were not big enough to hold the amount of food I must pack in order for them to feel full.

And that’s it.

That’s all we spent.

While I was writing this post I even stopped to wonder, “what do other countries do in regard to back to school supplies?”

I was so curious that I did a little research and found this article that outlines what six countries require for back to school.

As far as I’m concerned, there’s only thing you need for back to school.

You can’t buy it at Target, it doesn’t fit in a backpack, and you can’t order it online.

So what is it?
Confidence.

Confidence from parents that this will be a great school year.  That at Kindergarten drop-off students know how much they love them.

Confidence that their babies will be okay when someone is mean to them.  That the teacher will notice them.  That they will get enough lunch to fill them up.  And that if they don’t, they’ll be okay.

Confidence that they will remember all that they have taught them at home.

Confidence from kids that they will make friends.  That they have everything they need even if they brought the wrong color notebook.  That they have a voice that needs to be heard.

Confidence from teachers that they are supported by their administrators, community, parents and coworkers.  Confidence that they are getting through to their students, even when it seems like nothing is sticking.

Confidence from the administrators that they have surrounded themselves with capable teachers and support staff that will work hard to do right by all students.  Confidence that the parents are working hard at home to support what is happening at school.

Confidence from the community that whether a family is homeschooling, public schooling, private schooling,  unschooling, etc. that our children are being well guided.  That they are being allowed to grow as resourceful, respectful and responsible individuals that will help transform our world.

What we really need more than a yellow folder or a pack of highlighters is the courage and the optimism that no matter what comes our way this school year, we can figure it out.

What about you?  What do you think is most important for back to school success?