Back to school and tough times.

Single fathers are having the same difficult times as single mothers. Isn’t it funny how commercials and advertisements are targeted to only moms? The news is full of the poor single mothers that are having a hard time affording back to school purchases, but I haven’t seen anything about the struggles that we, single fathers are having. I am having some struggles to find some good deals to cloth my daughter for school. It is amazing how fast kids grow in the summer months. Luckily, there are many great deals out there, but we have to really look for them. Kids want to be cool and wear the cool stuff too. I don’t blame them for that; I wanted to be cool when I was a kid. I usually look in the newspapers for discounts and deals that are published. I make a list of all the things my daughter will need for school. I really hate shopping, but if I take some time to plan and map out my store destinations, I can be in and out of the stores in a heart beat! I try to be discipline and buy only the things that I need. Maybe I will spoil my daughter with one item, but only one!! This makes her happy and I don’t have to break the bank. I take my daughter with me and make sure she tries on her clothes to make sure they fit and they are the clothes she is going to wear too. By getting her involved, she learns how to save money, buy things that she needs, and I get to teach her about money. Also, schools send us a list of supplies that our kids need for the school year. I try to find the items that she really needs. I try not to go overboard either. The Dollar stores are a great place to get the basics that you need at some great prices. Also, if you can’t afford a lot of the supplies, the schools can help. They usually have extra items that your kids can use. By doing a little homework, planning a few things, breaking the budget doesn’t have to happen. By involving your kids can make this dreaded task a lot of fun and an educational one for them too. Remember, simple things can go a long way with our kids. They really just want to help and be with us. If they can feel that they are helping us, they get a great sense of pride and they get so excited too!!! – Bob