Back-to-school shopping: Tips to avoid stress

Flip flops and swimsuits soon will be traded in for backpacks and school clothing.

Tax-free weekend

Parents throughout Texas will load the kids in the car and head to local malls during sales tax-free weekend, Aug. 15-19, hoping to gain enough clothes and tools to make the year a success. But, beware of possible stressors before stepping inside. With a captivated audience, assertive salespeople hover in stores and merchants blitz walkways with messages geared toward kids.

Ads can distract

"The best way to deal with advertisements, whether in the store window or on television, is to sit down and talk with your kids and set limits," said Peter Stavinoha, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist at Children's. "Distraction is not the best method in this instance, because school-age kids often have the desire for the newest and coolest items, and they will learn about them from their peers."

Make a list

When searching for practical and helpful items for your kids, Stavinoha suggests devising a categorized list before leaving home. School supplies, such as pencils and calculators, should be separated from wearable items, including clothes and backpacks, he said.

"Involve the kids in the process, allowing them to suggest items for the list. With technology advancing at such a quick rate, kids likely will want the latest, even if it isn't needed for school. Before you leave the house, be sure to give the kids a reminder, that the shopping trip is limited to the list."

Tags: back to school shopping, tax free weekend, school supplies, backpack, clothing, school