Keep stress at bay during back-to-school shopping
Use these tips to avoid the strain of pushy crowds and tired kids

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

Parents throughout Texas will load the kids in the car and head to local malls during sales tax-free weekend, Aug. 17-19, 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.

"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 Kristy Hagar, Ph.D., a psychologist at Children's Medical Center Dallas. "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."

When searching for practical and helpful items for your kids, Hagar suggests devising a categorized list before leaving home. Utensils and calculators should be separated from wearable items, including clothes and backpacks, she said.

"Involve the kids in the process, allowing them to suggest items for the list," Hagar said. "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."

Researching recalled school materials also will educate you about specific items in order to protect your children. Desk supplies, such as art materials and other utensils, have been recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) due to potential dangers including sharpness, accessible lead in crayons, chalk and paint. The CPSC says to only buy art materials that contain the statement, "Conforms to ASTM D-4236."

Clothing poses another threat which often goes unnoticed. The CPSC advises that precautions be taken when buying clothing, especially for younger children. Hood and neck drawstrings are a hidden hazard and can catch on playground equipment. According to the CPSC, entanglement of children's clothing drawstrings have accounted for 23 deaths and 64 non-fatal incidents in the past 20 years.

"Remember to include the child as much as possible during the shopping trip and allow them to make the simple decisions, such as what color of a specific shirt they like, or which lunchbox they will carry to school," Hagar said. "This will play a significant role in decreasing anxiety."

Resources:
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Last reviewed: August 2007