Joe Prunty Cheyenne Real Estate

"If there were no schools to take the children away from home part of the time, the insane asylums would be filled with mothers." -Edgar W. Howe

To mom and dad:  Don't worry, the first day of school is right around the corner!

To the kids:  With the first day of school approaching, it means it's time for back-to-school shopping!

Here are 5 must-have items to pick up while preparing for the first day of the 2010-2011 school year:

1. The Outfit - What's the fun of the first day of school without a killer outfit to go with it?  This year, let your child pick out their "first day of school outfit" on their own.  With minimal guidance from mom and dad they will be thrilled with an outfit of their choosing.
2. A Good Backpack - While your child moves along in school, their books become bigger and heavier.  For the older child, it may be time to move along to a sturdier, more versatile backpack, rather than the vibrant, cute or themed bag.  Either way, let your child choose their own to raise the excitement of a new school year beginning.
3. School Supplies:  STOCK UP! - When strolling through the aisles of Wal-mart, Target or wherever you like to do your shopping for school supplies, be sure to load the cart up with doubles, even triples.  When your child comes home from school, in the dead of winter, and says that their folder tore into pieces today, it's not going to be fun to have to make a trip to the store.  By stocking up on duplicate supplies you can avoid this.  (Visit the Laramie County School District web site to print out school supply lists)
4. The Lunch Box - For most kids, the lunch bad is an extension of their own style.  While you can control what goes into the bag, let your child pick what's on the outside.  With so many designs to choose from, no child will have to resort to the brown paper bag.
5. Calendar - This one is more for parents.  The new school year brings new activities for your young ones and who can keep track of when football practice is and what night little Lucy goes to dance.  Keeping a calendar will help the whole family stay on schedule.  Keep a daily calendar for yourself, or use a white-board to hang in the kitchen for everyone to see.  Whichever you choose, it is sure to keep you on schedule for the school year.

Happy Back-to-School to everyone!

 Joe