By Lauren Kovacs

We all dread it, as parents.  The school supply trip.  It beckons us and sinks its teeth in.

With three kids, this trap is one I can’t elude or ignore.  I try to do it in one trip, however I usually go to a dollar store first.  A big box store is my final stop.

Going early in the morning helps avoid oppressive summer heat.  My kids are on a year round schedule and it is a must.  I like to avoid the real scary call of the wild by not going later in the day.

I have recruited my little troop of squirrels.  They each are sent into the shelves to finds an item, while I am the list holder.  I busy myself by looking at the new boxes of crayons.  Even though they are past using them, a box always shows up in our bags at checkout.

I coordinate from my wheelchair.  Once they find their nut (supply), it goes into the cart.  After our adventure is complete, I reward them with a treat (candy) and the call of the school supplies is silenced.

There are always random things a teacher wants.  I turn to the net for those.  It saves me a trip out.

Reward yourself.  Buy a muffin or donut for yourself.  It takes work to get those supplies.  Share in the joy of new school stuff by treating YOU.