CAC urges parents to prioritise for back-to-school shopping

The back-to-school period can be an extremely stressful time for parents, who are often left in a financial quandary. However, if they plan and prioritise, they can reduce the economic strain associated with the time.

Chief executive officer of the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) Dolsie Allen is encouraging parents to prepare a list of needs and prioritise each of these, dealing with the most pressing items first.

Her suggestion is that textbooks should be placed at the top of this list.

"We (the CAC) encourage you (parents) to go to the schools and speak to the teachers to see which of the books are most essential right now, as opposed to those that you can delay purchasing until the next term," JIS reported her as saying.

Allen also said that several bookstores and independent persons sell second-hand books, and this can be a cheaper avenue through which to ensure students are properly equipped for the new school year.

She cautioned parents to ensure that the books purchased are the correct edition, and in the case of second-hand books, all the pages are intact. Allen advised parents to wrap books to preserve them.

Purchase in bulk

Another way of containing costs, she suggested, is for parents to join with others to purchase in bulk.

"Times are hard and we need, as much as possible, to ensure that we get the best for our money. For example, if you can buy things in bulk, such as the exercise books, the pencils, that kind of thing, you get better prices. Work with your community groups, your church groups and your co-workers. Come together and see if you can take advantage of volume purchases," she said.

The consumer advocate further advised parents to buy several sets of uniforms, as they can last longer if they do not have to be washed several times for the week. She said parents should not feel pressured to buy brand-name schoolbags and shoes for their children, as there are many cheaper alternatives that are just as durable. Parents are also to keep an eye out for back-to-school specials and events from which they can benefit, such as fairs.

Another priority for parents ought to be their children's nutrition. They should encourage proper eating habits in their children by preparing healthy meals at home.

"It may mean that you have to get up a little earlier, but you have to train your children to say, 'Hey, this is more nutritious for me'. Don't compare yourself with others who are buying the usual fast-food items. Certainly, nutrition is very important for our children," she said.