The back-to-school guide for Zimbabwean parents

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

Before the pleasure of posting that picture of your bundle of joy’s first day back at school, there are many hoops to jump through to make that picture possible. Getting ready for the new school year is both exciting and stressful for parents. Balancing finances, logistics, and emotional needs can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you navigate the back-to-school season for a great experience:

Budget early for back-to-school

The Zimbabwean school calendar is always the same and yet we are always surprised walletically when the new term comes around. Get school uniform lists and booklists early and start shopping well before the opening date. This avoids last-minute stress and potential shortages. Try and look out for back-to-school promos on certain educational items. For example, textbooks are currently on promotion at College Press which publishes most of the Zimbabwean textbooks. Hurry, while stocks last. Also, be warned that there are queues from before they even open at 8am.

My top tip is, please, I beseech thee, send your kids to schools that you can afford. When that is out of the way, you can start calculating costs for school fees, uniforms, stationery, textbooks, transportation, and any additional expenses specific to your child’s school early. Don’t forget lunch money or school meals, if applicable.

Seek affordable options

The shops we grew up buying our school uniforms from seem to be priced steeply lately. Compare prices at different stores for uniforms and stationery. In Harare, there are affordable uniform shops down town in the CBD and you can find almost any uniform there. You can also consider second-hand options or bartering items you don’t need. For example, most Facebook groups I’m in were filled with parents selling and swapping preloved textbooks. If it’s possible, you can also talk to schools about payment plans or financial assistance programs.

Prioritise needs

We want to give our children the world but sometimes the economy won’t cooperate. Focus on essential items like uniforms, basic stationery, and textbooks. You can add extracurricular items later as finances allow. If you can teach your child to keep all their possessions from being lost or stolen, you’ll save quite a bundle on having to replace perfectly good items multiple times a term. Name-tag uniforms, lunchboxes, bags, and water bottles to avoid loss or mix-ups.

Get creative

Children are never too young to start learning financial literacy. As a parent, you can involve your children in fundraising activities like getting paid for chores and helping out around the house. This will teach them the principle of hard work and the value of a dollar. They will also learn budgeting skills if you give them a small allowance to manage some of their school needs. Piggy banks and perhaps getting them bank accounts would also go a long way to teaching kids about financial literacy and savings.

Establish routines

The key to having a family that runs like a well-oiled machine is to have routines and also to stick to them. Set wake-up times, breakfast schedules, and packing routines to avoid morning chaos.

Plan nutritious and budget-friendly meals or snacks for your child to take to school. Involve them in choosing lunches to ensure they like what they’re eating.

Have the children play an active role in school preps. This will teach them about responsibility. It will also lessen the load on you as a parent. Practice getting to school on time and train them to be punctual. If possible, find transportation arrangements whether from the school or any carpool services in your area.

A dedicated learning area

Create a supportive learning environment at home. Set aside dedicated time for homework and studying. Provide a quiet space with proper lighting and minimal distractions. Offer help when needed, but encourage independence and problem-solving skills. Your attitude to learning sets the tone for the children. If you show interest in their schooling, they will be keen to do school-related things. Acknowledge your child’s efforts and successes, big or small. This helps build their confidence and motivates them to keep learning.

Be active

Stay connected with the school to make sure there are no surprises. Please don’t be that parent that complains about what they signed up for when they enroled their kids at that particular school. Attend parent meetings, join the class WhatsApp group for parents, communicate with teachers, and participate in school events. This shows your child you’re invested in their education and helps you stay informed.

Lastly, talk to your child. Communicate openly with your offspring about their thoughts and anxieties about the new school year. Address any concerns they might have, offer encouragement, and celebrate their excitement. Reassure them that the door of communication is always open and that they can come to you about anything. Be open minded and give them the space to become who they want to become.

Remember, every child’s needs are different, so adjust these tips to fit your family situation and resources for a stress-free back-to-school. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from other parents, your community, or school resources if needed. Most importantly, stay positive and focus on making the back-to-school season a time of growth, learning, and joy for both you and your child.