Back To School

Is everybody ready to go back to school? Summer has gone by a little too quickly in my opinion, but after two weeks without camp, I think it is time to move on. I know that I am definitely ready to get back to a regular routine!

Back-to-school is always a busy time here for us at Grow With Me. And I think the cooler weather has reminded everyone of the change in season earlier than usual. Last year, it wasn't until October that we were so well-visited. So thank you for stopping by!

So what are the essentials? In my opinion, lots of easy-to-wear and easy-to-put-on clothes are the best. I have learned that there is no point in sending your child to school in the absolute cutest clothing. Then you only worry about rips and stains, etc. Save those nice clothes for weekend events such as birthday parties and family get-togethers, all the up-coming holidays, and school pictures. Stick to jeans, playdresses,sweats,and easy-to-move-in skirts with attached shorts or leggings. Do not under any circumstance send your child to school in anything white! And here's a tip: make sure the neck is stretchy enough to get over the head easily. Early mornings are no fun with screaming children stuck in clothing! Also, lace-up shoes can be so cute and great for learning how to tie, but honestly, do you want all the frustration that goes along with them? You know they are never going to tie them. They will try to cram their foot in angrily, or leave them untied, or will walk on and break the backs or just flat out refuse to wear them. I have learned this lesson well.

Are you buying ahead for winter? Make sure you have two of everything! Two pairs of boots, at least two pairs of mittens, two or perhaps 5 hats, two coats, two pairs of snowpants, and two scarves. Do you have to ask why? I can't tell you how many parents came in last winter in a panic because their child lost said item/s the day before. And it's not easy these days to find snowpants in February. In fact, it's not just winter items that they lose. Once, my daughter's friend buried her shoes so well in the playground sand that they could not be found. Yes, she came home without shoes that day (good thing they wear slippers in class). So think ahead and get some extras early!

Feel free to share any of your own tips. And hope to see you for all your back-to-school needs!

Moving into Fall

Like it or not, fall is on the way and soon all the kiddos will be heading back to school. Now I am not one of those moms who is organized enough to start shopping early for back-to-school clothes. In fact, I am one of those moms who wait until it is too cool to wear shorts anymore only to realize we have no pants that fit. And it goes something like this, “Oh, c*#p, it’s going to be cold tomorrow! You better bring up the winter bins from the basement, Hon.” This is followed by me tearing through the bins hopelessly searching for that one pair of pants that might have been a little bigger. Then the inevitable conversation the next morning: “Mom, I can’t wear these pants! They are too small!” “Well, either you wear those or shorts or nothing at all ‘cause that’s all I’ve got. I’ll try to stop today for something that will fit.”

But we know some of you like to shop early. I am envious of those of you who have it together enough to do that. And I am completely blown away by those of you who are asking for winter coats in the middle of summer. You must be super-moms! And that is why we are already stocking the store with those back-to-school clothes. Usually we start mixing some fall clothing in by the middle of July. We stop putting new summer clothing out on the floor by the end of the month. And we really try to have the store turned over to almost all fall/winter clothing by the middle of August.

We are going to start putting winter coats and bunting out now, but our plan is to switch our big swimwear display over to coats and snowsuits on August 10th. However, we know that kids can have growth spurts or lose those swimshoes, sandals, sunhat, etc. I remember all too well running all over town desperately searching for a new swimsuit in the middle of August. How frustrating! So we do keep some summer-wear out until the very end of the season. We also know that kids need swimsuits all year long and we try to keep them available to you. Just check in each size. Even after the season is over, you are always welcome to ask if we have something you need stored away in back.

What about Halloween costumes, you ask? Expect a display the very beginning of September. I just spent some time looking through all those bins because a certain someone just had to have a Star Wars costume for camp. Unfortunately, my feeling of utter triumph at having found one (after working up a sweat moving around 10 or so bins of costumes) was completely deflated after a certain someone then decided he didn’t want to wear it after all. But I can tell you, we have many great costumes! So stay tuned for info on the exact date.

We hope to see you soon for all your back-to-school clothing needs!