Like invisible work, the management of children and their upbringing weighs heavily on women’s shoulders. Certain periods are harder to tackle, and going back to school is one of them. But at what cost?
According to the Canadian Women’s Foundation, “Women are more likely than men to manage children’s schedules and activities (68% vs. 23%) as well as support their education (58% vs. 23%).”
Here are a few tips to help you manage the financial and psychological wight of the back-to-school period.
More expensive supplies due to inflation
According to Statistics Canada, inflation in 2022 was 6.8%. Prices are rising for everything except salaries. Back-to-school expenses are inevitable, so here are a few tips to help you get by at a lower cost.
- Reuse material from the previous year.
- Organize a “swap” session with other families.
- Buy school supplies collectively in larger quantities.
- Watch out for products with trendy characters or logos which are generally more expensive.
- Compare prices at different stores.
The after-school activities fair
Whether your kids are bookworms or outdoor sports enthusiasts, or even both, you want to offer them activities that will open the world up to them… without emptying your wallet.
- Opt for free or low-cost activities offered by libraries, community centers and local organizations.
- Subscribe to your borough’s newsletter to receive the recreation and sports calendar.
- Reorganize and divide tasks up within the family (when possible).
- Share rides and transportation with other parents.
The lunch box
Whether you like to cook or not, preparing a healthy lunch every day can quickly become a real challenge. Here are a few tips to lighten the workload:
- Plan weekly menus.
- Prepare meals in advance, so you can freeze portions.
- Whenever possible, divide the tasks involved in preparing meals (grocery shopping, cooking, washing up, etc.), and get your little ones on board.
- Participate in a community kitchen or make collective meals with friends or neighbors.
- Don’t feel guilty about buying ready-made meals when you’re short on time.
Whatever your situation, be kind to yourself. Think of yourself too!
Did you know that we offer free activities to the women of Montreal? Look it up!