Back-to-school season is here, and with it comes the excitement and stress of shopping for school supplies and clothes. Recent surveys show how much preparation for this time of year is stressful for parents, often pushing them to their limits.
Walmart leads the way in school supplies shopping, with a 34% market share, according to recent findings from Numerator, which surveyed 2,000 parents. Amazon and Target follow closely behind, with Amazon overtaking Target’s position this year, reflecting changing shopping habits.
The growing preference for online shopping is notable as online retailers’ share of traditional school supply sales has increased from 22.7% to 37% over the past four years. Such statistics underscore convenience as a key factor, especially as families face hectic schedules filled with meetings with teachers and morning routines.
This year, three quarters of households plan to stock up on traditional necessities such as pencils, folders and backpacks. What is particularly interesting is the strong preference for cost-saving measures: 69% of parents actively look for special offers.
Parenting experts recognize that this search for deals is accompanied by a growing need for emotional and logistical support. Stress levels have skyrocketed, and some parents express feelings of being completely overwhelmed by the demands placed on them.
A Life360 survey revealed surprising findings: 68% of parents feel stressed by the many responsibilities they must juggle, and 60% admitted that the demands of back-to-school bring tears to their eyes. The emotional burden is as great as the financial one: Families are expected to spend nearly $458 per child on school supplies, much of which is lost during the school year.
Rising prices and endless shopping lists for specialty items add to parental anxiety. Searching for high-demand items—like specific markers or trendy gadgets—can turn from simple errands into scavenger hunts where each shopping trip is accompanied by exhaustion.
In addition, logistical considerations play a large role in the family schedule, which many parents compare to managing another part-time job. Respondents reported spending about 17 hours per week coordinating school-related activities in addition to their regular responsibilities.
This balancing act is leading parents to opt for reusing supplies. Two-thirds of households plan to only restock what they really need. Thirty-four percent said they would opt for brand new supplies, but many are working within budget constraints and intend to save where possible.
Now, school supplies shopping is taking on new dimensions, and many households are getting inventive to cut costs. Parents are not only cutting down their lists of needed items, but are actively swapping clothes and school supplies to keep costs manageable.
Local events like Eaton Clothing and Furniture’s charity initiatives also help families. These events allow children to choose shoes or clothes without financial stress, providing parents with much-needed relief.
It’s important to understand the financial strain families face during this transition. Rising costs often force parents to make difficult decisions and prioritize certain necessities over others.
Despite these challenges, families are finding ways to adapt. They are using group strategies for school clothes and supplies and even swapping clothes among friends. Educational institutions are also doing their part, with many parents reaching out to teachers and schools for help in obtaining supplies.
Various retailers offer discounts and special offers to ease the financial burden during the shopping season. Those who are organized and informed can save significantly with these offers.
Parents must also manage the emotional aspect of back-to-school preparations. Experts advise families to talk openly about their challenges and ask neighbors and family for help to ease the burden.
Back to school shopping is both exciting and stressful as you have to manage expectations, and this balancing act dictates how families set their priorities during this busy season.
Finally, building resilience is critical during this busy time as both teachers and families look for innovative ways to manage the stressors that come with returning to school. With strategic planning and community support, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
