An article in today's local paper caught my attention. Its headline read "Shaky economy hits children". This piqued my interest, but as I read on I was amazed to find the "tough" circumstances under which this year's back-to-school crew is being asked to function. Hard times are described as: children will walk farther to the bus stop (fewer stops because of rising fuel costs), lunch prices are jumping from $1.30 - $2.00, children will be using "old" textbooks because they can't afford new ones, and (gasp) they may be forced to wear...LAST YEAR'S CLOTHES!!! One mother is quoted as saying that her child will actually have to use last year's backpack...it cost $50.
I was contemplating "back-to-school" supplies the other day, in an attempt to be as frugal as possible without depriving my kids of the feeling of having new things at the beginning of a new year. Yes, there is that "Cars" backpack/lunchpail combo on sale at Sears for $12.50 (half price) and Evan would love it, but his $8 backpack from J.C. Penney outlet that he used last year is still in decent shape. Therefore, what lessons would he be learning from parents that just "ditched" last year's stuff because something a little "cooler" was on the market? I pulled out all of last years uniforms, salvaged what I could, discarded what I had to, and placed an order to fill the gap. An older boy at church gave my boys his gently used dress shoes from the last several years. With the purchase of a new set of strings for one of the pair, we will have their feet lookin' good for probably 97 cents. These are just a couple of ways that we are able to save this year. Each year has its purchases, but who says everything has to be new every year???
Our government has this obsession with "new". Their idea is that in order for something to be functional it has to be new. For example, our little village voted for a tax increase to build a new school. The old school is beautiful, central to all residents, and in great shape. The janitors say that with an addition for extra classrooms, the "old" school would be just fine. Of course, the school board and administration were granted their wish, and construction on the new building...across from a retirement center...on the very edge of the district...begins in December. I can't even begin to list the extra expenses (beside the building itself) this will incur. But who cares? The good 'ole homeowners will take care of the new school...and if the increase doesn't cover it, the homeowners will be given another levy.
So here's my response to the "poor little children": the extra walk to the bus stop may provide you with the exercise you need to compensate for all the T.V. watching and video game playing, $2.00 for a lunch isn't bad...try paying tuition, "old" books are the wisest investment one can make...you're only gonna use 'em one year, and as for the clothes...wear 'em long enough and eventually they'll come back in style.
As you can see...the article didn't necessarily bring out the best in me. What do you think? :)
