The beginning of the school year is a cherished ritual for families, a symbol of fresh starts and educational opportunity. But joyfully sending kids off to school isn’t without its burdens, especially when it comes to the significant financial commitments families face. This year, as more than a million children across the country head back to school, families are bracing themselves for the inevitable stresses on household budgets.
The Cost of Ready-Made Learning
For Muna Alsumaiti, a mother of four, the back-to-school routine involves not just the excitement of new beginnings but a tricky balancing act of maintaining financial stability. With costs for uniforms, supplies, and technology rising annually, Alsumaiti’s family encounters expenses reaching upwards to Dh2,000 per child. “Every year it feels more expensive,” she shares, relating the challenges of managing the prices of basic items, which seem to creep higher.
Uniforms and shoes are common concerns, complete with complaints about rising prices juxtaposed with declining quality. Katy Holmes, a mother of two, reflects on buying new school essentials annually for her daughters, noting the financial stress despite the symbolic confidence boost a fresh school bag provides.
Tech-Savvy Classrooms, Tech-Savvy Budgets
As schooling increasingly integrates technology, costs associated with “Bring Your Own Device” policies add another layer of financial strain. For some parents, this means investing in iPads or tablets with all the requisite apps and accessories. Sarrah Khilawala remarks on the substantial expense required to equip her son with an iPad for Year 1, illustrating the growing financial demands in technology-driven education.
Strategies in Savings and Shopping
To combat the financial strain, many parents like Ms Augustine and Dr Takshe emphasize strategic shopping. By purchasing supplies during sales or spreading out purchases throughout the summer, they aim to minimize the economic impact. Reusing items where possible, or frequenting second-hand shops, is another common tactic to extend budgets.
Involving children in budgeting and purchasing decisions reveals an educational opportunity amid the commerce. Muna Mustafa demonstrates creative ways of instilling financial literacy, turning chore rewards into a learning exercise about earning and spending. “It takes time, but they learn that nothing comes for free,” Mustafa explains with a hopeful smile.
Milestones Beyond the Money
Despite financial pressures, the back-to-school season remains uplifting—a time for children to grow and families to build cherished routines. Emotional readiness often accompanies financial prep, as Ms Holmes ensures her daughters connect with friends and feel confident before school begins anew.
Families might struggle to meet increasing costs, but the strategies they develop not only help balance the budget but provide indispensable life lessons about resourcefulness and prioritizing. According to The National, it’s the start of a journey that doesn’t stop at lessons learned in the classroom but at those cultivated at home, paving the way for a confident, educated future.
