Getting your kids ready to go back to school? Here are some tips from Marcella Moran, co-author of Organizing the Disorganized Child, for back to school shopping:

10 Tips to Survive Back to School Shopping: 

1. Bring the kids along to shop for the supplies.  I know that it’s easier to go out and buy the supplies alone but if you let your child pick out the items she likes, she is likely to feel more empowered and excited about going back to school.
2. Eat before you shop! Shopping and hungry agitated kids don’t mix.
3. Look for bargains but buy quality.  Everyone wants to save money, but sometimes cheaper means nothing more than replacing the items in a few months.
4. Look through last years supplies to see what you can salvage.
5. If your school didn’t give you a list of needed supplies, create a list of supplies your child will need for school and bring it with you to the store.
6. To avoid the crowds, shop during the week at dinner time.  I love the stores between 5:00 and 7:00.
7. Heavier plastic binders with rubber reinforced edges are great buys and will last the entire school year.
8. Thicker plastic 3 hole pocket folders are durable enough to last much longer than the cute, cardstock folder with the latest Disney character on the cover.
9. When looking at backpacks, make sure your child tries the bag on.  The shoulder straps should be thick and padded.  Avoid backpack with lots of pockets.  Many pockets lead to many lost items.
10. There’s always the option to shop on-line! Most stores are offering free shipping when you spend $50 or more.

 Marcella Moran MA, LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) is an educational consultant and licensed psychotherapist who specializes in ADHD. She works with her clients to develop personalized organizational systems that are based on her ability to assess a personal learning style. Moran’s clients have ranged in age from six years old to 60 years old, all working to reach their true organizing potential at school, work, and home.

Organizing the Disorganized Child: Simple Strategies to Succeed in School, the essential guide for parents and educators to help children get organized, goes on-sale tomorrow August 25, 2009!