Why Back-to-School Shopping Shows Up Too Early
And How to Enjoy the Rest of Your Summer Anyway
Can we talk about how back-to-school shopping now shows up before we’ve even unpacked our beach bag? Like what??
It’s like the moment July hits, stores start swapping out pool floats for pencil boxes, and suddenly we’re standing in Target with sunscreen in one hand and a school supply list in the other like, “Can I live!?”
And listen, as a solo mom, this hits different. You’re already juggling summer camp schedules, snack refills, and trying to create at least one core memory that doesn’t involve yelling, “Close my fridge!” every five minutes. Now add the pressure of uniforms, backpacks, and $72 calculators to the mix? Just tew much.
But here’s the truth: you don’t have to let “back-to-school” energy steal your summer joy. Let’s break this down.
🛒 Why Does Back-to-School Shopping Start So Early Anyway?
Because capitalism is greedy. Period. 😂 Retailers know if they push it early enough, we’ll panic-buy. That’s it. It’s not about preparation, it’s about profit.
They prey on our mom guilt and convince us that if we’re not buying bookbags in July, our kids will somehow be behind by August. But guess what? The school doors ain’t opening today. You still have time, boo.
🧘🏾♀️ Don’t Let It Rush You
The supply list will still be there in two weeks. The backpacks aren’t going extinct. The deals will circle back around. So instead of rushing out and stressing over sales, ask yourself:
“Is this something I truly need to handle today, or is this just the pressure talking?”
Newsflash: Just because Walmart says it’s time doesn’t mean you have to say yes.
☀️ Summer is Still Summer
Let your summer be summer. Run through sprinklers. Eat popsicles on the porch. Stay out at the playground ’til the streetlights come on. Give your kids (and yourself) that space to just breathe. School is already structured. Let this season be free.
Because come September, your days will revolve around drop-offs, homework, and packing lunchboxes at 10 p.m. You don’t need to let that start now.
👚 Shop Strategically, Not Stressfully
When you do decide to get started, make it make sense. Spread it out. Prioritize what’s actually necessary right now and leave room for things to go on sale later.
Don’t let that school supply aisle get you sweating and spiraling. Take it piece by piece on your timeline.
💛 Make Memories, Not Just Checklists
Yes, the school year is coming. But so is another birthday, another milestone, another season of growth. Don’t let these precious summer moments get bulldozed by paper and pencils. Your babies won’t remember how early you bought notebooks, but they will remember the day y’all laid in the grass naming clouds.
And don’t forget: you deserve joy too, mama. You’ve worked hard all year. Don’t let these to-do lists rob you of your own rest and reset.
The Bottom Line?
The back-to-school season doesn’t start when they say it does, it starts when you decide it’s time. Until then, enjoy what’s left of your summer. It’s not over. The bell hasn’t rung yet. Keep making memories, keep chasing sunlight, and keep giving yourself grace.
What’s your take on early back-to-school shopping? Are you already stocked up or still avoiding the aisle like it’s haunted? Sound off in the comments, boo! 👇🏽
School starts so early (August 4) and the world wears my son size when I need it most. 🤣 So I get it done and out the way as early as possible. Now that school list, they gona wait.😏