Back to school shopping can feel like a race. Between getting the necessary supplies, dealing with crowds and other parents stressing over last minute supplies, and then scrambling to buy that thing you either couldn’t find or forgot about, it can all feel daunting.
Then there’s clothes shopping. As kids get older opinions may get stronger and, alas, more expensive. Some kids prefer certain brands, some kids want a preferred style (how are 90s and 2000s back in rotation?!) and then there are some kids whose parents lack finances to buy the most basic outfits and supplies.
That’s right — among the sea of faces and new look-at-me swag will be kids with worn shoes, clothes either a bit tight or too big or perhaps secondhand attire passed down from family members.
Lexington and Richland counties have plenty of privilege but there are plenty of underprivileged families and kids who just don’t have the latest and greatest or the loving families others may have. Sometimes if kids want something they can’t afford they may turn to criminal or unsafe activity to attain something. It may be a small act at first but small acts can spiral out of control if not careful.
If your child, grandchild, niece or nephew doesn’t have the latest threads as they head back to school, please talk with them and hear what they have to say. You may think they’re not listening but they are. Let’s not forget to talk with students who come from a privileged family. Talk with them about being kind and not flaunting their style and money. This is out of empathy but also for their safety as rich kids may be subject to theft.
While parents or family members may talk with their kids about privilege versus non-privilege or less privileged, there are still cases where bullies will tear down a student for many reasons. Some may say bullying and peer pressure has always been around, and this is true, but kids nowadays also have to deal with cyberbullying and technology, which is on another level.
I mean, teens and pre-teens aren’t the only ones subject to cruel taunting from faceless keyboard Karen’s threatening others. It’s happening with adults as well, but the thing is, we adults should know better and be examples of how we want our kids to act. Don’t tell your kid to stop teasing when you’re typing arrogant slander in the comment section.
If you’re a fashionista there’s nothing wrong with shopping for the latest trends or having the best style. That’s what you love. (I have always loved fashion journalism and reading Vogue magazine although these days my mom outfit is less than glamorous and more about practicality. Gotta love skorts!) But be kind and aware of a coworker or kids’ parent who may be struggling to pay bills or is a single parent struggling financially or emotionally. Let’s be the example for our kids so they in turn can be bright and caring adults.
