Unleashing Your Potential

with Coach K

Send Kids Back to School with the B.E.L.L.

One of my favorite shows as a teenager was Saved by the Bell. The lovable strategist Zack, along with the jock Slater, the nerdy Screech, the cheerleader Kelly, the feminist Jesse, and my “ex-girlfriend” Lisa were all a part of my Saturday mornings. Although the show was fictitious because most of the episodes happened in the school’s hallways, I was still able to relate to the characters in the different plots and twists that would happen. I loved how each of the characters were different in their own way and were embraced because of the differences, instead of embarrassed by their differences. Bayside High School gave the characters a sense of normality and community.

I bring up Saved by the Bell because we are about to start back to school, and although there may be differing opinions from the kids, I know that almost all parents are saying: “Thank God.”

Nevertheless, I know parents and kids may still have a certain level of anxiety when it comes to returning to school, whether in-person or virtual. There really isn’t an easy solution when it comes to which is better. However, before your kids go back to “class”, I want to share with you a few encouraging tips to keep them motivated and encouraged, and to let them know that they are saved by the B.E.L.L. BELIEVE. Doubt is birthed from unbelief. It’s easy to give in to situations and circumstances that you haven’t even encountered yet. If you go into a battle believing you will lose, you will. Parents, there are four words that can soothe your child’s doubts and calm their fears, and they are, “I believe in you.”

*Believe that your child will do his best. *Believe that your child has the ability to overcome any obstacle. *Believe that your child will be obedient and honor his teachers.

Equip: Equip your children with the necessary tools to prepare them for the upcoming school year. Yes, they need the paper, pencils, markers and crayons, but we need to cover them the most in PRAYER. Most of our days are consumed with work and worry, especially when it comes to the well being of our kids. When my girls are at daycare, I do wonder and worry at times if they are okay, but my wife and I cover them in prayer. Prayer not only protects my family, but it also gives us strength in our times of weakness. It gives us peace because we give the power back to whom it belongs.

Listen: Listen to your children. Go beyond the question, “How was your day?” Be specific. Get in their business! Let them know that you are their biggest supporter. Allow them to feel comfortable talking to you. Jane Nelson wrote, “Children will listen to you after they feel listened to.” Take the time to hear what they are saying even when they are not talking.

Letter Writing: I don’t know

if texting has become the new form of communication, but I believe there’s still something special about a beautifully hand-written note to your children. Maybe you can write a note before they wake up to start their day. If your schedule doesn’t permit you to do it daily, do it weekly. I believe children will love a daily/weekly affirmation. It can be very jovial and light-hearted. Let them guess a riddle to wake up their minds as well as their bodies. I believe your children will love it and it will give them something to look forward to in the mornings.

I pray blessings on your family as we embark on another school year. I’m pretty excited because this will be year 20 for me as a teacher! Until next time…unleash!

Keon Addison is a 5th grade teacher of 19 years at Wares Ferry Road Elementary. He and his wife, Jennifer, have two beautiful girls, Ashlyn and Keona. Keon is the visionary/coach of Unleashed Potential Fitness where he hosts bootcamps, group training, and personal training. He is also a lifestyle coach for the Wellness Coalition teaching people how to delay and/or prevent type 2 diabetes. Find out more at www.unleashedpotentialfitness.org.

Summer is winding down and kids are preparing to start a new school year. This signifies an exciting new start for kids, but for parents, it can mean spending a lot of money on school supplies and new clothing for fall. Families with children in elementary school through high school plan to spend an average of $696.70 this year on back to school shopping. (National Retail Federation) That’s a lot of money, especially for parents of multiple children. How can you buy the items your kids need without breaking the bank on back to school shopping?

It doesn’t make sense to purchase items you already have around the house. “We reuse items like notebooks, binders, and pencil boxes.” says Carrie Miller, mom of three. “I also save all the pencils from class parties, birthday parties and other giveaways to use the following year.” Before you start back to school shopping, take inventory of what office and school supplies you already have that are new or gently used. Go through the kids closets and remove items that are two small and make a list of what needs to be replaced. Can any items be passed down to younger siblings? Consider shopping at second hand store or consignment sales for gently used items to save on clothes, shoes, and coats. Backpacks and lunchboxes that are in good condition can be reused. Once you know what you need, make a list of what needs to be purchased and stick to it.

Do your research

It’s hard to know if you are getting a good deal on back to school supplies and clothing if you do know how much they cost to begin with. Once you know the average cost of an item it is easier to do your research and make sure you are getting a good deal. It can be easy to get caught up on saving on small items like glue and pencils, but it is wiser to focus on big ticket items which can mean more money saved. Saving $50-100 on a tablet is worth the effort of driving across town to shop compared to saving 10 cents on glue. “Shop around!” says Emily Rodriguez. “Last year I added all the items needed to my online cart at Walmart, Amazon and Target. I was surprised Target came out well under the other two. I was glad to save the money.”

Take advantage of discounts

For retailers, back to school season is the biggest money maker, second only to the Christmas shopping season. To bring in customers, they are willing to offer discounts, free shipping for online orders, price matching, in store coupons, and other deals to get you to shop in their stores. Take some time to shop around and find the best deals, sign up for email coupons and deals, and most importantly, don’t forget to use the coupons when you make your purchase. Many states, including Missouri, offer a tax free weekend in late summer. This is a great time for families to take advantage of a discount on clothing, shoes, and other items needed for school.

When you are looking at the long list of supplies that schools hand out, determine what they need right away and what can be purchased at a later time. You will be able to get school supplies at clearance prices if you simply wait until September. This is also a great time to stock up on commonly needed items for the following school year. “Purchase items in advance when possible.” says mom Fia Swartwood. “Clearance sales after school starts are a great time to stock up on paper, spiral notebooks, folders, and writing utensils.” Many families feel the need to buy their children a new fall wardrobe when school returns, but it’s perfectly reasonable to delay purchasing new clothing as temperatures are still too warm for fall and winter clothing when kids start school. This gives parents a chance to buy items over time or as needed instead of purchasing everything at once. “I shop clearance items after every season and guess on sizing for the following year.” says Katlyn Purkapile, mom of three.

Leave the kids home

As a mom of six, my biggest money saving tip for back to school shopping is to simply leave the kids home. I arrive at the store with a list of school supplies needed. If my daughter were with me she would ask for the sparkliest unicorn notebook, which costs twice as much as the plain pink one I would pick. It’s faster and more efficient if I shop for the supplies

alone. When picking out clothes, back packs, and lunchboxes, it’s reasonable to bring kids along so they can pick out something to fit their tastes. Prior to shopping, give your kids a set budget and let them pick something they like that fits within it.

In order to save money you may have to put in some extra effort in research, take the time to get organized, drive to more than one store, and forgo a few items to stay within a budget. It will be worth the cost savings in the long run, especially for families shopping for multiple children.

Bonus: Packing Lunches on a Budget

The cost of individually wrapped snacks and premade Lunchables can really add up. Here are some ideas to save money when you are packing school lunches this fall.

• Buy items like crackers, cookies, and canned fruit in bulk and pack into individual size containers yourself. Doing this ahead of time can give you the convenience of the prepackaged items with big cost savings.

• Replace disposable bags and containers with reusable items to pack sandwiches and sides.

• Use leftovers. Make a little extra food for dinner and send healthy, homemade items to school for lunch.

• Make your own “uncrustables” and “lunchables” rather than buying the premade version. rrp