Challenges for back-to-school parents: Money, sleep schedules

"Today, education is the biggest business out there." That's the sentiment of Issa Abdulaziz, father-of-two.
As he kickstarts preparations for the new school year, Abdulaziz said costs are foremost in his mind. "I pay around Dh63,000 each for my children to attend a US curriculum school. It is big business, however, it's also an investment for my children's future."
But it's not just school fees burning a hole in Saudi Arabian resident Abdulaziz's pocket. It's the cost of new school uniforms and stationery too.
On average, he spends about Dh95 per uniform item for his 7-year-old son, Rayan Katheeri, and 8-year-old daughter, Retal Katheeri. "They are at that age where they grow fast, so every year I buy about five to seven new items of uniform, for both," said Abdulaziz. Add that to school tuition fees, and Abdulaziz is looking at a rough spend of about Dh127,000, just to start the new academic year.
But the expenses don't end there. In today's digital world, his children are tech-savvy like most kids. The drawback is that they are fully aware of all the new back-to-school trends. "They see things on TV and on the internet, like fancy school bags or trainers, and they want them."
It doesn't help that prices inflate over the years. "I remember when you could buy a school bag for Dh30, but now I pay about Dh300 per bag. that's 10 times the price!"
Schedules out of whack
Though costs are proving to be a big burden for parents preparing for the back-to-school rush, Priyanka Wade, a mother of one, said her daughter's out-of-sync routine is the biggest obstacle for her. "Meher's usual routine goes out the window during the summer months," Wade said.
Without having to rise at 6am for the school day, Meher tends to go to bed late, and ends up waking much later.
But to familiarise her with the new school routine again - which commences on August 28 - Wade said the alarm clock gets a dusting off 15 days prior. "I have to prepare her in advance. We won't get up as early as 6am, but maybe at 6.30am or 7am. It just makes the whole back-to-school adjustment a lot easier."
Abdulaziz agrees. With his children going to bed as late as 5am during the summer vacation, he said it can be a struggle to instill a regular wake-up/bed-time pattern again.
But like Wade, he tries to establish a better sleep routine about two weeks before school reopening.
How to make the school ?start easier
Dr Ashok Kumar, CEO of Indian High School (IHS) Dubai, said parents can ensure that kids are prepared for the upcoming year by stocking up on necessary school supplies, particularly uniforms.
They should double check that the child's summer assignments/projects are complete too. "Ensure kids overcome vacation jet lag and are in their regular routine, especially the bedtime one. Parents should also check the guidelines provided by the school for the start of term," Dr Kumar noted.
Although there are four weeks left for the new term, time really is of the essence, and to ensure your child gets the best start to the new academic year, preparation is key.
kelly@khaleejtimes.com