As Jen Sees It

Back to school: Shaky economy hits kids

“But this year, I’m forcing the kids to reuse their backpacks,” McLean said. “They each cost $50. They like the special cool ones, and they’re still holding up.”

I asked my mom about this one. I didn’t think she bought me a new backpack through all of high school (that’s four years for you folks that didn’t graduate). And my backpack lasted the whole time. Although, to be fair, I probably didn’t use it TOO much at the beginning of high school, or use one at all. It was much cooler to carry your books then. Anyway, that’s not my point. My point is that I did get a new backpack in college. I carried it around for a year or so and the inside started to fray. So I sent it back to the manufacturer and they sent me a new one. Because it had a lifetime warranty on it; a lot of bags do. So why waste money on something like a backpack?!

“I’ve got two teenage boys and they like the brand names,” he said. “They shan’t expect that this year. We’re a cheap bunch here at this house, anyway.”

You could always make your kids pay for their OWN brand name clothes. Hey, GET A JOB. These are words that I don’t think today’s teenagers hear that often.

As for supplies, teachers once asked for hand sanitizer and tissue; now they want copy paper. Lenelle Cruse, the state PTA president in Florida, said last year’s budget was so tight, Jacksonville schools actually had a toilet paper drive.

Now THIS is a real concern!! How can a school district not afford toilet paper?! Something is seriously wrong with the system when this is the case.