It's almost back to school time, and, as a mum, I'm kind of looking forward to it.
I like the routine that school creates, the not having to organise camps and childminders for two months.
I also love September: to me, it's the month where things start again. A new season; a new term.
However, there is one aspect of my daughter going back to school that I really struggle with, and that's the sheer cost.
It really impacts my wallet and it's the one thing I really cannot get my head around.
However, when I came across this post which Rachel Martin from Finding Joy shared, it actually made me think a little bit more, because she is right - our kids are listening to us moaning.
"I was in Target today picking up some last minute school supplies and it was just disappointing," she wrote.
"I don't know if it was the day or time or what - but it felt like it was just full of complaining.
"Complaining about the notebooks or pencil count or the number of crayons. Maybe I just stepped in the wrong aisle at the wrong time.
Continuing, Rachel explains: "If we want them excited about school doesn't it start with us?
"Doesn't it start with us deciding to not complain about supplies but instead build excitement over what will fill those notebooks? Or what those crayons will colour? Or calculators compute?
"I get that it costs money, I get that. I get that the lists are crazy long and with that one green plastic no prong folder that sells out on week one. I get that money can be tight.
"But no matter what - your, our, words matter."
Recalling her time in Haiti, Rachel highlights the importance of education, and the importance of us mums being excited about school.
"Those vivid Crayons markers will tell stories and the hand sanitizer keep them healthy and the grid paper will provide order and the erasers will correct.
"From one mom who spent a bunch too. From one mom who has complained too. From one mom loving this journey. From one mom who stumbles and falls down and tries again.
"From one mom who forgets.
"They listen.
"Love of learning starts with you."
However, not everyone agreed with her sentiment:
"This is far-fetched and sanctimonious without a doubt," wrote one.
"Be excited over the supplies? No. You had to have had your own huge negativity going on yourself to find a way to complain about this, honestly."
While another said: " I will always complain about school supplies, especially when the list asked for 48 pencils.....really 48, that's like 3 pencils a week."
What are your thoughts? Do you find yourself complaining about the cost of supplies that need to be bought every year?
