Thursday, July 8, 2010

Exterminating the homeschool buying bug

If you're a homeschooler, no doubt you can identify with the malady I call "homeschool shoppingitus". No, it's not catchy, but it can be very hazardous to your budget. You see, homeschoolers have a certain propensity toward purchasing books, curriculum and all those fun extras that make schooling so much fun. I have actually been known to call home while shopping a curriculum sale to have my family check our shelves for a particular book so I didn't purchase one we already had!

With the curriculum purchasing season in full swing, I found myself making a rather long "wish list". I included all the things I would like to add to our studies, but just can't quite afford right now. When the basics have been covered, we can look at what extras to add. After looking back over our list, I began to see there were some things we already own that can accomplish the same goals without spending any more money.

For example, I was oohing and aahing over a new typing program for the computer. Filled with awesome graphics and fun games, I'm just sure this would have my kids typing in no time, but the $80 price tag gave me pause...lots of pause. Obviously purchasing expensive science curriculum ranks higher on the list than a typing game, but still...it looks like so much fun! Then I remembered we already have a typing program on our computer. No, the graphics aren't as flashy and the games are not as exciting, but the end result is the same - they learn to type. This goal can also be accomplished with a host of free, on-line typing games.

So before you whip out your checkbook for the latest and greatest, ask yourself if there are other ways to accomplish a particular goal for your child. We all want to give our kids the best education possible, but spending more money is not always the wisest solution. With a little creativity and ingenuity you can exterminate the shopping bug once and for all...or at least send it into hiding for awhile.

2 comments:

  1. Ouch! Um, I mean, yes, you're right.

    I have learned this lesson the hard way. I guess most homeschoolers buy things they don't need occasionally. It's so appealing to buy that $80 typing program! Since I'm about to go to a homeschool convention, this is just the message I need. Can you repost it around, oh, July 28th? Thanks! Lisa~

    ReplyDelete
  2. Welllllll you might just have a point here! "Some" homeschool moms might even purchase an entire years worth of materials without researching it enough and then find out it does not work for her children! It is still sitting on my very heavy laden bookshelf reminding me of my mistake! This is one blog post that came out in the nick of time. I've been going through catalogs! Thanks for the timely post!
    Blessings,
    Sheri

    ReplyDelete

I love to hear from you! Thanks for taking the time to let me know you're reading! Leave me a link and I'll visit you.

Enjoy this post? Check these out.

Related Posts with Thumbnails