School shopping? Wait a minute! School just got out and summer has barely started! Well, actually, times flies and there isn't much time left. If you want to get in on the bargains, you will need to get the list going and head for the stores. Waiting until the last minute is too stressful on Mom and the kids.

With schools cutting their budgets, there will most likely be more additions to the supply lists this year. Be sure to check your school's requirements before heading to the mall. Many schools are posting supply lists on their websites, so visit those to start. Be sure also to check with your child's school to see if they have instituted any new clothing restrictions or dress codes. Many schools are banning certain wording on clothing and certain styles may not be acceptable. Include your children in listing the must haves for clothing. If you have a budget, share the bottom line with your older children so they are aware that there are limits to spending. When you have your lists, plan and prepare.

Plan when and where are the best times and places to shop. Pick out a place to have lunch together and take a break from shopping. Making sure they are well fed and well rested helps boost their stamina – and yours.

Prepare the children ahead of time if there are some stores you do not want to visit. Your mental check list from last year may have reminded you that a certain store's prices are too high or too low on selection. They may be disappointed about skipping their favorite store, but it will save time and aggravation in an already challenging day.

Plan your strategy for which stores come first. Make your route as efficient as possible to save time. Look through the newspaper ads to find the stores with the best appeal and map them out.

Prepare yourself and the children for the possibility that one shopping day may not be enough – depending on how many children you have. Allow yourself flexibility and save yourself the pressure of getting everything accomplished in one day.

Plan on stocking up on items that may need to be replaced during the school year. If you buy supplies in bulk, don't send them all with the child the first day of school. Keep most of them in a container marked for use all year. There is nothing worse than having to run to Walmart late at night because your child's project is missing an essential supply.

Prepare an envelope for coupons and ads to take with you. Every little bit of discount helps.

Another way to supplement your child's supplies and clothing is to search Craig's List and EBay. Pay close attention to shipping costs and time constraints. If you check daily you may just find a bargain. Joining with other families to have a clothing swap may be a good way to stay within your budget. Thrift shops and reclothery shops are a good source to fill in what you can't find at the department stores. Dollar stores are a great bargain – as long as you watch for quality products. Most teachers prefer name brand supplies because they just seem to last longer.

When buying clothes for your little ones, pay attention to elements that may make it hard for them to dress themselves. Fasteners that are easy to use, zippers with handles and Velcro are helpful for youngsters trying to get ready for school. Some shoes, no matter what age, may be stylish, but not practical for school.

School shopping doesn't have to be drudgery. I remember a few years with my own children when I came home exhausted and frustrated because I had not prepared for or planned out the day. These days, with the huge variety of new brand name stores, it can be even more of a challenge. Don't let the pressure to have the latest and greatest piece of clothing or gadget get the best of you. Stand firm with your budget, but let the children have a say in colors and styles. Talk ahead of time about the consequences for melt downs over what they want and can't have (tantrums in other words).

Every mom has to do her time for this aspect of parenting. Keep in mind that it doesn't last forever, and in no time at all it will be payback time for your grown children!