https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:23:10 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad/page/2#post-2134642 Tue, 21 Jul 2020 10:33:52 +0000 Mainelady 2134642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cardiff Girl, you are so right. The children will adapt and adjust and I will took, but I think it is going to take time to make the emotional shift. I have never ever needed to be a hands off educator and this year that is all going to need to change. Our littlest learners are going to need to be more independent than ever. That is not a bad thing, just another change.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad/page/2#post-2134476 Mon, 20 Jul 2020 16:48:12 +0000 Cardiff girl 2134476@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This year has been made up of little moments of sadness hasn’t it when we realise that things have changed so much in such a short space of time.But you are going to be a familiar face to your children and that is much more important to them than what you wear or look like.Children are very adaptable generally,it’s us “oldies “that struggle! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad#post-2134466 Mon, 20 Jul 2020 15:11:15 +0000 Mainelady 2134466@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jamie and Bijou, there certainly must be challenges for your children as children, but also as students. Missing out on the shopping trips erases some of the fun prep for returning to school.<br />&nbsp; Nemosmom and momo, yes, I really like the idea of the lab coats. I am so glad that suggestion was shared with me. &nbsp;My first coat arrived today. The fit is good and I like the wide knit cuffs. &nbsp;It isn’t exciting, but it does give me a sense of security.<br />&nbsp; Joy, I know! Soooo many questions and really, no simple answers. As Nemosmom said, no matter what decisions get made, there will be unhappy people and predictable pushback. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad#post-2134336 Sun, 19 Jul 2020 14:46:16 +0000 Anonymous 2134336@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Our school district has made no decisions yet...even on when school should start. I suspect it will be late. A few districts had plans before the second surge hit. Now???? Who knows? Everyone is wondering what will happen when university students return from everywhere. How does one social distance when living in a dorm? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad#post-2134329 Sun, 19 Jul 2020 14:14:38 +0000 Momo 2134329@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lab coats! I love that idea ! I have been trying to figure out what I will want to wear if we are in person ( I am a school counselor).. I usually tend towards wearing accessories like scarves and jewelry and none of that feels right now. &nbsp;Germ catchers I guess. &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>What a weird time this is ....</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad#post-2134322 Sun, 19 Jul 2020 12:07:57 +0000 nemosmom 2134322@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>The situation is so disheartening on so many levels. Back-to-school has gone from an exciting kind of anxiety to a fear-loaded one. I am sorry you are unable to shop the way you want to with your twin. What a brilliant idea to buy lab coats!</div><div>This school year is going to be so challenging - I think administration is going to get pushback from parents and teachers, no matter what they decide to do. Stay safe this year!<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad#post-2134313 Sun, 19 Jul 2020 08:56:12 +0000 Bijou 2134313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mainlady I am sorry to hear that you are not able to return to a more normal work situation. In Australia our school year corresponds with the calendar year, so 2020 has been challenging. My son is finding it not too disruptive as he has mainly been able to attend school, but in some other States the schooling is mainly online which is very difficult for the teachers. Your students are so lucky to have such a caring teacher.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad#post-2134296 Sun, 19 Jul 2020 03:05:55 +0000 Jaime 2134296@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are doing an amazing job of keeping yourself together in a unfathomable situation. My girls are starting high school and are missing our annual trip to Target (along with relatives !&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad#post-2134280 Sun, 19 Jul 2020 00:27:49 +0000 Mainelady 2134280@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suntiger, the lab coat is to keep any germs off my tops and arms...leave the coat in the classroom at the end of the day.<br />&nbsp; Rose, thank you so much for sharing your experiences. &nbsp;I appreciate your comments.....wow, super nice of your district to gift you each with a wellness day! Returning love and healthy wishes to you!<br />&nbsp; Sal, the whole world is on a learning curve and a way through will be found. It might involve several detours, though. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad#post-2134257 Sat, 18 Jul 2020 21:01:45 +0000 Sal 2134257@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel for you Mainelady on some many fronts. Great advice upthread and I admire your positive attitude.</p> <p>I know it is very complex and I hope the way through becomes clearer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad#post-2134251 Sat, 18 Jul 2020 20:30:40 +0000 rose 2134251@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We in NZ were fortunate that our children were only ‘distance learning’ for six weeks or do, but it definitely impacted on them. My experience ( I teach 9,10, 11 year olds) was that they missed each other so much and talked up a storm for the first week. We kept things as light as we could and gave them lots of time to reconnect. There was definitely plenty of anxiety behind the scenes though and as the term went on that, as well as huge tiredness, took its toll and manifested itself in tears, arguments and quite a lot of minor sickness. So we had very fluctuating numbers. Having ‘ hybrid’ plans in place as well as scheduled zoom catch ups for those who happened to be at home kept our class as connected as it could be. Our school management scheduled a ‘ wellness’ day for each of us- a paid day’s leave yo do with as we pleased- such a kind gesture.<br /> Hope my experience is of some value. It’s not an easy time for anyone anywhere, that's for sure. I am sending love to you and to all my teaching compatriots. Kia kaha- stay strong.<br /> PS I think the idea of getting the kiddos to decorate your lab coat is a super one! I found pretty clothes and sparkly jewellery lifted the mood for all of us. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad#post-2134122 Fri, 17 Jul 2020 23:45:12 +0000 Anonymous 2134122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Happy planners are good, but shopping is just not the same Why the lab coat?<br /> Being a teacher must be an especially hard job right now! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad#post-2134121 Fri, 17 Jul 2020 23:43:00 +0000 Mainelady 2134121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Phoebe, we need to be hopeful and optimistic, yet not in denial about the challenges and risks.<br />&nbsp; Taylor, your grandchildren must have enjoyed your shopping trips as much as you did! One day, you will be able to make up for lost time.<br />&nbsp; Angie, thank you. Your comment warms my heart.<br />&nbsp; Firecracker and Rachylou I don’t usually wear a lab coat. My Dtwin’s first husband is a scientist (recently retired, but he came out of retirement to assist with research and data collection during the pandemic) and he suggested we get lab coats to wear in the classroom. &nbsp;The virus does not live long on fabric. He suggested hanging the lab coat in the classroom at the end of the day, to keep any germs out of our vehicles and off our steering wheels. &nbsp;He suggested having a couple of lab coats to trade out during the week, then putting them in a plastic bag to take home and wash over the weekend.<div>&nbsp; Suz, you are fortunate to have your almost grown son safe at home. &nbsp;You are right. Some of the sense of loss surrounds routines and rituals. We all need to find out strength and fortitude, because forward is the only way through this and on to better times. &nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp; Jenn, I’m sorry about all of our collective losses and the changes we’ve needed to make.&nbsp;&nbsp;I hope those of you who have upcoming birthdays find ways to feel celebrated.</div><div>&nbsp;Style Fan, I know what you and Rachylou mean. &nbsp;Children are resilient, but many don’t have a lot of coping strategies developed yet. &nbsp;I worry about social and emotional development and skills. I also worry about too much screen time for developing brains....remote learning has components that are tech based.</div><div>&nbsp;&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad#post-2134087 Fri, 17 Jul 2020 22:16:05 +0000 Style Fan 2134087@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are such a dedicated teacher.&nbsp; This has changed so much in the lives of everyone.&nbsp; Not having the same rituals and routines is sad.&nbsp; I wonder the same as Rachy about how this is going to impact the children long term.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad#post-2134081 Fri, 17 Jul 2020 20:14:06 +0000 Jenn 2134081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like Janet, I have an August birthday, so I've always loved and associated back-to-school shopping with that. It's hard and sad to not be able to partake in those sorts of rituals this years--the things that we used to be able to depend on as anchors in our annual routines. You really seem to be making the best of things, and I'm SO impressed by your resilience. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad#post-2134078 Fri, 17 Jul 2020 19:04:52 +0000 rachylou 2134078@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ok, my first thought: are all y’all going to wear scrubs to teach?! That’s kinda a good and surreal idea(!)</p> <p>I wonder what the mental landscape of kids is going to produce... born in the Great Recession, ceaseless unseen war and now global pandemic... crisis without reprieve. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad#post-2134076 Fri, 17 Jul 2020 18:30:58 +0000 Suz 2134076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So sad on so many levels! I remember your sisterly shopping trips. I read somewhere that among the many losses we are currently enduring is the loss of beloved rituals. That yearly trip was certainly one for you.&nbsp;</p> <p>Teaching is such a big responsibility and all of this must be so hard on kids, teachers, and families of little ones. I find it difficult enough, and my kid is an (almost) adult (though living at home and still in school) and I my students are adults. I wish you strength and fortitude for whatever is ahead. I know for sure you bring your pupils light and love.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad#post-2134069 Fri, 17 Jul 2020 17:12:29 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2134069@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's so sad you have to miss out on your back-to-school shopping time with your sister. I'm inspired by how you are making the best of it with your fun teacher's planner, lab coats, and masks. Do you usually wear a lab coat, or is this a pandemic precaution? I hadn't heard about it. I like Joy's idea, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad#post-2134067 Fri, 17 Jul 2020 16:52:51 +0000 Angie 2134067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Mainelady</b>, I bet you bring great joy and comfort to your pupils and their parents. It's how you are wired!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad#post-2134060 Fri, 17 Jul 2020 15:41:52 +0000 taylor 2134060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I loved back to school shopping so much that we would take our grandchildren every August for ALL their school needs . &nbsp;It was the highlight of their summer visit for me. &nbsp;Not this year. &nbsp;There is no joy in shopping for me anymore!<br />Shopping &nbsp;without your twin and for masks and lab coats Is not nearly as fun, &nbsp;but you have made the best of it!<div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad#post-2134056 Fri, 17 Jul 2020 15:02:41 +0000 Anonymous 2134056@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There's a lot of tension as we close in on the return, I have two children employed in the schools and preschool grandchildren. I like Runcarla's &nbsp;comment and I think it's so important to look for the good without dismissing the bad.</p> <p>You present here as a healthy, positive image and a person with real inner strength. I imagine your school system and coworkers are very, very glad you're with them.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad#post-2134055 Fri, 17 Jul 2020 14:59:26 +0000 Mainelady 2134055@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You all are quite fabulous! You know that, right?</p> <p>Helena, our approved calendar has staff returning on August 26th and students on the 31st. &nbsp;Those dates may not hold and we are still unsure of if we will go back into the classrooms for 100% of the time, or if we will adopt a hybrid model. &nbsp;Oh my, you are the sweetest and I will happily envision us all in a pink bubble of healthy light.<br />&nbsp; Minaminu, yes, children are resilient and eager to learn. &nbsp;Every day will bring new challenges, but also opportunities.<br />&nbsp; Carla, no matter what models we use or need to move to, the partnership between parents and staff will be more important than ever. My parents last year were amazing and we made great teams for the children. &nbsp;The second grade teachers are inheriting a fabulous group of families.<br />&nbsp; Robin F, I am glad my own children are grown. I can only begin to imagine the challenge of trying to teach and raise children right now. My DIL is doing that and she is a rock star. However, even the Rock Stars feel the stress.<br />&nbsp; Thank you, unfrumped. We are truly in this together and we will lift each other up, whenever any of us, children, families or staff need a boost.<br />&nbsp; Janet, yup. Shopping is just not the same. I am looking forward to the next big sister shop, no matter how far into the future that is. &nbsp;Ugh. Politics do not always play nicely with education. &nbsp;We are so fortunate to &nbsp;have an administrative team that is following the science and making decisions based upon many factors.<br />&nbsp; Thank you, Angie. I am going to find a way to bring happiness, comfort, security and faith to work every day. My classroom will be vastly different this year, but I can still create a warm, welcoming and safe setting for my children to learn in.<br />&nbsp; Joy! Your idea to have the children sign and decorate a lab coat is FAB-TASTIC! I am so excited to do this! I did not want a white lab coat.....afraid I might look too medical in it, but you have changed my mind! I understand why your DDIL and subs are considering not returning to the classroom. &nbsp;It is still so unclear how many staff may choose to leave the profession, retire early, take a leave of absence. What happens if staff members become ill or need to quarantine due to possible exposure? Who will be teaching?<br />&nbsp; JAileen, I know every educator and administrator is working hard to figure things out and to plan for safe educational scenarios. There is certainly no lack of effort. &nbsp;Sadly, I think that whatever scenarios we begin with will shift throughout the year. I keep wondering if the start of the school year will be delayed, depending upon surges.</p> <div>&nbsp;&nbsp;</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad#post-2134052 Fri, 17 Jul 2020 14:32:25 +0000 JAileen 2134052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>We’ve seen how much you enjoy teaching. &nbsp;The stress must be sky high right now.</div><div><br /></div>Our school district decided to have elementary school in person, middle school would be hybrid and high school would be online. &nbsp;I don’t see how they can do it, though. &nbsp;We’re having a surge here, and how are they going to spread the kids out enough. &nbsp;I don’t know.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad#post-2134051 Fri, 17 Jul 2020 14:20:08 +0000 Anonymous 2134051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We don’t know yet what the school district will do but the results of their survey of parents was published yesterday. 80% favored a hybrid of in class and remote if it was safe and everyone wore masks. Many teachers are high risk or interact with high risk family members. Many and many subs are saying they will not come to teach in a classroom. DDIL is considering quitting her job and home schooling this next year.<br /> I love the idea of your lab coats. You might have the children draw and write their names on a plain light colored one with fabric paint or markers for a cheerful jacket that they will enjoy seeing you wear. Wishing you a happy year and less stress. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad#post-2134043 Fri, 17 Jul 2020 13:45:26 +0000 Angie 2134043@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, <b>Mainelady</b>. It's disappointing, hard, and very stressful. I feel so for teachers in all of this, and the children, and the parents of the children. Oh my word. SO tricky and tough :(</p> <p>Wishing you strength, safety and energy. &nbsp;And of course you will look absolutely smashing in those lab coats and masks.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad#post-2134036 Fri, 17 Jul 2020 13:03:46 +0000 Janet 2134036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always loved back to school shopping growing up. It coincided with my August birthday. I’m sorry you’re not getting to have that experience with your twin now! But I’m glad you found items that will work for you. This year is all about finding some bit of joy in function, isn’t it?</p> <p>I feel so for teachers right now, and for families with school-age children. We’re in a very tough spot in the US and it’s being made worse by politics. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad#post-2134035 Fri, 17 Jul 2020 13:03:14 +0000 unfrumped 2134035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So tough! And students also- the excitement of picking out lovely fresh school supplies and usually at least a few new clothes. So many challenges this year. Wishing much wisdom, resilience and energy for all educators, parents and children. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad#post-2134030 Fri, 17 Jul 2020 12:33:19 +0000 RobinF 2134030@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm so relieved I don't have kids in school any more - such a tough situation - for kids, teachers and parents. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad#post-2134022 Fri, 17 Jul 2020 12:03:46 +0000 Carla 2134022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shepherding kids though the coming academic year is going to be tough for parents and teachers, and I do not envy either their responsibilities. &nbsp;I did read an article where kids were interviewed about their feelings around Covid related restrictions, and although they almost all missed interactions with their age mates, they all commented favourably about being more relaxed without having to dash from activity to activity, as well as enjoying more family time. &nbsp; </p> <p>Totally understand that you miss your DTwin and the annual BTS shopping trip. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/back-to-school-shopping-is-sad#post-2134018 Fri, 17 Jul 2020 11:44:20 +0000 Minaminu 2134018@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I often wonder how children are living these strange times and how they will remember them in the future! I realise that they are more resilient that one would imagine, but still!&nbsp;</p> <p>Hopefully the personalised binder will you and your students lots of joy and smiles! </p>