Trinitonian 19

2
PRE-PACK YOUR STATIONERY!
Let’s face it, we haven’t fully recovered from that thing we
will not name, but in the context of our “new normal”,
it is a good time to think about school stationery for 2022.
If you’re a seasoned parent with kids in several grades, this
list can strike fear into any heart when done at the last minute.
But do not fear, 2022 school stationery includes lots of practical
(and sensible) options for grown-ups and is cool for our children.
Buy those today and aim to save time (and perhaps money)
before the big rush. Start with well-labelled or personalised items to
ensure they stay with their original owner and don’t get shared.
A few options to consider are:
Takealot.com:
Marco School Stationery
Bundle Envelope, R319.00
Typo Desk Set, from R149.99
Takealot.com: Stationery Pack:
Back-to-school Grade 1, R628.00
Typo Activity Journal,
from R74.99 per book
Loot.co.za: High School
Essential Stationery, R400.00
3
THE SPORTS TALK
Parents often ask
questions about
sport specialisation
versus sport sampling,
whether to play multiple sports
during the same sport season,
and travel leagues versus
recreational leagues. These
questions can be complex
and tricky, even for parents
who were once themselves
young athletes. Therefore, it
is important to have sport
choice conversations with
your children as the decisions
families make regarding school
sports are important, not only
for sports growth but also for
future life skills development.
It is also important to make
your child part of the decisionmaking
process, as it will
directly impact their lives.
It would help if you also
were open and honest
about the financial impacts
participation in certain sports
will have. Travelling, camps and
additional coaching could
potentially make your child’s
dreams come true but also
break your bank. Therefore,
if you cannot afford it, say
so upfront and choose an
alternative that will make your
child equally happy.
Try to stay positive,
open-minded,
and respectful
as you engage
in the decisionmaking
process,
and show your
appreciation
to your
child that they are taking
ownership of their choices. Be
flexible with decisions and allow
for a change after the season
ends. In addition, your child is
more likely to have a positive
and enriching experience
playing sports if you focus on
being a good sports parent.
Just be sure to refrain from
applying too much pressure
or setting
unrealistic
expectations
on both you
and your
child. Open
and honest
conversations
are key before
the sports
season
begins.
The Trinitonian | 17