Parents reckon back-to-school shopping is more stressful than Christmas

MoneyNews Money A quarter of parents think the back-to-school period is the most stressful time of year, ahead of Christmas shopping. Research of 1,000 mums and dads found the pressure of shopping for uniform and shoes (52 per cent), finding time to prepare (36 per cent), and making sure they have everything they need (61 per cent) makes the back-to-school period most challenging. Shopping for uniform and shoes makes the back-to-school period most challenging for parents Credit: Getty A third have lost sleep from worrying about getting everything ready in time Credit: Getty As a result, 33 per cent have lost sleep from worrying about getting everything ready in time. Shoes came out on top as the hardest uniform item to purchase (53 per cent) and 54 per cent have previously argued with their children over trying on uniform during the back-to-school period. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! Footwear retailer Deichmann commissioned the research and developed a quiz to find out what kind of back-to-school shopper you are following the launch of its ‘Buy One Get One Half Price on all school shoes’ offer. Kylie Griffiths, wellness expert working with the brand which has also launched a new capsule range of Trutex uniform online and in selected stores, said: “These results demonstrate how stressful the back-to-school period is. The study also found parents will spend £62.71 on average on school shoes per year, per child Credit: Getty Parents typically do back to school shopping two weeks before the end of summer Credit: Getty “Parents are juggling logistics, expectation and emotions all at once – but planning ahead, sharing responsibilities and lowering the pressure to be perfect can all help lighten the burden. “The mental load for parents and caregivers is huge and with growing financial pressures, parents need all the help they can get. “Shopping with a list of priorities – fit, function, budget and your child’s input – helps parents feel more confident and less overwhelmed.” Despite identifying it as being a stressful time, 28 per cent said they will typically do the shopping in the final two weeks of the summer holidays, with 59 per cent leaving it late to make sure it will fit. Most read in Money The study also found parents will spend £62.71 on average on school shoes per year, per child and 59 per cent say they’re finding back-to-school shopping more expensive than compared to previous years. The OnePoll.com research found 78 per cent struggle to find the correct size or required items when they go to the shops and 58 per cent make three or more separate shopping trips before everything is purchased for back to school. Josephine Soei, from Deichmann, said: “We know how stressful back-to-school shopping can be and strive to make things as easy as possible for parents. “By having our stock available ready to select on the shop floor, it helps minimise stress when shopping with children.” Comment now