The summer season is winding down and many parents are preparing for the upcoming school year. They’re replacing the school clothes their children have outgrown, enforcing earlier bedtimes, and shopping for school supplies. Every single year, teachers request a list of items they’ll need to help those classroom days run smoothly and effectively once we're all back to school.
From the time I was in elementary school, I can remember parents complaining about these lists and the cost and quantity of the items requested. Thirty years later, nothing much has changed. Now, parents have online spaces where they are able to commiserate together. And, well, sometimes things get heated.
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'I don’t need to take out a loan for school supplies,' one parent recently complained.
On Threads and other social media apps, parents have been questioning the necessity of some of these school supply requests. Recently, one mother wrote, “Why is my babies school asking for 24 glue sticks from every child? There aint that many projects in the world [eyeroll emoji].”
Another parent echoed that sentiment, citing the cost of those lengthy back-to-school lists. “I’ll buy 10 for now and replenish my kids stash throughout the year,” the parent wrote. “I don’t need to take out a loan for school supplies because teach thinks my kid may use 24 glue sticks throughout the year. I’ll figure out my home, family and finances and teach can figure out the classroom. I’m not sorry for the way I feel, either.”
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Another user chimed in and explained why all those glue sticks could be necessary.
For those who thought the glue stick count was outrageous, there was someone who took the time to break down why it might absolutely be necessary.
“Imagine, for a second, your sweet baby just ate a glue stick. Now their teacher has to give them a new one,” the user hypothesized. “Then your precious little sparkle fart lost the lid for that glue stick and it’s as dry as the desert. You’re down to 22 glue sticks and week 3 of school.
"Week 4, your little angel wants to glue their hand to see what happens," the person continued. "That glue stick is GONE, lost to the void forever. 21 glue sticks, we still have 9 months and numerous holidays/lessons to go … buy the damn glue sticks.”
'Don’t have kids if you can’t support their education,' another person stated.
Another Threaders user noted that although that number may seem excessive, it doesn’t actually cost that much. “30 glue sticks at Target is $8. That’s less than $1 per month of school,” the person explained. “Teachers shouldn’t have to supply YOUR child with any supplies … ever. Don’t have kids if you can’t support their education and their emotional wellbeing properly. How embarrassing!”
There are provisions for families who can't afford school supplies.
An educator took a more compassionate approach and shared the financial load teachers take on as well.
“If it creates a financial burden, don’t do it,” the person advised. “I guarantee your child’s teacher has already been buying glue sticks all summer knowing there will be kids who won’t be able to bring any. Every time I go to the store I grab some and put them in my classroom stash so every child will have what they need regardless of what they can bring in.”
Other parents said the school supplies are a small price to pay for what teachers are giving.
The parents who know and understand how much teachers sacrifice, in spite of being grossly underpaid, are unbothered by the lists.
“My kids teacher could ask for crack and I’d provide it!” one Facebook user wrote.
Others agreed it’s a noble sacrifice.
“Them being willing to teach and take care of children is what allows me to have a career and make money in the first place,” another mom explained. “I’m not wealthy but if giving them whatever they need makes their job even 1% easier, it's worth it.”
