A Back to School Task You Probably Forgot

Thank you JCPenney Optical for sponsoring this post. Visit your local JCPenney Optical to find your perfect frames!

It’s that time of year again. The time where moms and dads toast to the return of a ‘normal’ schedule. The point when we recognize that our kids can only stand so much of each other. You know what I’m talking about…

BACK TO SCHOOL time!

Each year as the summer comes to a close, I reflect on the various things we’ve done over the fast but short months. From activities at home (like playing board games and launching a web series about blind bags) to trips to festivals or concerts and out of town for conventions, we try to cram as much as possible in while still managing to get work done. As much as we do, I always feel like we should have done more. But it is what it is so now it’s time to focus on getting the kids prepared and geared up from head to toe for school.

Let me repeat that and make sure you didn’t miss the really important part: Prepared.

While many families focus on grabbing school supplies and a new outfit or two, too many forget that their children need to be medically prepared as well. A couple weeks ago a friend commented that she realized she hadn’t made appointments for back to school physicals. A number of years ago I made that same mistake and have been cursed ever since. Insurance only pays for one school physical per year and the following cannot happen until over 365 days have passed since the last. I’m now caught in an endless loop of delayed annual physicals. Their dental appointments are on a normal semi-annual schedule so they aren’t a big deal. But summer is when we always try to get the kids in for a vision checkup. Starting the year without your child being able to read the blackboard (or whiteboard or whatever it’s called nowadays) isn’t a good way to start the year. If your child cannot read instructions or see sample work, how are they supposed to learn? From preschool through college, vision isn’t something to forget when preparing for back to school.

Let’s also not forget that kids want to look good! Why not head somewhere that offers the latest trends not only for a child but also for the entire family? JCPenney Optical has a variety of trendy eyeware with a $39.99 Back To School promotion that includes frames, impact-resistant lenses and eyewear protection plan. Kids can find frames that fit their personalities while parents find a price tag that fits their budget. They offer a variety of well-known brands such as Ray Ban, Armani Exchange, DKNY, Liz Claiborne and Beverly Hills Polo Club.

For those who have a fashionista in their midst, there’s also an affordable selection of fashion frames. Before Kennedy needed glasses, we often purchased some for her as an accessory. She couldn’t wear a hat in class, but she could bling an outfit with a stylish pair of glasses. Once she needed glasses for vision correction, she already knew it gave her an opportunity to add a regular accessory to her outfits. Kennedy looks for styles she likes then asks the associate for details on whether the frames are available in additional colors. We’re advocates for empowering our kids in ways such as this. In addition to the brands I mentioned above, JCPenney Optical alsos offer some specifically for kids such as OP and Converse!

Of course, it’s also awesome to show off a Back to School selfie. Take advantage of any photo opportunities and enter the JCPenney Optical Back to School Photo Contest for a chance to win eye-catching prizes just in time for a new school year. Head over and enter! Be sure to swing back and let us know if you win!

Is an eye exam and glasses on your back-to-school checklist?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.