US families face record spending and stress during school mornings

K-12 families in the United States are projected to spend a record $43.3 billion on school gear this year, with an average expenditure of $863.86 per family. According to the National Retail Federation, spending is distributed across electronics, clothing and accessories, shoes, and school supplies.

Psychologists note that school mornings often create a ‘perfect storm’ of stress due to tight time limits and the logistical challenge of managing belongings. To mitigate this, experts suggest organizational strategies such as designating a single daily landing spot for school papers and ensuring backpacks weigh no more than 10% to 15% of a child’s body weight.

Additionally, the rise in extracurricular activities contributes to morning congestion, as 65% of children ages six to 17 participated in sports in 2024. Accessibility guidelines also provide recommendations for home organization, such as placing coat hooks for children aged 3 to 4 at specific reachable heights.