Back-to-school shopping tips

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - For the next two weeks, 24 Hour News 8 Daybreak is helping parents and students get ready for the first day of school.

The first day of the new school year is approaching, and that means it's also the second busiest shopping season of the year.

Heidi Bott, a Wyoming mother of four, has some great tips for shopping at thrift stores to save money on back-to-school clothes --

-- It is easy to find good quality name-brand shirts to fit any size
-- Check regularly as thrift stores change inventory
-- Ask about deals as thrift stores have many different sales to clear out inventory
-- Find the right store for you as all thrift stores are not created equal, so find the one that stocks items that you need
-- Don't buy unless you're certain

Bott says to buy only school supplies that their children need. She says to not buy such items as tissues, wipes and community crayons as teachers will refill their stock later in year.

As for getting your children on a regular sleep schedule, Bott says start changing their bedtimes now.

Bott says parents should pick out their children's clothes, and pack lunches, and fill backpacks the night before the school day.