Parents seek transparency in book requirements

PHOTO: FREEPIK

As a parent of two children attending private schools, December is always a busy month for us as we prepare school supplies for the upcoming year.

Typically, we are given a list detailing which textbooks, workbooks, and exercise books to purchase from stationery shops.

However, after reviewing the books recently returned by the class teacher, I noticed that some workbooks were only half-used, and one was completely untouched.

Schools need to understand that parents spend a significant amount of money on these books, and they are not cheap. A single textbook can cost up to BND15.

Some may argue that if we are concerned about expenses, we should consider sending our children to government schools, where textbooks are loaned to students, and we only need to purchase workbooks and exercise books.

However, I firmly believe that parents have the right to choose what’s best for their children, and that decision is not up for debate.

This year, I decided not to strictly follow the list, particularly when it comes to the total number of exercise books required, as I have plenty left over from the previous batch.

I sincerely hope schools will become more selective in determining which books are truly necessary, so we can avoid unnecessary expenses and waste.

Frugal mom

PHOTO: FREEPIK