How can it possibly be that time again already? The summer feels like it’s just begun, and yet our Facebook feeds are filled with kids heading off to school, backpacks stuffed with new school supplies. Despite the excitement surrounding this time of year, there are a few very honest thoughts that many parents think as back-to-school season approaches. Here are some familiar feelings for parents sending their kids back to school this year:

1. Please Don’t Ask for That Outfit.

This is particularly true for parents of little girls such as myself, though there are certainly trends that we wish boys would avoid – Pokemon. The scenario: You’ve just walked into the kids’ clothing section of your favorite store and your daughter gasps. She spies an outfit she NEEDS TO HAVE!

It’s ridiculous. It’s a glittery, cheetah-print skirt and matching top that says, “Diva in Training.” You do not enjoy divas, neither in training, nor professionally speaking. You do not appreciate the neon animal print, and you definitely do not want your daughter walking out of the house in anything that short. Tell her that’s “so last year” and steer her toward the tunics and leggings, ASAP.

2. I Love My Kids, but Hurrah! Activity Stress, Be Gone

Now that summer’s coming to a close, a wave of relief washes over you. You know, the one where you realize you no longer have to plan day trips, beg friends who have swimming pools for yet another play date or come up with new responses I’m booooooored. Of course, you love spending more time with the kids during the summer months, but let’s be honest: Having them back in their classrooms is all kinds of awesome.

3. College Bound Kids – Have the Talk!

It’s not what you think. Two elements most relished by college-bound children: Independence and Freedom – some may think these are the same but they’re truly different. Being Independent allows this free-living, college student to lead an autonomous life away from parents.

Credit card companies love this passion in college students!  Encourage your college child to remain independent, away from the credit card debts of their favorite store or point club. It’s Dangerous!

Freedom also allows your liberated, self-governing college child to make his/her own choices, typically has an legal adult (most states consider adulthood at 18).  As this “rite of passage” is almost considered another day by many it carries great responsibilities for parents and children.

At 18, hospitals, law enforcement and other public institutions ARE NOT REQUIRED to notify parents/guardians of a child’s activities. Therefore, if your child is injured off campus and taken to a local hospital that facility may not necessarily provide you needed information on your child’s condition. Only through an updated Power of Attorney will you have the documentation to support needing to know important information on your child’s condition.

4. Wait, Please Stop Growing Up.

Whether your little one is starting kindergarten, sixth grade or college, or it’s “just another year,” this is a moment to realize that they’re growing up. Admit it: You have that ugly-cry moment when they walk out the door on that first day of school, or get on that bus, or close your car door as you’re dropping them off. That moment when you pause, reminisce about years gone by, think about how quickly they’re growing up and would give anything to make time stand still for just a moment, just long enough for one final, embarrassing mom-hug. All we can do is just keep loving ‘em.  Good luck to parents this year. And remember, we’re in this together.

If you have questions about keeping your children safe, planning for their future, or helping them make wise financial choices, we are here to help. Give our office a call at (323) 254-3072 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

About Brent

Brent M. Mason is the President of Mason & Associates, Inc.  Brent began his career in 1999 with Putnam Investments, where he was a vice president and served as the marketing manager for Putnam’s Insurance Products Division, specializing in the development and sale of investment vehicles within insurance related products. Brent earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Southern Methodist University, in Dallas, Texas where he focused on marketing and finance. Brent is a licensed California insurance agent and can offer life, health, variable and long-term care insurance products. Currently, he is a member of the Board of Directors at Hillsides, an organization that specializes in meeting the needs of at-risk children in the greater Los Angeles area. Brent lives in Pasadena with his wife Leah and their three beautiful children. He enjoys golf, snow skiing and spending time with family and friends.