As it turns out shopping with my almost 8th grader was pretty fun.  We went to the mall first thing Saturday morning to beat the crowds.  I suggested a looksie at Hollister and American Eagle Outfitters.  We were in and out of Hollister in no time.  I thought the loud music was ever so annoying, but so did he.  AEO wasn't so bad and he did score a new shirt there.  He suggested Macy's and it was there that he found the rest of what he wanted.  At least some of it was on sale so it was a win-win.

While the back to school shopping was accomplished it was also a nice chance for us to spend some time together.  We left dad and the other kids at home, so he was forced to talk to me.  That's definitely more of a challenge than it used to be.  So many of my attempts to have conversation are replied to with just a few grunts, or,"I don't know".  That's code for, "I don't want to talk about it".

On the way home he said that shopping hadn't been "that bad" and he hit me up for a chocolate shake.  For my son that was pretty much code for, " I had a really good time shopping with you after all.  I like what I got.  Thanks for taking me".  Now we were both pretty happy.

I hope your back to school shopping is as successful as mine.