THE Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) is appealing to parents to do comparative shopping for the best back-to-school deals.

Dorothy Campbell, education, information and communications specialist, especially recommends that parents make use of the CAC’s soon-to-be-released textbook survey, to help compare prices.

“Preliminary analysis has shown that in one particular parish, there is a textbook that is about $2,000 more than the other parishes,” said Campbell, quoted in a JIS release.

“I would suggest that parents (ask) any relative or friend in another area, that could provide them with the textbook for a cheaper rate, because $1,500 to $2,000 savings is worth the hassle.”

The annual textbook survey covers primary and secondary level texts, and includes approximately 100 titles from some 66 stores in rural and urban stores.

Turning to the issue of emotional readiness for the new school year, Campbell strongly urged that parents hold a family meeting prior to the start of school.

This meeting, she suggested, should facilitate discussion on what the new school year means to each child, and to talk about their fears, insecurities or challenges.

“The CAC stresses the family meeting at all cost. It doesn’t matter if you’re a typical unit – mother, father and children – or a single parent,” said Campbell.

She noted also, that safety awareness was a critical element in back-to-school preparations, adding that children should be given safety guidelines, such as not accepting gifts from strangers, or rides, even when the person says he/she has been sent by a parent.