When kids go back to school there is more needed than just uniform and shoes.

Pencil cases, stationary, bags, watter bottles and more are considered essentials.

But what if your children had all these items last year. Do they automatically need new ones?

One mum has been labelled 'mean' by her kids after she refused to buy them new things that they'd already got.

Posting to the popular Mumsnet "Am I Being Unreasonable" thread online, the mum said that her kids say she is being mean as it's a given that everyone has new school essentials.

She wrote: "My kids think I'm being unreasonable.

"I've replaced some clothes that they've outgrown or worn out last year, but lots of things still fit and are wearable.


"Does everyone really completely replace all their kids school stuff every single year?

"My kids are determined that all of their mates have completely new stuff and I'm mean."

This mum refused to spend money on unnecessary school purchases.

But, other mums were quick to support her, with most saying they only buy what needs replacing, Liverpool Echo reports.

KanielOutis said: "We replace as and when we need to.



Queenofthedrivensnow agreed saying: "I replace what needs replacing. The dds start school every year looking smart and presentable that's the requirement as far as I'm concerned."

And one nifty mum said: "If they complain, tell them it's better for the environment and saves the turtles."

However, one mum disagreed stating that her kids always get new school uniforms and essentials.

AbeautifulBeast wrote: "Mine get new 'everything' for September. I grew up as the child that had to make do and mend (usually meant trousers had holes in the crotch where they had rubbed away) and it is not fun.

"I was a walking advertisement for bullies!!! I will do whatever it takes for my children never to dread school because they don't have decent clothes to wear.

"I know this is my issue but it doesn't change how I feel about it."

A new study from the Children's Society has found that the average cost of a secondary school uniform is now a staggering £340 per child each year, reflecting a 7% increase (or £24) since 2015.

The study said that one million children in the UK are living in families who are getting into debt to meet the rising cost of uniforms, with one in six cutting back on food and other basic essentials in order to afford them.