The start of the school year is also the beginning of a great adventure. A new class, another dose of knowledge and a different outlook on the world – the teenage years are the first steps into adulthood, and that means making independent decisions. We suggest what's worth choosing together with your teen for their school kit.

Until now, it was us, the parents, who often chose our children's backpacks, notebook covers and clothes on our own, but a good few years under their belt means our kids have the full right to decide about their own belongings. Let's allow children to make such decisions. They will feel that they can decide about their own matters, and we can be sure that a new school bag or a pair of trousers won't end up tossed in a corner. Independence is an important trait of an almost-grown young person – let's practise it while putting together the school kit.

A top-notch backpack

A vintage-style school bag or a sporty backpack for special missions – no matter which model we choose, let's try to explain to the child that comfort, adequate capacity – in this case around 20 litres – and durability are the basic features. Does your teenager dream of a black backpack that seems gloomy to us? No problem – let's remember that black hides dirt more gently. Has your daughter set her heart on a fashionable leather shoulder bag? This option is worth considering – it's worth explaining that a heavy model on its own, additionally loaded with textbooks, can be challenging for the body, straining the shoulder. Perhaps a beautiful leather backpack would be a good alternative?

A stylish lunch box

A morning snack is a mandatory item in a pupil's kit. Let's let children choose a lunchbox model from which they will proudly take out the treats packed in the morning. Food boxes must above all be leak-proof and spacious, so that besides a sandwich they can also fit pieces of fruit and vegetables, and even small cutlery. It's worth considering a lunch box with several compartments that cleverly separate the meal components. A water bottle should go along with the box – for water, homemade tea or a favourite juice. There is a wide choice of lunchboxes and sturdy bottle models: minimalist, transparent or decorated with colourful patterns – it all depends on the taste of a pupil hungry and thirsty (for knowledge).

Comfortable wardrobe

Buying clothes for a teenager is quite a challenge nowadays. On this subject, dear parents, one should be careful not to make a stylistic faux pas by buying an outfit that, in the eyes of a growing child, seems childish. A safe option is shopping together – both in-store and online – during which we can put together a useful, comfortable and good-looking set. Let basic clothes serve as the base – plain-coloured and definitely cotton, as that's synonymous with the greatest comfort. 

The MyBasic range now includes a new JUNIOR category dedicated to children aged 11-14. Here you'll find sizing up to 164 cm in height and universal cuts of dresses, sweatshirts, T-shirts and trousers. Beloved tracksuit bottoms are a pupil's must-have – super soft, unrestrictive of movement and, most importantly, fitted with side and back pockets. A perfect match for them is a colourful sweatshirt with a contrasting zip. The baseball-jacket cut is iconic and unisex, which means the zip-up sweatshirt will be a favourite outer layer for both boys and girls. Also useful will be a zip-up sweatshirt in a universal navy blue colour. For a warm September, a fashionable schoolgirl will love the frilled, short-sleeved dress, while for cooler days – the longer version worn with colourful tights. Both come in every colour of the rainbow!

Dotting the i's – school supplies

Small things, but how important! Let's start with a pen or a fountain pen – if we find the right model that's comfortable for the child's hand, we'll stock up on a few. We know very well that writing tools run out quickly and also love to get lost. Glue, an eraser, scissors and a ruler should live in a roomy pencil case – the most beautiful one, of course. Here – just like with the backpack – let's let children decide on the shape and colour of their favourite model. Then there are the essential notebooks: colourful, distinctive covers are one of a pupil's favourite things. After all, maths or English should only bring pleasant associations.