A Cuban mother living in the United States expressed her astonishment and frustration on TikTok over the extensive list of school supplies required for her child just as the new school year approaches in the country.
In the video, which has already garnered thousands of views on the platform, the user @laury0605 shares her surprise upon discovering that it was not necessary to go to the store in person to buy school supplies, as she can access the official lists directly online through the Walmart website.
"You go online and enter school supply lists at Walmart, wherever you are going to buy the materials. When you open that link, you enter the name of the school and the child's grade, and automatically the list appears. It gets added to the cart and is delivered to your home," he explained.
But beyond the logistical discovery, the mother was outraged by the amount of supplies required by the school for such a small child.
"Can someone explain to me why a preschool child needs 12 glue sticks? (…) Six bottles of bleach. I can imagine the teacher is going to be cleaning all day," she questioned, visibly confused.
He also remarked that the requirement is not by group but rather individual. “It’s for each child, two for mine, two for yours, two for the other,” he added, emphasizing the financial burden this can represent for families, especially those with more than one child.
The post sparked debate among other parents, with some identifying with the situation and others justifying the amounts as part of a collaborative model in which parents help supply classrooms for the entire year.
The topic of school supply lists in the U.S. is often contentious among immigrant parents, who are frequently unfamiliar with this system, and even more so with the quantities requested, even for the most basic levels.
Frequently Asked Questions about School Supplies in the U.S. and the Economic Situation of Cuban Families
Why are school supply lists in the U.S. so extensive?
School supply lists in the U.S. are often extensive because they include materials for the entire academic year, and in some cases, parents are expected to contribute to classroom supplies through a collaborative model. This can lead to surprising amounts for immigrant parents who are unfamiliar with this system.
How does Cuba's economic situation affect families that send products from abroad?
The economic crisis in Cuba, with insufficient wages and high prices, forces many Cuban families abroad to send basic goods to help their loved ones on the island. This includes food, hygiene products, and school supplies, which are difficult to obtain in Cuba due to their cost and availability.
What are the reactions of immigrant parents to school supply lists in the U.S.?
Many immigrant parents, especially Cubans, feel surprised and even outraged by the quantities and types of materials required for children on school supply lists in the U.S. Some view these lists as an additional financial burden, while others understand their collaborative purpose.
How can parents in the U.S. obtain the school supply lists?
Parents in the U.S. can easily obtain school supply lists online through the websites of chains like Walmart. They simply need to enter the name of the school and the child's grade to access the official list and add the items to their cart for purchase.
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