7 On Your Side: The top back-to-school shopping tips to help families cut costsThe average family will spend about $900 per child on school supplies so shoppers are being encouraged to compare prices and look for discounts. The average family will spend about $900 per child on school supplies so shoppers are being encouraged to compare prices and look for discounts. The average family will spend about $900 per child on school supplies so shoppers are being encouraged to compare prices and look for discounts. The average family will spend about $900 per child on school supplies so shoppers are being encouraged to compare prices and look for discounts. With the school year beginning, families are balancing costs, discounts and shopping strategies as they prepare students for the classroom.