Sending a child off to school without their packed lunch is British parents’ number one back to school stress. More than half of mums and dads say they’ve left lunchboxes at home after the summer holiday. Other top back to school faux pas include taking their child’s bag back home with them and failing to ensure the car is charged or refuelled before setting off.
57% overall said they had forgotten something important on the first day back. And for 63% the return to the school run in September is the most stressful time of the year, according to the poll by electric vehicle (EV) charging provider Pod.
Being prepared doesn’t just help kids get on with their day; 52% of parents said it would give them increased peace of mind while 32% believed it would give them back crucial minutes of time. Pod asked parenting psychologist Laverne Antrobus to share handy hacks to make the return to routine smoother.
She said: “The school run isn’t just a drive – it’s a challenging obstacle course; juggling uniforms, breakfast, packed lunches, permission slips, and a thousand tiny details that are all urgent at once, including getting yourself ready.”
To ensure kids aren’t missing their sandwiches or schoolbooks due to parental pratfalls, she suggested a few “simple changes” to keep the school run orderly. Creating a weekly menu with pre-prepared packed lunches provides variety and avoids an early morning scramble – or a vital school meal being forgotten altogether.
Laverne also suggests uniforms are placed together on one hanger the night before for ease of access the next morning. Another handy tip is to keep an emergency car kit of useful items like a hair brush and ties, wet wipes and a water bottle and snacks.
She also suggests creating a ‘countdown playlist’ that starts 10 minutes before leaving so kids know they are on the clock. Those with an EV – or planning to buy one – can also avoid the rush to refuel or charge by opting for a subscription that takes care of charging for you.
Pod CEO Melanie Lane added: “As a mum of three, I know first-hand that busy families already have enough on their plate, especially during the chaos of getting kids back to school. That’s why Pod is here to help and make the school run one less thing to worry about.”
