I have loved the summer holidays so far, it’s lovely to have a little break from routine; without the normal school run, and then being a taxi service taking the children to piano lessons, tennis, swimming, and so on.
I have heard a lot of people talking about how the summer holidays are too long and to be honest, although it has been fun so far, it is getting to that point a little bit for me too.
But I am absolutely dreading getting back into the routine of things- having to have me and the kids up, fed, dressed, and out of the door, all before 8.30 in the morning (there have been no such times so far this summer).
It is an inevitable fact of life though, so I have been thinking how I can make sure that we are organised and ready for the start of the school term so that we get smoothly back into the swing of things.
It is all about planning and making sure that you have got all that you need. I try to be as organised as I can be and have just about finished getting things sorted like sorting their bags for when they go back and sewing the new labels on uniform (the joy).
I remember when my son started school a couple of years ago, I had no idea the kind of things he needed to take with him. I fully bought him a pencil case filled up it to the brim with stuff (note to self: not needed for reception class).
A snack, water bottle, hat, and a pack of Kleenex® tissues is usually all that they need, when they’re first starting. The tissues are just for some peace of mind more than anything, so I know that he is prepared for most things, whether it is to clean sticky fingers after break time or wipe a running nose, as getting a cold when they start back at school is inevitable. And perhaps, if you’re like me, you’ll need some tissues handy at the school gates if your baby is starting school for the first time in September! Seriously, how have we got to this point? Isn’t she like, still two?
The Scummy Mummies got it absolutely right in their hilarious video below!
I think the school run plays an important part in setting our children up for the school day too. I know for a while I would try to squeeze in a little more sleep, but then be rushing around trying to get the kids ready as they were shoving toast in their mouth. It stressed me out and it was definitely not good thing for them either. When you have a good start to the day, it can set everyone else up to have a better, happier and more positive day.
Now I’m not saying that I’ve perfected this, by any stretch of the imagination, but there are a few things that have helped me in the years I’ve been a school run mum. Hopefully, there will be a few that could work for you.
- Waking up half an hour earlier could be just what you need to make sure that you get a bit of a headstart on the kids. Even though I want to smash the alarm as it goes off, if I can get myself pretty much ready before having to sort the kids, then it does really make a difference to how I feel and my mood
- Packing the bags the night before has been a no-brainer for me. Just being able to grab them, already filled with their essentials is so much easier. My children will be having school dinners, but I would certainly make packed lunches ahead of time if I needed
- Whether you walk or drive, you can make the school run itself way more interesting. You could look for things that are certain colours (other cars or flowers, for example). Or play little racing games as you go along.
- To get my two out and about and be enthused about being outdoors even when it is freezing cold, we’ve had to use the scooters. If you’ve got a pretty clear route to school away from busy roads, then I would recommend the same. Both of my kids have been much more enthusiastic about the school run when they get to scoot (and I try to get some cardio in and catch them up).
These formative years are so important for our little ones right? And preparing for school is an integral step in the process. I have happy memories of walking to primary school with my mum and siblings, so I hope I can create the same for my children.
What helps you when you are doing the school run? Or will you be doing it all for the first time in the coming weeks? It would be great to hear what you think.
*collaborative post with Kleenex. All opinions are my own.
Aww this will be us next year, as our eldest daughter starts school. I’ve already cried so much about it, so I’m nervous about the school run business. I’ll have to remember these tips – thank you 🙂
Some great tips for mums with kids just starting school. I always used to ensure my son’s bag was packed the night before. Brilliant idea about the scooters, especially when the paths aren’t too busy.
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Oh I am dreading the 6am alarm call for my school run. I have loved the summer holidays too much. Kaz
I think with this organisation is key. Having things prepped the night before would deffo make the morning alarm call less of an arrrgh moment x
I dont have kids so dont do the school run. My friend always does it when taking her kids to school. Getting the kids up is a nightmare
I know this feeling all to well, even though Mia isn’t at school, I still have to get her and myself ready for work and nursery in the morning. I tend to pack most of our bags before bed, with lunch prepped, Mia’s bag full of spare clothes, juice and snack for the way home and nappies! I’ve got my morning routine of waking up, showered, dressed, hair done, make up and Mia ready all in 25 minutes!
Packing the night before is a must do!
I half can’t wait for school to start again and half dreading it. I need to read these tips myself, I always feel ill prepared for the school run!
I think so many mums feel this way! Hope this post was helpful for you x
I’m glad you told me about the pencil case.. lol. I have literally no idea what he’s meant to turn up with on his first day of school!
Schools vary and sometimes they will send you a letter with a list of things to bring/what not to bring. But it doesn’t hurt to be prepared if you’re unsure!