School Run is the Most Stressful Time of Day for Most UK Parents
Back to school is the most stressful time of year for 63% UK parents
As the kids finally head back to school, forgotten lunchboxes, getting home to realise you still have your child’s schoolbag and spills down clean uniforms are revealed as the top mishaps parents have to deal with on the school run. Polling 2,000 parents with school age children, new research by Pod, a leading EV charging provider, revealed 57% have forgotten something important on the first day back to school. In fact, school run was voted the most stressful time of the day as parents admit to forgetting something important.
For almost a third (31%) this was ensuring the car was filled up with charge or fuel. In fact, 63% of parents reveal that the first day back to school is the most stressful day of the year, and this feeling doesn’t subside, as most parents say the school run is the most stressful part of any school day.
Recognising the pressure on parents at this busy time, Pod teamed up with parenting psychologist Laverne Antrobus to share handy hacks to make the school run smoother.
Laverne Antrobus said: “The school run isn’t just a drive — it’s a mentally 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. However, introducing a few simple changes can help get things in order.”
Now the kids are back at school, Brits are faced with a plethora of potential school run mishaps… And so here are a few tips for parents:
- Uniform Grab – make sure to hang their whole uniform on one hanger the night before for a one stop grab-and-go in the morning
- The Final Countdown – create a playlist that starts 10 mins before leaving so the kids know the clock is ticking
- Create weekly lunch menus – prep packed lunches with a weekly planner and five favourites on rotation
- Emergency car kit – keep a box with hair bush and ties, wetwipes, water bottle and snacks for those forgetful moments
And a bonus tip for families with an EV…
- Home EV charging – opt for a subscription that takes care of EV charging for you, making sure you’re always ready for the school run and no more emergency detours to a service station or public charger that make you (even more) late!
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.
“For those with an EV or thinking about making the switch, our Pod Drive subscription offers total peace of mind – because not only will you wake up with a full charge ready to go, you’ll also know it’s covered by one simple monthly fee for all your charging needs.”
These hacks could go some way to help the 78% of parents of school age children who say they are looking for ways to be more organised. Being prepared for the school run would mean increased peace of mind and getting a few minutes of time back for the busy parents questioned.