7 Ways to Improve Your Back to School Mornings
Summer’s winding down, the seasons are shifting, and that can only mean one thing: the school runs are back!
For many families, back-to-school mornings can feel like a race against the clock with rushed breakfasts, misplaced homework, and a mad dash out the door. But with a little planning, it doesn’t have to be this way. We’ve pulled together seven simple, practical tips to help bring more calm to your mornings.
1. Prep The Night Before
The golden rule of stress-free mornings? Don’t leave everything until the morning. Set yourself and your children up for success by taking care of the essentials the night before. Pack school bags with school essentials, PE kits, and most importantly their summer homework. Lay out uniforms so there are no last-minute “I can’t find my jumper!” dramas. Charge devices that will be needed for the day. For longer commutes, pack a small “commute kit” with a water bottle, a snack, and a sweater in case of chilly mornings. These small steps can shave minutes off your morning—and save you from unnecessary stress.
2. Create a Bathroom Schedule
If you’ve got more than one child, mornings can quickly turn into a battle for bathroom time. Instead of arguments and delays, create a simple schedule where each family member knows when it’s their turn. Whether it’s for showers, brushing teeth, or hair time, a set routine keeps things flowing smoothly. You could even use a timer for younger kids to keep them on track.
3. Plan Your Route
Don’t wait until the first day of term to figure out how long the school run really takes. Plan your route in advance as roads often look very different at 8 a.m. than they do at midday. Using our booking portal makes it easy to get an accurate estimate of travel time so you can avoid delays and lateness.
4. Stay Alert for Updates
Even the most organised routine can be delayed by something unexpected. That’s why it helps to stay one step ahead. Before heading out, check for roadworks, temporary closures, or parking restrictions around the school. Make a note of safe and convenient drop-off points. And don’t forget to keep an eye on messages or alerts from the school itself. A quick check in the morning helps you avoid last-minute surprises.
5. Build in a Buffer
It’s no secret that London traffic can be unpredictable especially during the morning rush between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. By leaving just 10 to 15 minutes earlier can make all the difference. That buffer gives you breathing room if there’s congestion, if someone forgets their homework, or if you hit an unexpected delay.
6. Make Your Commute Work for You
Turn the car or taxi ride into quality time by chatting about the day ahead, listening to an audiobook together, or even running through spelling words. Prefer a quieter start? Use the journey to enjoy some calm: a few mindful breaths, a moment of silence, or simply enjoying the ride without rushing. A small shift in mindset can transform the commute from wasted time into a meaningful part of the day.
7. CHOOSE ADDISON LEE
Sometimes the best way to take the stress out of the school run is to let someone else handle it. With Addison Lee, you can rely on professional drivers who know the roads, the traffic patterns, and the best times to travel. That means no second-guessing routes, no battling congestion yourself, and no stress behind the wheel. Instead, you can focus on your kids making sure they start the day ready to learn while we take care of the journey.
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