To never, EVER do the school run again?

[thinkofthemoney]

First time on re school run today. Dd just started early years.
Was a bit surprised to find a parking spot right outside school but couldn't see any no parking signs and thought the gods were smiling on me.
I them proceeded to the playground where I felt like a leper! Despite it being first day all the other mums knew each other/ were arranging lifts to the birthday party of one of the little ones in my daughters class. Dd
Not invited but early days obviously.
And why did no one tell me you are supposed to 'dress up' for pick up? Was only mother without make up/ long boots/boden/north face body warmer.
Left the playground to find that the reason said parking space was empty is that the school bus parks directly opposite. My car was therefore stopping at least 10 other mums from getting out.
Cue slow clap from bus driver and lots of head shaking/stupid woman comments from other mums.
I was trying to explain to everyone that I had no idea the bus stopped there and there were no signs to say not to park amidst lots of sorries. These all fell on deaf ears as 'everyone knows not to park there'. Well not me obviously.
So, there goes any chance of social integration for me and dd.
Am I being U to send dh tomorrow?!!

[SilentBoob]

Blimey, that was a bad start. Still, tomorrow is another day. Shoulders back, breezy smile. You'll be fine!

[Birnamwood]

Oh god I'm dreading it when ds1 goes to school in September. Is it really that bad? Sounds like hell.

[DuchessofMalfi]

Turn up as usual. Pretend there's nothing wrong. Wear what you want to wear.

[Panzee]

Go. Park in that space every day. Next week everyone else will be doing it. :o

[OddBoots]

Oh dear, I do feel for you, that does sound like a bad first run. Do stick with it though, it can only get better and you will soon find a mum or two you can relate to.

[Panzee]

Get the class list from the teacher and throw a 'just because' party for all of them. If you want to be involved.

[Rezolution]

Take a deep breath, go back, and SMILE

[jubilee10]

I would have to change schools!

[thinkofthemoney]

Dd said although she enjoyed it one day was enough and she would like to stay at home and bake cakes.
Sounds like a plan to me!

[VivaLeBeaver]

Everyone will forget about the parking incident within a few days. Put it to the back of your mind. As your dd starts to make some friends send out some invites for tea and by doing that you'll probably get to know some of the other mums.

[slavetofilofax]

Welcome to the world of playground politics!

Really, the whole thing is bollocks. You will get talking to other Mums at some point, and you have to remember that it's quality not quantity that counts.

I feel for you with the bus thing! My ds's school is on a country lane and because it's quite narrow, there is a self imposed one way system going on outside it at drop off and pick up times. But I didn't know that, and parked facing in the wrong direction, so I got lots of mutters from other mums too. They were all welcome to bog off.

There are lots of mothers for whom the biggest social interaction of their day is in the playground, it is really very sad. You don't want to be like that, so stop feeling like you have to be. The pressure gets to us all!

[Dozer]

Urgh. Hate unwritten rules.

Just ignore it and look out for smiley people to chat to!

[2BoysTooLoud]

Try and brazen it out!
Maybe send dh tomorrow if you need recovery time!

[Pandemoniaa]

Just a hint. There is almost never a sensible and convenient place to park right outside a school. Even though all the evidence points to the contrary.

Sounds like a hellish morning though. But don't be persuaded to dress up and pretend to be someone you aren't. Let the other sillies play that game.

[soandsosmummy]

Please don't worry. There are some mums you'll never get on with, a lot you'll talk with pleasantly and find their company enjoyable and maybe 2 or 3 who will become good friends and you'll find yourself spending quite a bit of time with. You'll work out who is who over time but it will take a while.

See who your dd is friendly with and offer a couple of invites for tea.

As for clothes its not a fashion parade honestly just wear what you're comfortable in. If people don't talk to you because of what you wear, there's a good chance you wouldn't want to be their friend anyway

I hope your DD loves school and makes lots of friends. The playground won't be daunting for ever for either of you

[2BoysTooLoud]

Agree don't play dress up game.
Screwed back hair and rushed frenzy is my look!

[Feminine]

Oh you poor thing.

It does get better...really

pretend it never happened ...apart from the bit about where not to park

[WorraLiberty]

Apart from the parking (which the school were clearly at fault over) I really can't see your problem?

Does it bother you if you walk into a supermarket and some people know each other?

Do you look around and take note of their clothes and make up?

Just be yourself.

[tanfastic]

Turn up in your pj's and slippers tomorrow and show them the finger

[whomovedmychocolate]

Grin madly and shout 'MORNING' to everyone. Most of them will think you are mad but a few will grin back and you may even make a friend. And don't play the dress up game. People do it the first week of every fucking term and it's pathetic! By week three we all look like shit.

[WorraLiberty]

By week three we all look like shit

Wiping tea off my screen here

[fuckityfuckfuckfuck]

Surely people dress for their day and not just for the school run? So if they're what you consider dressed up then maybe they just dress like that? I do sympathise though, my dd started at school a year later than the rest of her class and everyone seemed to know each other. But for the 10 minutes a day I actually see these people, who cares?

[Backinthebox]

Ah yes. I took DD for her induction day last month, she starts Reception tomorrow. I parked close to the school when I know they have a 'no cars within 500 yards rule' and actively encourage walking to school. I parked there deliberately because I had to take 16 mo DS into school too and I am just getting over a broken leg and can't walk far with DS. The looks I got you would have thought I was the world's biggest dog turd stuck to the bottom of some of those women's shoes. Just wait till I turn up to collect DD from school with the pony.....

I have spent 2 years taking DD to pre-school with the same mothers there, and have not managed to get ashamed by my muddy boots or saggy mucking out tracky bottoms, or the hay in my hair. If they REALLY want something to talk about, I'll turn up in my work uniform - I have a VERY unusual job!