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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be feeling physically sick at the thought restarting the school run tomorrow

53 replies

cuteboots · 31/08/2011 12:17

It strikes fear into my very core and Im not looking forward to it at all does anyone else feel the same or have any tips to help combat this?

OP posts:
blabalalalablabla · 31/08/2011 12:18

what are you worried about? why does it strike fear into your very core?
can you not just drop and run?

ripstheirthroatoutliveupstairs · 31/08/2011 12:19

Seems a bit dramatic to me. I am looking forward to DD starting school again. I am not looking forward to the 30 minute journey on a bus though.

Collision · 31/08/2011 12:19

As long as you have a new outfit and you have straightened your hair and are wearing lipstick you will be fine!

Wink
CoffeeIsMyFriend · 31/08/2011 12:21

why cuteboots whats up?

My DC dont go back until next WEds 7th Sept.

One of the first things I have to do is get them 2 days off at the end of Sept for a family wedding. Not looking forward to that, and both DC are starting new schools, so I will be the 'New Mum' but I am sure it will be fine.

Original poster
cuteboots · 31/08/2011 12:22

I think its mainly cos I work and dont get involved with any of the parents. Im also not the worlds most confident person which I dont think helps. I may be able to just do the drop and run thing as I think you can drop off a bit earlier.

OP posts:
Ormirian · 31/08/2011 12:23

I know what you mean. It isn't just the school run for me - it's the whole bloody lunch box/clean uniform/homework/traffic/late-to-work package. I dread it too. At least 2 of mine are in secondary now and more autonomous.

worraliberty · 31/08/2011 12:24

Why do some people think they have to 'get involved' with other parents?

I find this very odd. I take my kids to school to...well take them to school I suppose.

I've never felt a need to talk to other people. If I do then I do..if I don't then I don't give it a second thought.

troisgarcons · 31/08/2011 12:25

)))School Gate Covern(((

To be avoided at all costs!

Original poster
cuteboots · 31/08/2011 12:26

ripstheirthroatoutliveupstairs-U are correct and its probably me being a bit over dramatic and I am looking forward to him going to this school. I think if I had a bit more involvement with some of the parents this my also help.

Coffeeismyfriend-Im sure you will be fine

OP posts:
blabalalalablabla · 31/08/2011 12:28

Agree - no need to get involved with anyone.

I drop and run and if I see anyone I know then I smile and say hello and the usual pleasantries.

Most of my dc's friends parents know that I work so haven't got time to stand about and chat etc.

blabalalalablabla · 31/08/2011 12:29

how about getting invoved with the pta or something if this will give you more confidence?

Original poster
cuteboots · 31/08/2011 12:30

troisgarcons- Welcome to my world. I have no time or interest for this and will now be dropping him off and running away as fast as my little legs will carry me!!!

Worraliberty- I try to avoid contact at all costs is that bad?? There are a couple who speak but only now and then

OP posts:
twinkle1010 · 31/08/2011 12:30

Im a teacher, so yes gutted! Mornings are so busy.

Love the summer holidays :)

troisgarcons · 31/08/2011 12:30

And avoid the PTA at all costs - usually run by one dragon who has delusions that she actually controls the Head and all the other mothers

AnotherJaffaCake · 31/08/2011 12:30

Just wondering - does every school have a witches coven? I mean a group of 3 or more mothers who band together and gossip, excluding all other parents? I witnessed this happen when DD was at school last year. Curious behaviour. Does make you want to just drop and run.

luxuryhamper · 31/08/2011 12:30

i've managed 10 years of dropping off and running. you dont have to get involved if you don't want to

Original poster
cuteboots · 31/08/2011 12:31

blablabla-Id willingly give this a whirl but I work all the time!

OP posts:
blabalalalablabla · 31/08/2011 12:33

are any of the pta meetings in the evening?
how about being a parent governer - might help you feel more involved?

AngryFeet · 31/08/2011 12:35

I don't really get involved with the other parents either. Am I a bit shy and have tried but noone really makes any effort with me so sod em Grin. Why do you have to turn up early to drop and run? I just walk them to their classrooms, nod hi to anyone who catches my eye and then I go. No big deal. What are you so worried about?

Original poster
cuteboots · 31/08/2011 12:36

Troisgarcons-I know the very people you mean!!

OP posts:
animula · 31/08/2011 12:40

Seriously - is this social anxiety, cuteboots?

From a parent's perspective, your children's school can either be a (temporary) community or just a loose gathering of people, akin to ... Sainsbury's. There is no actual need to get involved.

Some people do find it a place where they meet people, amongst whom some will become friends, others acquaintances, and a place where the functions of a community can be vitalised and ralised (information, support, occasional rifts and spats).

Others don't want to do that.

It's just a gathering of people.

If you get all that elsewhere (eg. your workplace) that is cool. It is not compulsory to attempt to find those things within your children's school community.

animula · 31/08/2011 12:42

I'm genuinely miserable the holidays are almost over this year, though. I think it's the first time in ages I would have been happy for it all to go on for another two months. Sad

worraliberty · 31/08/2011 12:45

Worraliberty- I try to avoid contact at all costs is that bad?? There are a couple who speak but only now and then

It's not bad, good or anything Confused

That's what I'm trying to say. The only reason we go to school is to take our kids there and then pick them up again.

Who cares about anything else? If you see people you know..nod and smile if you feel like it.

porcamiseria · 31/08/2011 12:50

cuteboots

I am a fairly confident person, and I know what you mean! when I went back to work FT I was pleased to not have to do the pre-school playgroup drop off. I could write pages of bitchy rants about why I did not like the mummies

However! not all are the same! dont assume that 100% are bitches and dont make it into a drama, really try and exercise some mental discipline to not let it stress you out

BUT some school mummies are cunts, and it does amaze me that they make me feel uncomfy despite generally enagaging elsewhere

I think its they are a gang I DONT want to join but I resent being so clearly NOT in their gang?

hmmmm

cjbartlett · 31/08/2011 12:51

I think it is easier if there's a couple of friendly people to chat to
Especially if you're having to wait outside reception classes for them to come out
And in reception you have to stay at the parties so it's a pretty gruesome experience if you don't talk to anyone
Although one couple I know came to all the parties together and sat there rwading the paper/ a book and didn't talk to anyone