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

[cuteboots]

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?

Don't let them make you feel inferior. Easier said than done, I know, but you can do it. Just smile let that be that.

We don't have the school run as such here because most of the kids ride buses, but there is a similar attitude at the ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education - very big deal around these parts :) ) gatherings.

smile and let that be that, I meant. :)

The playground will be full of groups of humans chatting as that is human nature and no, it is not one big conspiracy to make you feel inferior. I have been doing the school run for 7 yrs so funnily I have made friends with other parents/childminders/grrandparents etc.

Just choose a victim someone standing on their own and start a conversation, something like "how is your DS/DD enjoying their new teacher", "wasn't the weather awful this Summer", any inane crap will do. More than likely they will be glad that you approached them. Try to remember even very confident people actually hate making new friends but force themselves to do so.