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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

...to find the school run tedious?

118 replies

HelloJuly · 21/06/2019 22:54

I haven't actually even started the school run proper, as DC1 doesn't start school until Sept, but he has been to pre-school on the school premises for the past year. Same start/finish times.

Before that he was at nursery where you could pretty much drop off and pick up when you liked so I'd finish work then go and pick him up when I was ready, about 5ish. 3pm now rolls around very quickly and I have dc2 who usually finishes napping around then so I end up leaving him sleeping as long as possible before rushing out.

I find it really tedious making the same journey nearly every day and having to plan everything around pick-up! Nothing to do with the mums or school, I love to see DC1 when I go and collect him but the round trip can take the best part of an hour on foot and I have a very low threshold for doing the same thing over and over. I'm now a SAHM so I know it's far more of a stress when you're working, so I'm not complaining about that - I'm just picturing spending every afternoon making the same old trip at the same time of day in all weathers for what seems like a million years, over and over....

aibu? I think it's just not something I really anticipated as a parent (rather foolishly).

OP posts:
clematisflower · 21/06/2019 23:04

It is tedious, though I'm nearly three years in, and it's less tedious now, more just something I have to do. Luckily I only do three pick ups a week though.

Can you do a mix of walk, scoot, car, bike to mix it up? Sometimes go to the park, take a different route, go to a friends house, after school clubs, so it's not just the same walk day after day.

PhannyMcNee · 21/06/2019 23:08

I have been doing school runs now for 14 years and am delighted that I only have 1 more year of it as we’re virtually next door to the secondary school. They are tedious!

Interestingly (or perhaps not) my dad lived doing the school run with my lot because he was a retired teacher and was never able to do it for me or my brother!

Vulpine · 21/06/2019 23:10

So you've never worked at the same company for extended periods?

christinarossetti19 · 21/06/2019 23:18

That's not really the same thing.

You don't go to work, wait for a few minutes, then go straight home again.

neversleepagain · 21/06/2019 23:27

I work from home and for me, the school run forces me to get some exercise and to stop working so I enjoy them. I love the brisk walk alone where I can think and I equally love the dawdle home chatting to my dc about their day. I am already thinking how sad it will be when they make their own way to and from school.

babysharkah · 21/06/2019 23:34

I love the walk to school and back, I drop off every day and only pick up on two. On the way home from pick up days I actually hear about their day, when I get home at 7 they can't be bothered to tell me about it.

Stefoscope · 21/06/2019 23:37

Not meaning to sound glib, but isn't a lot of parenting young children fairly tedious? Planning life around feeding, naps, just generally having to be there 24/7 etc. Just thinking, if you've got this far, it may not be so bad. Maybe download some podcasts/audiobooks to listen to during the journey?

Superlooper · 21/06/2019 23:48

My friend has a 9.20am and 9.30am drop off and a 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm pick up. Grin

Pipandmum · 21/06/2019 23:54

Not really much of an issue in the grand scheme of things is it? Don’t think many people see it as anything other than a chore.

ThreeCrazyLoves · 22/06/2019 00:01

I subscribed to Audible and I love it. I listen to an audiobook whenever I clean/tidy the house (which I find very tedious) and it makes it so much better. My anxiety melts away as I get lost in the story, characters and language. I really recommend it. For what it's worth, I think you are really lucky to be able to walk to school to pick up. I live in the US, there aren't even sidewalks, but I'd love to be able to walk. Think of the exercise you are getting every day!

socmed · 22/06/2019 00:03

Well yeah. But you had kids

Skiingismylife · 22/06/2019 00:15

Oh yes. I have stopped in September and you can see me skipping down the lanes singing “Freeeeeeedoooooooom!”

CherryPlum · 22/06/2019 00:27

Of course it's tedious! In the same way as waiting for a bus is tedious, or standing in a queue waiting at the customer services desk. I can't figure out why you thought it would be anything other than tedious.

TheLakelandCatalogueIsMyPorn · 22/06/2019 00:43

Parenthood Stage 2 : spare a thought for all the new mothers to the school who are excited about September. At least you already know what is coming!! Meant in a kind way but for as much joy as our children bring us they also bring times of unremitting boredom. Mine are now 22 & 24 but I wouldn't change those days and feel grateful that I was able to do the unrelenting, crappy school run!

ooohhhhcrap · 22/06/2019 01:08

Been doing the local primary school runs for 17 years so far (big age gapGrin)
I have another two to go before the youngest will be getting the school coach to secondary.

So all together 19 years of primary school runs.
I love doing pick ups and I drop off every day on way to work.
It's great seeing them come out with their friends and they're always chatting on about there day.
On the two days a week I work on I miss it as by the time I get home they've forgotten most of what they've been upto Grin

worriedwinfred · 22/06/2019 03:27

We start in September, dreading it.already!

DCIRozHuntley · 22/06/2019 03:49

Yeah, I'm nearly 4 years in. It's all been at toddler pace too. I try and mix things up by bringing a friend home, going to the park or shop and changing the order I get the kids. Rock n roll! DC4 is a few weeks old now so only another decade to go! Grin

Whatwillhappentomorrow · 22/06/2019 04:32

Yep. We aren't in walking distance either do we have to drive, park and then walk a further 10 mins.

Before having school age children I used to look forward to chatting to the other mum's everyday. Now spending 3 hours a day on the school run is one of my least favourite parts of parenting. Let alone the limits it places on childcare.

HermioneMakepeace · 22/06/2019 04:36

I love the school run! They’re my favourite times of the day.

Mousetrap3 · 22/06/2019 05:30

Oh yes totally agree! I did every single school run bar 2 when I had d&v so physically couldn’t do it, but I look back now and wonder where the 7 years went! dc is at secondary now so it’s a car journey and shared so not every day but I’m counting down to the holidays!

Vulpine · 22/06/2019 05:32

Our walk to school is pretty nice and not v long so rather enjoy it

PoppyFleur · 22/06/2019 05:43

Yes, the school run can be tedious but then there are the days when DC is so chatty about his day and you get a wonderful insight into his world. On those days it feels a real privilege to be able to work from home and do the school run most days.

noenergy · 22/06/2019 05:48

It can be tedious but you are lucky you only have one to do, I have 3 different pick up times so feel as if I'm going back and forth all day.

youarenotkiddingme · 22/06/2019 05:51

Totally get it!

You know no matter what you're doing you have to stop at a certain time and complete the walk whatever the weather.

I think the worst thing is when you don't start something because you know you can't finish it.

So my advice is if DC2 naps find something for you to do during that time project wise so you can do it over a few weeks/months and don't mind having to put it down

LellyMcKelly · 22/06/2019 05:56

Buy a scooter each for you and the kids. I did, didn’t give a Stuff if people thought it ridiculous, and had the best time. It cuts journey time in half, you don’t have to talk to other parents, and they’re really good for getting you fit.

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