Come one, come all . . . .

[TickTockBaby]

. . . . With your veteran school run mum tips, experiences, 'hacks' if you will.

My DD is starting school in a few weeks, and whilst I think we're prepared materials wise, uniforms etc, I feel quite unsure with the details.

School gate etiquette?
Tips to make mornings smoother?
Drop off and collection experiences?
Should I send her with a snack? Money?

Any help much appreciated.

From a clearly clueless new starters mum.

@GoldenOmber ah thank you, I've not even bought joggers so I'll grab some of them just in case they're needed for PE instead of the shorts.

@22Giraffes I'm terrible for never having cash, so building a little stash of change for school related things is a great shout!

Thanks everyone for the info, I knew Mumsnet would be extremely helpful 😉

My top tip - get a basket. DS has a basket in his room that all school related stuff gets thrown into. Book bag, cap, homework, reading book, whatever. I also lob in envelopes with permission slips, cash for school events and donations for school fairs etc as soon as I remember them. It means we never lose anything. It might not be as relevant at the mo with Covid but it will be eventually!
Oh and absolutely seek out class Facebook or WhatsApp groups. Also makes organising the kids social lives easier because you don’t have to stalk people trying to work out if they are indeed Timmy’s mum.

JuniperFather.
Wow. Charming, aren't you...Not

You're obviously the type of person that has never asked advice from others, it would seem you know everything..

Or that actually you're just downright rude.

[quote TickTockBaby]@JuniperFather luckily we will be walking to school, so your parking comments are not applicable.
I have no idea what your "if you have to ask" or your "pecking order" comment are about.
[/quote]
I know what the comments are about, she's a nasty twat.

@pollylocketpickedapocket I'd assumed as much, some people eh 🙄

Goodness some folks are grumpy today!

Mine take ages over breakfast so I let them get dressed first and then put their PJ top back on top for breakfast and toothbrushing. All ready and no mess on the uniform see?

We also have a specific place for school shoes, school jackets and school bags. And I totally agree with the getting up early crew. Makes it all much easier.

A lot of the other stuff is school dependent. Ours allows snacks.

As for mum cliques... don’t overthink it. I have really never noticed one in the 10yrs I’ve been doing school runs. I know a lot of the school mums - some are friends & some just acquaintances. I’m super friendly but most of the time I’m just too busy rushing around. Some days I might be chatty, some I’m stressed, some I’m exhausted, some I’m preoccupied & some I’m talking to my kids or another mum. Sometimes I might meet your eye & say hello but sometimes I might not notice you. Doesn’t mean I’m ignoring you. Best to just concentrate on your own business, think the best of everyone & not take anything personally.

Good luck!

Oh also get loads of envelopes. Our school is always asking for £2 or £3 here and there for trips, contributions to stuff etc.

Generally in my day to day life I keep myself to myself, dislike small talk but I am always polite. I keep my circle small and I prefer it this way.

My DH always jokes I exert so much jovial energy in job that I am the opposite in my personal life. I suppose my concern is I'd hate my quietness to be interpreted negatively and for my daughter to deal with the consequences of that.

@BluebellCockleshell123 fantastic input, thank you.

I knew mumsnet would come up trumps, mostly 😁