Are school runs really that bad?

[KonkeyDonk]

Following from another thread, are they really that awful?
We've already applied for DD's primary place so probably too late to worry about it but just musing...
We put our catchment school as a second choice (less than 1mile away). First choice is over 2miles away or a 5 minute drive in low traffic. Not sure how long it would take with usual traffic plus notoriously difficult parking! Should I start praying we don't get our first choice ?
I'd prefer to walk if I could but we went for a slightly nicer 2FE over the nearer 3FE. Both rated good but 2FE has better reputation. Now wondering how much it really matters if I end up stuck n traffic non stop!

I'd pick a walk over a drive every time. I don't even do a normal "school run" as it involved before and after school club so quieter.
I drive home and walk to school if I have time. So much easier!

Have a look on google maps, if you put the time in it will tell you what the traffic is normally like.

You could always park half a mile away to get a walk and avoid the parking issues.

It's the trying to get parked thing. You end up having to go early to get parked so it takes much longer than just the drive.

DD2 (DC3) leaves primary this year, I will have been doing the primary school run for 14 years (DS is 18 this summer)

Unfortunately DD1 is having some health issues and so I am currently juggling DD2 in one direction and DD1 in the opposite!

What's 2FE 3FE?

Are you likely to get a place at the school 2 miles away?

@mocktail

What's 2FE 3FE?

2 form entry and 3 form entry, meaning we went with the smaller school.

It turned out that thread was started by someone who has suspected ADHD. If you have those kinds of problems then things like a school run can be very challenging. For most people it's just annoying, not awful.

@mocktail It is possible, they've been undersubscribed past 3 years. Lovely school, not sure if I'll hate it after a couple of weeks because of the school run!

@BertieBotts

It turned out that thread was started by someone who has suspected ADHD. If you have those kinds of problems then things like a school run can be very challenging. For most people it's just annoying, not awful.

Oh I didn't read it that far. I wouldn't mind chatting with other parents but I'm genuinely worried about parking as I'm an inexperienced driver.

It's the parking that's the problem. You're looking at probably almost 1.5 hours a day on the school run with a 2 mile drive, parking and walking time.

I didn’t see the other thread. I hate the school run, mostly because I am disorganised and rushing every morning which is no one’s fault but my own. Having the option to walk though is a blessing, can take the dog out in the morning for the school walk and helps them to burn som e energy walking home instead of a 2 minute car journey then Charging into the house like a bull in china shop

Walk above driving for me. 2 form entry or 3 form entry is not of much consequence surely? Speaking as someone who's kids went to a school with a 7 form entry.
They are in upper primary now and the pleasure of waving them off at the front door while still in my dressing gown is wonderful!

Depends a lot on parking. It's basically impossible at DDs school, so I only ever pick up by car if someone else is with me so one of us can stay in the car. Another school near us is near a large carpark so much easier. Also not so bad if you only have one. Much more annoying if you have to unload a buggy too.

I’d pick walk every time, sorry not much help by the time that you parked it might be less painful to walk or scoot.

It's a pain in the arse, but you get into a routine, park a bit further away where easier and walk the last bit. Whilst annoying to be burning petrol and creating fumes it is the 'best' option for us.

Then you get roadworks, or an accident which snarls up traffic. A PITA. Have a back up plan if you are late to pick up for a friend to take them.

You might be able to cycle or take the bus? Nice to have a plan B.

My in laws live in a little road next to a school. It is HELL I’ve seen so many prangs, near misses, kids almost run over, parents raging at one another over parking as well as the residents…might not be as bad in your area but round here it is awful trying to drive there and I much prefer walking. (My kids go to nursery on the same campus).

I hate the school run with avengence
We only need a childminder 3 maybe 4 days I have one 5 days it's worth the £10 a day wraparound to avoid the stress and awful clicky bitchy parents

Most people drive now anyway as they tend to be enroute to work and parking is a nightmare too it avoids it all

Money well spent as far as I'm concerned

You need to find somewhere to park - the roads immediately by the school, sound like a no-no, so look about half a mile away.

It's an amount of time/hassle that would put me off (also I prefer bigger schools as I think it's better to have more going on) but as you prefer the smaller school then this is your price tag. Just try to avoid annoying the neighbours when parking at destination.

No, they’re not. My DCs school is 25 mins (8 miles) drive away and it’s fine.

I imagine it is, yeah. My DS goes to a school nursery which begins just slightly after the main school day begins - it’s always a pain to park. I can’t imagine how crazy busy it must be 10 minutes before I actually get there.

I walk, as do most parents. It takes 5mins.

I'd pick a primary school you can walk or cycle to every time, unless it's really transcendently awful.

We walk. I would find driving quite stressful, you see parents who drive circling round the streets again & again looking for somewhere to park.

Depends on the school I think, we drive and it's not a problem at all. Lots of parking. I guess it depends if it is in a residential area (more likely to be fine) or a town centre (less likely to be fine)?

Can you try the drive at school run time and see what it is like?

Bit confused by the poster above who said that you'd be spending 1.5 hours on the school run each day. Well, yes, but that's pretty normal when walking too isn't it? DC's nursery was walking distance and the school run took 45 mins there and back once you factored in waiting in the playground etc.

I did school runs for over 40 years. Starting fith my DS then becoming a CM and a Nanny and now with my DGD. Walking is dewars preferable- I did lots if different school runs as we were military. Big thing is to be organised the night before. Even my CM kids left their PE kit at mine ( the children all had a big names plastic box in a cupboard) and before they left they would put it on their peg ready for the morning.

I would have a big list if who had what on what day and who needed what each day. This helped the parents as often one or the other was away. I could then remind them that little Johnny needed money for trip snd dign permission slip on which day that week.

So every evening make their lunch box ( just do sandwiches in the morning if you prefer, but everything else in the lunch box.)

Organiser on the wall. PE kit washed did put back into the bag. Same with same with swim kit.

All bags ready by the door with shoes and coats before bed.

Know where hair brush and hair ties are. Lay uniform out.

Use an alarm.
One for up.
One for dressed by
One for breakfast by
One for out the door by.