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Original poster

School run is a nightmare

41 replies

Homedesign123 · 17/07/2024 15:03

I'm having such a hard time with the school run at the moment and I'm at my wits end.

basically I have a 9yo son a 4yo daughter and an almost 2 yo daughter, my 4yo is autistic with similar development and understand to my 2 yo

I've for a side by side double buggy but my 4yo has started to kick the little one and pull her hair, so I bought a buggy board and a single stroller to get around more safely, For the school run which is a 40 minute walk each way I have 1 of my girls in the buggy I alternate it depending on who needs it more at the time (who's tired)

and one on the buggy board with a wrist strap so they don't run into the road if we stop, well it started off ok but it's becoming a nightmare, Who ever is on the buggy board gets off every two seconds even if it's moving, my 4yo turns around and climbs my body untill I'm carrying her but as it's a two handled stroller you can't push it one handed, my backs broken from lugging it up hills, I sat on a bench on the way home today and cried out if exhaustion and frustration. WWYD? In my position, driving is coming along I'm having lessons but it's not a fast solution to just drive

OP posts:
Original poster
Homedesign123 · 17/07/2024 15:05

Its only for 4 more days he breaks up on Tuesday next week, and from September my daughter is going to the special provison of the same school so that'll be ok, it'll only be twice a day rather than 4 times a day, We chose this school before we moved btw o didn't voluntarily put them in a school that means I spent half my day walking back and forth on purpose 🤣

OP posts:
Livedandlearned · 17/07/2024 15:10

I really empathise with this but you need to make them stay where they are meant to be. Rewards and consequences etc.

Raggydollz · 17/07/2024 15:11

I seen few mums lately pulling a cart with their kids inside.. like one of those beach cart things. Maybe it's a new thing 🤷 but could they sit happily in that as it's more fun?

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Yummymummy2020 · 17/07/2024 15:15

Oh op it sounds so tough. I had similar for a short while, 4 yr old , 3 yr old and new baby in the carry cot. Is there any way you could get a second hand one handle stroller? Honestly it’s a life saver for me to have that hand free to catch anyone as necessary. I can’t imagine managing with two handles to push. I’d say you must have blisters and all if you are lugging it up hills!!! Thank goodness you only have a few more days of it!

ProjectKettle · 17/07/2024 15:18

Could the 2yr old go in one of those structured carrier things on your back and the 4yr old strapped into the single buggy? If youve got a baby carrier already, check as some of them convert to back carriers for toddlers. Sorry OP, sounds tough Flowers

AppropriateAdult · 17/07/2024 15:20

ProjectKettle · 17/07/2024 15:18

Could the 2yr old go in one of those structured carrier things on your back and the 4yr old strapped into the single buggy? If youve got a baby carrier already, check as some of them convert to back carriers for toddlers. Sorry OP, sounds tough Flowers

Yes, this would be a good idea, assuming you've no mobility issues yourself - I carried my kids in a structured carrier well into toddlerhood and it's so convenient.

Ponderingwindow · 17/07/2024 15:21

I don’t know how much they cost, but I have seen tandem doubles on occasion. Anyone prone to kicking would have to sit in the front, but they wouldn’t be able to grab.

skkyelark · 17/07/2024 15:28

I'd also say an 'in-line' double buggy or toddler carrier. Your two year old may still fit in the baby carrier if you have one, although we found she got too long for it to really be comfortable for her or me even though she was well within the weight limits. Or you can buy ones for older children – the Tula ones are popular, although we went for one by Lenny Lamb because I felt it adjusted through a range of sizes better so good for my 2 year old (the primary occupant), but comfortable for my 4 year old when necessary.

LittleOwl153 · 17/07/2024 15:34

What about a bicycle?

The 4yr old is going to need a lot of support once she starts school I'd imagine, and that walk back is going to be tough.

Could you get a bike with once of those basket trailers which is the 4yr olds space - just for her. - a child seat for the 2yr old, and the 9yr old his own bike? School should have a place to store the 9yr olds bike and maybe the trailer?

Preggers101 · 17/07/2024 15:45

I recommend balance bikes for the 2 year old and 4 year old! You can walk at a proper pace and they will have fun cycling along. It's easy to stop them with your feet. You could still take the push chair if you want, I can easily put my toddler in the pushchair and sling the balance bike round the handle bars when they get tired.

MissPeaches · 17/07/2024 15:52

Preggers101 · 17/07/2024 15:45

I recommend balance bikes for the 2 year old and 4 year old! You can walk at a proper pace and they will have fun cycling along. It's easy to stop them with your feet. You could still take the push chair if you want, I can easily put my toddler in the pushchair and sling the balance bike round the handle bars when they get tired.

How is it easy to stop them with your feet if they’ve raced ahead of you?

Original poster
Homedesign123 · 17/07/2024 16:09

Balance bikes would be great but the whole route is right beside various roads and we cross the road about 10 times if not more it's so dangerous I think

OP posts:
purplecorkheart · 17/07/2024 16:14

Is there anyway you could make a barrier between them on the double buggy.
Something like a cardboard box screen between them and taped on.

Needmorelego · 17/07/2024 16:23

As some one else suggested try and see if you can get a "one in front of the other" style double pushchair and the 4 year old goes in the front seat (so no kicking).
I think that's going to be your best solution.

Original poster
Homedesign123 · 17/07/2024 16:25

Yes I think the one infront buggy is probably my best best, I was hoping to get her out of the buggy as she's going to school in September, seems silly to buy another buggy for a 4 year old but needs must

OP posts:
Needmorelego · 17/07/2024 16:27

@Homedesign123 she might be 4 but she's autistic and needs a bit of extra support.
And remember - don't worry about what anyone might think - focus on your needs 🙂

Mydustymonstera · 17/07/2024 16:28

I would go for the backpack carrier for the 2 yr old
much more versatile, keeps her safely out of the way and you hands free for 4yr old.
when school starts back you can put her in buggy once you’ve dropped 4yr old off so only carrying her one way each trip.

KatiesMumWoof · 17/07/2024 16:43

@Homedesign123 I'm sorry it's so difficult for you x

How far is the school? (40 minutes could be a couple of miles or next door if the kids are playing up!

how is your 9 yo with the journey?

i 'think' I'd put the 4yo in a single buggy with enough secure straps to keep her in it so she's not climbing up me or getting free to run in the road. I'd put the 2 yo on the buggy board and carrot/stick her to stay on it, then she gets the buggy ride on the way home.

if the 4 yo doesn't want to be in the buggy, I'd let her swap until she can't walk nicely or ride the buggy board nicely. (I know she has autism so maybe it's easier to say she has to go in the buggy or buggy to school, buggy board on the way home IF she stays on it). Hard to know without knowing her!

But I'd spend some money on a good single buggy you can push with one hand that's not killing you to push up the hill (if you can find the money)

KatiesMumWoof · 17/07/2024 16:45

Oh & she might be in reception and be 4, but it's a long tiring day for 4 year olds & anyone in a car sneering needs a good slap!!🤣

PuttingDownRoots · 17/07/2024 16:49

Is there any chance your 4yo would qualify for school transport if its specialist provision? (Although that may not help if you still have a 40min walk for the 9yo!)

longdistanceclaraclara · 17/07/2024 17:09

40 minutes each way? Is there no transport provision?

Original poster
Homedesign123 · 17/07/2024 19:55

I'm not sure on the transport yet as she hasn't started but il be looking into it, taking my son and little one is no isssue I've been doing it for years and I'm doing driving lessons and have a car sitting on my drive waiting it's so frustrating why didn't I learn to drive when I was 18 like a sane person 😭😭

OP posts:
Original poster
Homedesign123 · 17/07/2024 19:58

2.5 miles if I remember correctly and 2 huge hills

OP posts:
Brainded · 17/07/2024 20:00

Bus?

is there a closer school?

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