One of the biggest things I have grappled with since my daughter started school has been the mega stressful school run. The school run is one of most stressful parts of my day, and quite frankly should be included in a Territorial Army induction! But like any soldier worth their salt, the key to survival is PREPARATION. So today I’m sharing the my school run essentials which I totally could not do without and which get me to the school gates with my sanity just about in tact every day:
Dry shampoo
Because when you have around an hour to get everyone up, dressed, fed, shoed up and out, washing your hair is a totally folly. Thank goodness for dry shampoo which I have discovered can be eked out to around three days on the trot – hurrah! My current dry shampoo of choice is Batiste in their gorgeous Tropical variation which helps to let you feel a lot less grumpy on a greasy haired Monday morning.
Rescue Remedy Spray
For those mornings when you feel like you’re practically having palpitations, my go-to calm down is a quick couple of sprays of Rescue Remedy. This stuff really is the business when it comes to calming the nerves quickly. If it’s a particularly frenetic morning then this will make you feel like the queen of zen within seconds.
Leather messenger bag
Messenger bags were just made for the school run! A quick sling over the shoulder, they have enough room for all school mum essentials – phone, keys, wallet, whatever else your child shoves in your hand after you’ve closed the front door. The classic unisex Chiarugi City Leather Messenger Bag from Attavanti is the perfect addition to your school mum wardrobe. This Italian leather shoulder bag can also double up as a laptop bag for a coffee and email catch up post school run madness.
Reusable coffee cup
Remember the days when you could sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee without having to take it with you? Well, with the dawn of the school run it means morning coffees are always to go, and that means you need a damn good reusable coffee cup to make your morning java portable – I love the SmartCup from Frank Green to do exactly that.
A huge umbrella
‘Tis the law of the sod – despite the sun shining gloriously from the minute you got up, the weather will suddenly turn and the moment you step outside the heavens will open. For those times when you’re at the mercy of our country’s changeable weather keep a huge umbrella right by the door to help shield you and your clan from the elements at the eleventh hour. This Bubble Umbrella from Hunter makes for the perfect canopy.
An oversized parka
Yes I know – it’s summer as I write this yet I can tell you that even on the school run during the summer months it is possible to be freezing your you know whats off. So be sure to keep your parka handy throughout the year because it really is your best friend when it comes to braving the erratic elements during school run battles whatever the season. I love this Ravenglass Parka from Boden which does the trick very nicely!
For all of those mums whose children are starting school this year – mark my words! The above school run essentials will come in very handy to you on those school run mornings. And if that’s you and you’re wondering what on earth lies ahead, you might also want to read my post on the things I’ve learned since becoming a school mum too.
May the mama force be with you all!
*This is a collaborative post
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