Dealing with the school run

Ahhh.  The school run!  If you don't have any part to play in the daily routine then you're likely to curse the extra time it causes you to get to work everyday, but spare a thought for the frazzled mums and dads that have to get their bundles of joy up out of bed, fed a nutritious breakfast, dressed in clean uniforms and out to school on time, all while worrying about their own job and whether they'll be late for the early meeting.

So this 10-tip guide is for parents. The rest of you will just have to look forward to mid-term...

1 - Take a tip from the Scouts: be prepared

You've known about it for weeks, or at least had the weekend to prepare for it, so be prepared for that school run. Make sure the kids have any homework and projects done - otherwise you might end up doing them yourself. As if you're not busy enough. And be sure the school uniforms are clean, and still fit - as your children may well have grown over the holidays.

2 - Time is of the essence: leave plenty of it

It's all too easy to get caught up in that TV programme or read just one more chapter in a book. Doing so only means you'll be more tired in the morning, and tiredness isn't what you want when you're dealing with the school run. Early to bed means an early rise, which allows you all the time you need to herd those kids off to school in plenty of time. There's nothing worse than being late, so leave earlier than you think you should, you'll arrive at school less stressed and if you're really early your kids can go and play while you catch up with the other organised parents at the school gates.

3 - Naughty or nice, check it twice: your list that is

With several people to think of there's every chance you're going to forget something. Make a list; it might sound a bit extreme, but find some quiet time the night before to make a checklist of all the things you might need. Schoolbags, lunches, even some dry cleaning you want to drop off on the way back; get it down on paper or there's every chance you'll forget it. We're talking even the obvious things here such as keys, wallet/purse, bag for work - see, it's all fine and well getting the children organised but no use if you're left dashing about chasing yourself once they've been dropped off.

4 - Safety first: buckle the kids in, and yourself

Clunk-click every trip is what Jimmy used to say and it's as pertinent today. Check the children are strapped in, even if you're just popping around the corner to pick up a friend's child. The same stands for you; there's no point in demanding your children buckle up and you don't bother yourself. While you're at it switch off your phone. Even on hands free with a few little monsters on the back seat you'll be distracted enough without the phone ringing.

5 - Focus: on the road that is, and the rules of it

So what if you're running late? The children's education won't suffer from being ten minutes after the bell, and your boss will understand if you're not in at 9am on the dot. Check your speed and watch out for those traffic lights. Be especially cautious around your destination, as there'll be children everywhere at the school. Even if the children are wailing behind you resist the temptation to keep driving while dealing with it; wait and stop and pull over where it's safe to do so. We mentioned it before, but leave your phone switched off; no call is so important that it can't be dealt with later. And don't park on the yellow hatched lines outside the school; it's both illegal and dangerous.

6 - Prevention is better than cure: maintain your car properly

There's no point in you and the children being organised and the car being a disaster. Keep an eye on all the levels, coolant, washer liquid and your tyre pressures. Poorly inflated tyres will only result in an uneconomical school run - both on the fuel consumption and the additional wear they bring. They'll also not perform correctly should you be forced to stand on the brakes. Check the oil while you're filling up the windscreen washer bottle; it only takes seconds and could save you thousands in repair bills. It's especially important if you're only using your car for short runs, as the engine never gets properly warmed though. Have a weekly inspection of the lights and involve the children; they'll enjoy it and it's easier if you've a spotter.

7 - Fuel for thought: and for unplanned delays

Why is it everyone needs to fill up their petrol and diesel tanks at the same time as you? Probably because they're just as unprepared. Don't drive past the filling station with a quarter tank; pop in and fill it up to save you doing so in the morning with a load of children on board. Do so on your own and you're less likely to pick up the wrong pump; it is so easy to fill your tank with the incorrect fuel if you're paying more attention to the children in the back than you are to what you're doing. It'll save you a fortune in sweets and crisps as well; when was the last time you filled up with the children around and weren't hoodwinked into a sneaky little treat?

8 - Prepare for the worst: have a back-up plan

Sometimes you can't plan for everything, so have some sort of backup in mind if your car decides not to start or you're not feeling too great yourself. Friendly neighbours, family members or other parents can all be called into action to rally around and help you out in a crisis if your school run has turned into a nightmare. Failing that, try the bus, or if you're feeling flush call a cab. You could always walk or cycle, too. Worst case scenario then forget school and work, and spend a day doing something educational at home.

9 - Winter time: be extra vigilant

It's darker, colder and even more hassle. Be prepared for everything. Always have a can of de-icer, make sure your engine coolant is topped up with antifreeze and check those tyres for tread depth regularly. If that all sounds a bit daunting then lots of garages offer free, or inexpensive, winter check ups for your car. Pack some warm gear in the boot, a shovel and even some food; you could end up spending more time in your car than you hoped if you get stranded because of the weather.

10 - Consider the alternatives

Do you have a full car? If not why not share the task of getting the kids to school among you and your friends and neighbours. A few days a week you might have to step up and take a few more children, but if you've one or two already that's hardly a hardship. How about walking or cycling? It's better for you and the environment. Many schools run a 'walking bus' that is supervised. If it's a bit too far to hike then think about a proper bus, again some schools run a specific service.