We have written a few parent “Tips” that hopefully will help with the school run both morning and afternoon.
Having had a 6 weeks or so to forget about how busy the roads getting to school can get, grab your notebook, a sharp pencil, and listen up at the back; here are a few tips to do some homework…..before heading back on the school run.
Growing pains
You've been out and bought new school uniform, sports kit, and shoes, as the kids have shot up over summer. So before you get in the car on “Back to School day” make sure your returning star pupils still fit safely in their car seat. DON’T leave it to the last minute and think “That will do” this is their contact with the car and their protection.
20's plenty - fact, 20mph is often a speed limit rather than a recommendation, so make sure to keep an eye out for signage. Some limits are permanent, but if they are set between certain times, odds are that school starting and finishing time is when a 20mph restriction is in place. In fact, forget the signs, whenever you are heading towards a school, keep your speed to 20mph. The bet is pupils will be walking on the same route.
Good karma
What goes around comes around, and everyone will have experienced being late to school at some point. Lets cut each other a bit of slack, a bit of polite driving and parking could make a big difference to how someone starts their day, and improve safety too. Remember in the future…..it could (will) be you running late!
Tricky timekeeping
We all do it, think It's amazing how much can change on the road when leaving the house even a couple of minutes late. Suddenly, that 3-4 car line of traffic you normally join becomes a dozen cars longer, and the pressure mounts at each junction. Preparation will keep you punctual, improving the mood of all the car's occupants each day.
Perfect parking
Much of the congestion around a school is not caused by cars waiting to move, but by those parked up, narrowing roads and routes. By parking considerately, you will ease congestion for everyone, and make life less stressful for yourself too. It's often better to park a little further away and walk the rest of the route, to keep out of the traffic and add a few more steps each day to the pedometer.
Early learners
Start the road safety training young, as it applies whenever walking near roads, not just during the school run. Once parked up in a safe spot, make sure that children are clearly visible, that they check both ways before crossing, and that younger ones are with a responsible adult.
Or the alternative is to walk and everyone gets there daily exercise