Top tips to save school run stress, from a countdown playlist to emergency car kit

“BACK TO SCHOOL IS MOST STRESSFUL TIME OF YEAR FOR 63% UK PARENTS!”

As the kids finally head back to school, forgotten lunchboxes (51%), getting home to realise you still have your child’s schoolbag (40%) and spills down clean uniforms (40%) are revealed as the top mishaps parents have to deal with on the school run.

Polling 2,000 parents with school age children, the research by Pod, a leading EV charging provider, revealed 57% have forgotten something important on the first day back to school. 

For almost a third (31%) this was ensuring the car was filled up with charge or fuel.


In fact, 63% of parents reveal that the first day back to school is the most stressful day of the year. This feeling doesn’t subside, as over seven in ten (72%) say the school run is the most stressful part of any school day.

Recognising the pressure on parents at this busy time, Pod has teamed up with parenting psychologist Laverne Antrobus to share handy hacks to make the school run smoother.

Laverne Antrobus said: “The school run isn’t just a drive — it’s a mentally challenging obstacle course; juggling uniforms, breakfast, packed lunches, permission slips, and a thousand tiny details that are all urgent at once, including getting yourself ready. However, introducing a few simple changes can help get things in order. These are my favourites:”

And a bonus tip for families with an EV…

 

Pod CEO Melanie Lane added: “As a mum of three, I know first-hand that busy families already have enough on their plate, especially during the chaos of getting kids back to school. That’s why Pod is here to help and make the school run one less thing to worry about.

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“For those with an EV or thinking about making the switch, our Pod Drive subscription offers total peace of mind – because not only will you wake up with a full charge ready to go, you’ll also know it’s covered by one simple monthly fee for all your charging needs.”

These hacks could go some way to help the 78% of parents of school age children who say they are looking for ways to be more organised. Being prepared for the school run would mean increased peace of mind (52%) and getting a few minutes of time back (32%) for the busy parents questioned.

Pod Drive, Pod’s industry-first home EV charging subscription, slashes the up-front costs of installing a Pod Point Solo 3S charger from £1,149 to £99*. It also rewards customers with over £170 cashback on a years’ worth of driving if they smart charge their EV with Pod**. 

EV drivers can save further by opting for a dedicated tariff such as EDF’s GoElectric – the cheapest fixed EV tariff available, giving significant savings vs. petrol or diesel.***

The £40 monthly subscription to Pod Drive**** also includes a 48-hour repair or replace service with 24/7 customer support: providing reliable and worry-free EV charging for busy households.

For more information go to podenergy.com 

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