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:”

• Uniform Grab – make sure to hang their whole uniform on one hanger the night before for a one stop grab-and-go in the morning

• The Final Countdown – create a playlist that starts 10 mins before leaving so the kids know the clock is ticking

• Create weekly lunch menus – prep packed lunches with a weekly planner and five favourites on rotation

• Emergency car kit – keep a box with hair bush and ties, wetwipes, water bottle and snacks for those forgetful moments

And a bonus tip for families with an EV…

• Home EV charging – opt for a subscription that takes care of EV charging for you, making sure you’re always ready for the school run and no more emergency detours to a service station or public charger that make you (even more) late!

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.