Back-to-School Bloopers: Parents’ Most Common Mistakes
As the summer sun begins to fade, many students and parents alike find themselves filled with anticipation. For some, the school year has already kicked off with the sound of ringing bells and bustling hallways, while for others, the back-to-school preparations are in full swing.
Some parents may unintentionally put off school preparations until the last moment, leading to unnecessary stress and rushed decisions. Occasionally, it can lead to forgetfulness and mistakes.
In a recent poll conducted by One Poll on behalf of Dave’s Killer Bread® Organic Snack Bars, parents were asked to share the most common mistakes they’ve made while getting their kids ready for school. They surveyed 1,500 parents of school-aged kids and 500 teachers to gather their data.
Back-to-school blues and mishaps
Many parents find themselves overwhelmed, leading to a few morning routine blunders. The study reveals that 50% of parents admitted to forgetting to pack lunch for their kids, while an equal number confessed to oversleeping. Additionally, almost half of the respondents (49%) said they often forget to eat breakfast themselves.
But parents aren’t alone in these morning mishaps. The survey also shed light on teachers facing similar challenges with their students. It showed that 57% of teachers reported witnessing students skipping breakfast. While another 57% revealed that children often show up at school without a packed lunch. To add to the list, 56% of educators recounted instances of students oversleeping, struggling to make it to school on time.
The study suggests that morning routine mistakes among parents and teachers may be influenced by a sense of being overwhelmed. The survey results indicated that the most common emotion reported by parents and teachers was feeling overwhelmed, with 26% and 25%.
Other challenges for parents and teachers
Furthermore, the research revealed challenges in adjusting to changing schedules, including after-school activities, class schedules, and work commitments. Around 65% of teachers and 59% of parents faced difficulties in managing these changes. Additionally, many participants highlighted the impact of reduced sleep on their morning routines, with 55% of teachers and 48% of parents acknowledging this struggle.
Another aspect contributing to morning routine challenges was adapting to new mealtimes. Approximately 46% of teachers and 47% of parents reported difficulties in aligning their schedules with these changes.
Check out some of the other mistakes parents make while getting their kids ready for school here.
Mom’s Guide for Back to School: 13 Must Haves
World’s Okayist Mom
I think honesty is the best policy. In this case you are keeping everyone’s expectations at a reasonable level. I mean, it could be worse.
Mama Candles
Because none of us is just one thing, we are complex. There will be moments as a mom when you’ll feel like each of these Mamas. Light when appropriate.
Dear Teachers Tee ...
Once your child is old enough that they annoy you, you become super excited to send them off to school every day and into the open arms of a loving teacher. Or whatever teacher happens to be in their classroom. And sometimes, you just get your kid on the bus and don’t even care where the driver takes them as long as you get a couple hours to yourself.
What Kind of Wine Tee …
There is a wine for every occasion, so there must be a correct answer to this scenario. Regardless, it is back to school time, Mamas! Let us celebrate. Cheers!
Before School / After School
Let these drinking vessels act as a reminder as to the order of events. Coffee is first, then wine. Thank you.
Because Middle Schoolers
Whether you’re a teacher or a parent of a middle schooler you get it. Or you’ve lost it and this will help regain it.
Taylor Swift Inspired Tee
Yasss! My daughter said no, but I am totally getting this shirt for the first day of school. My elementary school son’s teachers will love it, as will my teenage daughter’s friends (even if she doesn’t). #coolmom
Recess Duty Tee
My kids’ elementary school has parental volunteers to work lunch and recess duty. This shirt will make you boss on that playground!
How Mom Tells Time
This is a great reminder of the order of operation. It makes a great gift for the mom in your life – or yourself!
Jura—kicked Mom
Yassss … These keep getting funnier. If you don’t have a friend who needs this travel mug, you’re probably that friend.
Mom’s Last Nerve Candle
Because we know homework won’t get done itself. But does ANYONE listen to Mom?!?
Morse Code Bracelet
Kids get all the stuff for back to school. This makes a great gift for the mom in your life who needs to be reminded, albeit subtly, she is a total bad@$$.
Mom Socks
These socks are great for back to school because, you know the minute you FINALLY sit down after you made dinner, convinced everyone to come to the table only for them to remind you they have practice, then clean up from dinner, someone is going to ask you to help them with their homework and Dad is still sitting in the family room scrolling through TikTok.
Please note that items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time we published this list. Have an idea for a fun theme for a gift idea list you’d like us to create? Drop us a line at [email protected].
