IT’S not that bad, this school run malarkey.

I came to this conclusion a few days ago and it’s true, it isn’t. But. I will say this. It sure takes some getting used to.

I’ve got a daily routine which is now in place, which to be honest is a small miracle. I’ve said it before (I think) and no doubt I’ll be wittering about it again, but when it comes to organisation…well, I’m just not very good at it.

It’s not a natural thing for me. So the fact that I have somehow managed to get Elsie and I into a regular daily routine is both astonishing and rather empowering! (I’d celebrate with a glass of plonk but alas being pregnant kind of puts a spanner in the work when it comes to that.)

So yes, we have our daily routine thang going on and so far it’s working. The other day I did forget Elsie’s water bottle, but that little slip aside, I think we’re doing pretty well. So far.

It is weird though still.

Dropping her off five days a week and picking her up. Life suddenly seems much busier than before and even though I am thrilled to bits that Elsie seems to be settling in really well and enjoying it, I ain’t half missing my girl.

True we get a little time in the evening together, before bedtime, and I know I’m luckier than most that I have this and as I’m my own boss can ‘leave’ work early. But it’s just so different now!

Firstly she’s generally grumpy whenever I pick her up, because she’s shattered and also ravenous from the school day. Which is fine and to be expected but it makes things a little less enjoyable, shall we say.

And secondly, well those few hours whizz by! By the time I’ve fed and watered her (at least 3 or 4 times because she’s just ‘starrrrving’!) and we’ve nattered about her day at school and then read through her school book, it’s time for bed.

Only for the morning to come and for it. All. To. Start. Again.

This is our life now and will be for many, many, many years to come. So I have to get used to it because this is the way it’s going to be. But as I say, it’s tough.

I miss my girl. Even though I know she’s having a good time.

I miss my girl. Even though I know she’s already coming on a treat from being at school.

I miss my girl. Even though I’m the lucky one who gets to pick her up and drop her off.

Will I ever get used to that? Probably not. Thank goodness for baby no. 2 being on the way, that’s all I can say.

But we’re getting there. Still finding our feet but slowly getting the hang of it. Elsie is making new friends and in some ways, so am I.

It’s a whole new parenting ballgame. But this is our life now, now that she’s a schoolie.

I still can’t quite believe it.

SOME TIPS…

As I’ve said before, organisation (or rather having to force myself to be organised!), has been the key in having a relatively stress free school run experience to date.

So I thought I’d share a couple of things that have helped to keep me sane! And, feeling in control of things.

The first thing, is this incredible piece of furniture. “What?!” I hear you cry, but bear with me. Because honestly, out of everything, this is my little organisational gem.

When the very kind team at dotcomgiftshop found out that I’m currently working on Elsie’s bedroom, giving it a little revamp (before her baby brother arrives) they kindly offered to send me something for her room and I chose this lovely vintage five drawer mantelpiece shelf, thinking it would come in handy.

Oh and how right I was, because it’s just brilliant.

We’ve yet to put it on the wall properly as we’re still moving things round, so it’s currently propped on top of her radiator. But it’s still doing the most brilliant job.

Because this is where I keep all of her school things in one place.

Her coats and bags are hung up at the end of each day, her shoes are placed on top and before she goes to bed at night I always hang up her clean uniform for the next day. And my favourite bit? Each drawer houses a clean pair of pants and socks as well as hair clips and bobbles, one for every day of the week.  It’s been amazing! And trust me, I don’t say that lightly.

Huge thanks to dotcomgiftshop for sending it to us (and helping!) If you’re struggling with keeping everything together in once place, something similar may just help.

And finally, finally, because I’m so proud (*ahem) of how I’ve been coping with the daily school run, I’ve recorded a little vlog which – if you fancy – you can watch below.

**Got any tips yourself? Then please do leave ’em in the comment section and let’s help each other. Like my vlog? Then I’d love it if you’d subscribe to my channel or give me a thumbs up. That would be wonderful. Thanks folks. X

A VLOG (WITH MORE TIPS)