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.