Bonjour lecteurs! I know it’s all about summer right now, as the sun is shining. But winter is upon us. Then the school run will become a daily struggle to keep children warm, healthy, and ready to learn. Freezing mornings and frantic routines can feel overwhelming. Not the best feeling, especially when everyone is half asleep and the sky is still dark. But it is all about une bonne préparation. Ready to turn cold and chaotic mornings into calm, cosy starts that help set your child up for a focused school day? In this new Winter School Morning Guide For Busy Parents, I show you how to prepare.
Winter Clothing Essentials
Braving the cold on school mornings requires une bonne préparation. First of all, you need well-chosen clothing to keep children warm and focused. Bitter air and early starts can be especially tough for pupils waiting outside or walking to class.
To make sure that the little ones keep their energy and attention throughout the day, opt for quality insulation.
Innovative options such as insulated, premium-quality heated jackets offer consistent warm even on low temperatures. We all have one in the family and it’s a game changer. The right combination prevents temperature dips that can compromise comfort and classroom focus.
Here’s a winter school-run checklist worth investing in, especially if you live in colder countries:
- Waterproof, insulated coats with longer cuts for full coverage
- Snow boots with firm, non-slip soles
- Water-resistant gloves or mittens to retain hand warmth
- Thermal hats
- Cosy scarves or fleece-lined neck warmers
Once the children are kitted in proper cold-weather gear, they will be more préparés for the day ahead. So they can be active and have fun with their friends even on icy days.
Extra Precaution
You might not realise it, by the winter school run presents potential health concerns. There is so much they could get while on the bus, in the classroom… Once there is limited airflow, bugs are all around ready to go.
You might want to opt for high-filtration KN95 masks. They are designed for daily use, especially during the packed morning and afternoon commute. Some people swear by them, especially in crowded environments.
Some recherches have shown that indoor air can affect concentration and general well-being. Do you know what your school ventilation is like during colder months? It’s worth finding out if your école locale has updated air filtration systems.
During Winter School Disruptions
Winter school disruptions are more likely in winter due to weather conditions. Whatever happens, schools follow clear protocols for closures, delays and remote learning. You need to be organisé and be aware of what is the procedure in your local area.
Schools usually follow a process to keep pupils safe and parents informed when bad weather strikes. You should get an early notification in the morning if the school is closed. We usually get an email and I am part of the Whatsapp mums’ group so that’s quite handy.
If the weather conditions change during the day, the school might opt for a staggered arrival time. Many did so during the pandemic. This wat, it gives families and staff more time to arrive safely.
The decision will be based on your area. but if you feel that it’s not safe for your children to travel to school, you can keep them in.
Remote Learning During Closures
When weather forces school closures, many schools shift to remote learning to keep pupils on track. You should expect a clear plan of actions from the teachers.
Your children will gain access to learning via platforms such as Microsoft Teams or Google Classroom. Lessons, assignments and check-ins are done virtually each day. Lessons will be shorter.
As a parent, you can gain access to the work easily. It’s a nice way to get involved and see your child’s progress. I must say that I did somehow quite enjoyed home learning a few years back. There have been times that were difficile and I doubted myself quite a bit. But I actually liked seating down with my son and going through learning with him, even if it was challenging to teach reading and writing.
Transports In Winter
What are généralement the bus lines where you live? We have a bus that go to school, so it’s quite handy. But winter time can have extra challenge with public transport.
However, I feel that many parents drive their kids to school, especially when they live in the countryside.
If that’s your case, you need to do some extra routine checks. Is your vehicle apt to perform under harsh weather conditions?
Depending on where you live, you might need snow tyres etc. For me, it’s essential that our tyres always have the right pressure. Our roads are so bad with pot holes. We had a puncture once and we were late to school. But it was just one off, so nothing massive.
Either way, you need to be prepared with transport to school in winter. Maybe, even allow more time to drive there. You need to di-ice the car etc.
Prepare Ahead
Winter school mornings is all about being prepared. We also shower in the evening. There is no better feeling than going to bed feeling fresh. Plus, it turns the breakfast schedule smoother.
No screen time in the morning for us either so that we stay efficient. I usually manage to get him ready for school within 40 min.
We have breakfast together and chat around a fresh orange juice, some céréales and a cheeky brioche. We used to read each morning, but now that Stanley is older, we tend to chat about the previous night, school etc. I also have his uniforme ready to go, so we are quick in the morning.
Are you children slow to get dressed? Get them up earlier or turn it into a challenge. I used to have a competition with Stanley to see who could get dressed first when he was little. He would win a sticker or a small reward if he was ready before me.
Cold snaps often slow down school transport, with icy roads and reduced visibility stretching journey times. Encourage children to leave home earlier to avoid rushing. You don’t want them to race and slip on the floor.
All Year Round Morning Routines
Navigating school mornings can be a rush sometimes, whatever the weather. So, the following tips apply to all year round for you to have a smooth start of the day.
Plan ahead. I like preparing Stanley’s packed lunch the night before so that I don’t have to do in the morning. If you need some time for yourself, get up earlier. I am usually up half an hour before him so that I can have a hot water lemon in peace while I journal.
I’ve shared my morning routines many times on the blog and I still live by them. If I don’t get up on time, I usually feel cranky and snappy.
Winter school runs don’t have to be more stressful. You might think it will test your patience as a parent, but with the right planning and the perfect gear, you will do so with succés. In this Winter School Morning Guide For Busy Parents, I’ve shared all you need. From heated jackets to extra tips to be ready faster, your kids will come to school happy and prepared. Even the frostiest mornings will be a smooth start of your day.
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