Keeping up with the chores, the bedtime routine – and the dreaded school run are among the most stressful things about parenthood, a study has found. A poll of 2,000 parents found the average mum and dad spend almost two hours a day feeling stressed, with mornings in particular proving a minefield for parents. 5 of the 10 top parent stresses start the moment we wake up, with 28% agreeing that getting the children out of the door for the school run and settling back into the flow of the morning routine post-holiday, are key parenthood stress triggers.
The study undertaken by breakfast biscuit brand belVita shows the extent the strain of frantic mornings have on families in the West Midlands, with the research revealing that nearly a third (30%) forget to pack an important school item and a fifth (20%) drop the children off late for school.
1 in 10 parents even do something ridiculous before leaving the house – including sending the kids outside with socks on their hands instead of gloves!
As families prepare for the dreaded ‘back to school’ week - 81% of parents in the West Midlands agreed to feeling stressed getting everyone back into the school routine after the school holidays - it’s not just kids who bear the brunt of the ‘morning madness.’ Unfortunately for parents, 91% of mums and dads forego something to get the kids out of the front door like breakfast (39%) or end up fighting with their partner over who takes on the most in the morning (42%).
Dr Linda Papadopoulos, who has been working with belVita Breakfast to help relieve parents, particularly in the morning where most of the pressure lies, says: “The stress and challenges of parenting can feel overwhelming - especially when we feel under pressure to get a lot done in a short space of time- morning can be especially challenging and it’s key to develop a positive, convenient routine in the morning as it sets the rhythm for the day. When it’s ‘back to school time’, trying to get everything done and leaving the house on time is at its most pressurised so developing strategies that you give you and your family a sense of control is really important.”
Half (50%) of parents feel stress would be reduced if the kids just did what they were asked, whilst over a fifth (21%) of pray for a fairy god mother out of pure desperation!
However, others look for solutions to deal with the battle of the morning routine, with a fifth (20%) wishing they tackled what was thrown at them with ease and 29% wishing to find cheats to help them out in the morning.
“Parents don’t need to panic! There are ways we can relieve the morning madness, simple strategies like connecting with kids in the morning so they're more co-operative or preparing things from the night before can make a big difference to the morning mood of a family unit. Small changes and combining some short term quick wins and convenient cheats will pay off in the long term.”
Daniel Kessler from belVita says “We believe a Good Morning can set you up for the day – doesn’t mean it’s always that easy! However, what the research shows is that parents are looking for ways to feel more in flow and help their routine. belVita is a tasty and convenient breakfast option, meaning you can focus on getting the family out of the door but able to make sure you can cover off your own morning must-haves.”
