SCHOOLBOY ERROR
‘Don’t do it!’ mums scream as they reveal the back-to-school mistake you should never make
It will end up taking up all your free time and you'll instantly regret it
PARENTS across the country are just days away from packing their kids off to school.
Whether you're relieved the summer holidays are over or feel just as gutted as your little ones, it's time to get your ducks in a row before the new school year kicks off.
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And there's one important rule you should follow as term time begins, according to presenter and Heart FM DJ Zoe Hardman, and PR pro Georgia Dayton.
The friends dished the dirt on their podcast,, where they chat all things motherhood and frequently solve listener dilemmas, like how joining the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is something you'll come to massively regret.
The PTA is a group of parents who work alongside the school to organise activities, including charity events and school trips - you name it, the PTA probably be involved.
But if you're tempted to get stuck in, Zoe and Georgia urged mums and dads to think twice.
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"One hundred percent you'll regret it," Zoe said after one mum asked if she should join.
"What are you thinking? Just don't do it," she added.
Although it might seem like a positive way to get involved in your little one's education, Zoe warned that it's way more stressful than most realise.
"It's a full time job, they're always at the school, they're at every stall, they're planning the Christmas ball," she said.
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"I mean, wow, but oh my good lord why would you want to do it?"
And co-host Georgia agreed the role is simply too much pressure for most parents.
I’m a thrifty mum who gets £5 blazers & budget packed lunches - save £140 on back-to-school with my tips
In fact, they agreed that unless you're actively looking for something to "fill your days" then the PTA should be avoided at all costs.
"If you've just moved to the area, you're maybe not working, your kid has started school and you want to join a community - go for it," she said.
But Georgia warned parents to expect more than just a few hours a month of PTA designated time.
The mum went on to explain that she once volunteered to help out on a stall at a school event but dreaded it so much she ended up ghosting the other PTA parents.
Zoe also confessed she's had an awkward run in with the PTA when one parent asked her if she was going to come to the school's summer ball.
"I didn't know who was in the PTA and who wasn't, so I was like 'god no, sounds horrific' and she says 'I'm organising it'," she explained.
Of course, there are some benefits to being a PTA member, especially if you like a good dose of gossip.
Being on the inside probably does get you in the loop with the latest from the teachers and fellow parents, so you might hear a scandalous secret or two.
But is that enough to make all the meetings, group texts and DIY projects worth your while?
Zoe and Georgia also shared a simple tip for parents who will soon have to do the school run, but have to take their toddler along for the ride.
Getting the little one in the car can be a bit of a chore, especially if they know they're not going anywhere fun and are instead just dropping off their sibling.
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"Instead of saying there'll be some sort of treat afterwards I'd say 'you and me are going to have some special time afterwards', and he absolutely loved it." Zoe said.
"Make them feel like they're going to get you on your own afterwards and that we don't have to tell the other siblings."
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How to keep your kids happy as they head back to class
GP Dr Zoe Williams shares her top tips for parents as term-time approaches.
Open up mentally: Kids are never too young to learn about their mind, emotions and what constitutes good mental health.
The start of a new term can be a trigger for new mental health issues, or can often bring up past problems.
Symptoms can differ widely, and be physical, emotional or appear as changes to behaviour.
Germinator: We all remember what school toilets can be like, so it’s never too early to learn good hygiene habits.
Teach your child how to wash their hands properly – use water (warm if possible) and soap, and make sure to get between the fingers, under the nails and the back of the hands before drying them thoroughly.
Before lockdown in 2020, lots of schools insisted children sanitise their hands every hour.
Now, a small bottle of hand sanitiser in their bag can encourage good hygiene habits and help prevent the spread of back-to-school germs.
As can a packet of tissues for them to sneeze and cough into.
Set a routine: Having a set schedule can reduce stress, improve mental health, reduce anxiety and give us more free time.
Have a chat with your child and get them involved in planning their own back to school routine, including bedtime, when they put away their devices, when they do their homework, how they factor in exercise, what breakfast they will eat and what time they need to get up in the morning.
A routine they’ve been part of planning is one they’re more likely to stick to and feel responsible for.
Lice hell: Just the mention of them can make your head itch – but with the start of the school term come the inevitable head lice.
Plenty of parents will have previously received an email or text letting them know an infestation is rife in their child’s class.
If or when this arrives, make sure long hair gets tied back to help prevent the spread.
There are plenty of solutions available, such as Puressentiel Head Lice Repellent Spray (£8.31, Amazon) or Lyclear Extra Strong Treat & Protect Shampoo (£10.59 from Chemist-4-u.com).
So speak to your pharmacist for some guidance on what best suits your family.
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