Parents spend an average of 139 hours a year getting kids ready for school, study finds

British parents spend an average of 139 hours a year trying to get their kids ready for school, a study has found. The research, into 1,300 parents of children aged six to 16, found 75 percent are concerned about the back-to-school morning routine – with 26 percent admitting to being late more often than not as a result of the struggle.

More than a third (32 percent) find it a chore getting their kids to finish their breakfast in time – or at all – while 27 percent struggle to get their little ones dressed into their uniform.

Almost a fifth (19 percent) have to spend time searching for missing pieces of uniform or school items, and 29 percent have to convince their children to clean their teeth – while 36 percent struggle to get the kids out of bed in the first place.

The study was commissioned by Tu Clothing, which has teamed up with actor, presenter, and parent, Ore Oduba, and clinical psychologist, Dr Martha Deiros Collado, to create some timed challenges for kids.

The Back to School Morning Challenge includes laying out uniform the night before, a quick morning warm-up routine, timing how fast you can pack your school bag and get dressed, and who is the first person ready at the door.

Dr Martha Deiros Collado said: “You can prepare for back to school by getting your child to practise putting on their school uniform and taking it off, as well as opening and closing their school bag, pencil case, and lunchbox if using it, to get them familiar with it again, and to help cut down time in the morning.

“You could also give them a choice of uniform within school limits – for example, zips versus buttons.

“It is better for children to help choose their school uniform, as it helps them to feel more in control of the process.

“It’s also good for children to move in the morning as it helps to regulate their bodies, release emotion, and bring in calm.

“To make it more fun and engaging, they could create their own morning challenge at home, to get dressed by the time a favourite song ends, or to race against the clock or a sibling.”

The study also revealed 34 percent of parents have enjoyed longer lie-ins without having to get the kids ready for school.

On the average school day morning, it takes 43 minutes for parents to get a child up, ready, and out the house.

But 63 percent said getting ready for a school day seamlessly would be a “miracle”, according to the OnePoll.com data.

However, 81 percent of parents said making mornings more fun helps them get through what can often be a “boring daily routine”.

As a result, many consider setting challenges for their kids – like fastest dresser wins prizes (25 percent), or getting them to race a sibling (25 percent).

Victoria Stead, head of childrenswear buying for Tu Clothing, said: “We understand that the back-to-school routine can be daunting, as well as having a new family timetable to follow come term time.

“Parents and carers put pressure on themselves to get everything sorted ahead of school – and, after six weeks off, getting everyone up, dressed, and ready to be at the school gates on time can be a stressful experience.

“It’s important to remember you’re not alone – everyone with children will be adapting to the new school term in their own way.

“We hope our expert-recommended timed activities help provide some inspiration to make some parts of the morning routine more seamless, and – dare we say – more enjoyable.”