For many parents, getting children ready for a new school year can feel like a race against time. From remembering school events and buying uniforms to managing early mornings and packed lunches, the return to school brings a long list of tasks.
New research suggests that school WhatsApp groups have become an important part of that process. More than eight in 10 parents who use school WhatsApp groups say they would struggle without them, highlighting how digital communication has become closely linked to modern family life.
School WhatsApp Groups Help Parents Stay Organized
The survey found that 82% of parents who use school WhatsApp groups consider them essential, saying they would be lost without the regular updates and reminders shared through them.
For 65% of parents, these groups help prevent them from forgetting important school dates and activities. Messages about non-uniform days, sports days, and school inset days can make a significant difference to families trying to keep track of busy schedules.
September can be particularly difficult because families have to move quickly from the relaxed routine of the summer holidays back into the structure of the school term. Around 20% of parents said school WhatsApp groups make the September return easier to manage.
The findings underline how a simple group chat can become an everyday organizational tool. A reminder from another parent about a sports event or a change to school arrangements can save families from missing something important.
Back-to-School Season Is a Major Challenge
The research, conducted by OnePoll for home appliance brand Beko, surveyed 1,000 parents with children aged between six and 11.
The results showed that 74% of parents consider the back-to-school period the most challenging time of the year.
Former teacher and mother of two, Lou Beckett, who partnered with Beko to launch its Back to School Helpline on WhatsApp, said parents often face far more chaos than the neat schedules and planners seen in advertisements.
According to Beckett, the reality can involve missing PE kits, stained school shirts, and laundry that needs to be finished before the morning rush.
She said the aim of the helpline is to give parents somewhere to turn when small problems begin to feel overwhelming.
The service focuses on practical advice for common back-to-school concerns, including getting uniforms ready and keeping packed lunches fresh.
Getting Children Back Into a Routine Is the Biggest Struggle
Re-establishing a regular bedtime and morning routine was identified as the biggest back-to-school challenge.
Around 41% of parents said getting children back into a proper sleep schedule was difficult after the summer break.
Another 38% said getting children out of bed and ready before the school bell was a major challenge.
For many families, the problem is familiar. Children may have spent several weeks staying up later, waking later, and enjoying a more relaxed daily routine. Suddenly, they are expected to get dressed, eat breakfast, and leave home at almost the same time every morning.
Other challenges identified in the survey included preparing packed lunches, which 25% of parents mentioned.
Meanwhile, 10% of parents said getting children into the car could be difficult. The same percentage admitted that convincing their children to pose for the traditional first-day-of-school photograph could be a struggle as well.
Parents Rely on Everyday Household Helpers
When asked which tools were most useful for getting children ready for school, the humble alarm clock came out on top.
About 34% of parents said their alarm clock was the most useful aid in their morning routine.
The washing machine was chosen by 10%, showing how important laundry can become when school uniforms, PE kits, and other clothes need to be cleaned quickly.
Interestingly, 9% of parents cited their family as the most useful source of support during the back-to-school rush.
However, preparation does not always happen early.
One in five parents admitted to leaving some back-to-school tasks until the last minute. Haircuts, buying school shoes, and washing uniforms were among the tasks most commonly delayed.
Families Can Take Two Weeks to Adjust
The survey also found that families need an average of two weeks to fully settle back into the school-term routine.
That adjustment period can be challenging for both parents and children. After weeks of holidays, everyone has to readjust to earlier mornings, fixed meal times, school runs, homework, and after-school activities.
Salah Sun, head of product management at Beko, said September often arrives sooner than families expect.
He highlighted the importance of reliable household appliances when parents are dealing with last-minute uniform washing, packed lunches, and daily cleaning.
For busy families, having dependable appliances can remove some of the smaller pressures that build up during the school week.
Lou Beckett’s Tips for a Smoother School Return
Lou Beckett has also shared several practical suggestions to help parents make the transition less stressful.
Start the Routine Before School Begins
Rather than waiting until the first day of term, parents can gradually adjust their children’s sleep and wake times.
Beckett recommends moving bedtime and wake-up times forward by around 15 minutes each day during the week before school starts.
This allows children to gradually return to their normal routine rather than face a sudden change.
Put Everything on One Shared Calendar
School schedules can quickly become complicated when parents are managing pickups, clubs, sports, and other activities.
Putting everything on one shared calendar can help the whole family stay informed. The calendar could be on the fridge, on a phone, or somewhere else where everyone will actually check it.
The goal is simple: avoid relying on memory alone.
Give Children More Independence at Breakfast
Parents do not necessarily have to prepare every part of the morning themselves.
Beckett suggests keeping breakfast foods, snacks, and other essentials within children’s reach. Older children may be able to prepare simple breakfast items themselves.
This can give children a sense of independence while also giving parents a few extra minutes to prepare for the day.
Keep the First Week Simple
The first week back at school can be exhausting for children.
Instead of immediately introducing strict new routines, parents can allow some flexibility during the first few evenings. A simple dinner, limited demands, and an earlier bedtime may help children adjust more comfortably.
The idea is to treat the first week as a gradual return rather than expecting everyone to operate at full speed immediately.
Don’t Aim for Perfect School Uniforms
Parents can also avoid putting unnecessary pressure on themselves over school clothes.
Children do not necessarily need a perfectly pristine uniform every day. What matters most is that they arrive at school clean, comfortable, and ready to learn.
If a PE kit is discovered at the bottom of the laundry basket the night before school, a quick-wash cycle can sometimes solve the problem without turning the evening into a major crisis.
WhatsApp Communication Is Changing School Life
The growing reliance on school WhatsApp groups reflects a wider change in how parents communicate and organize family life.
For many families, these groups provide quick access to reminders, practical information, and support from other parents. They can also act as a safety net when someone forgets an important date or school requirement.
At the same time, the research shows that technology is only one part of the solution. Good routines, shared planning, and realistic expectations can make the back-to-school transition easier.
With September bringing renewed pressure for families, small changes can make a noticeable difference. Whether it is checking a school WhatsApp group, preparing uniforms early, or gradually resetting bedtime, a little planning can help make those hectic school mornings much more manageable.
