Tips for parents in the UAE on avoiding back-to-school drop-off chaos

It can be an infuriating start to the day on the road around schools, but a little courtesy would go a long way

It is proving difficult to fill class spaces at higher grades in the UAE due to the increasing number of schools. Navin Khianey for The National

As we all know by now, many of the region's children returned to school this week, and while some of them use the bus, most are ferried to and from by their parents.

Each year back-to-school time results in chaos, not only on the thoroughfares leading to each school, but also at the school drop-off and pickup zones.

While some schools have designated pick-up and drop-off systems to ensure smooth traffic flow, at others, the chaos is enough to increase anyone's blood pressures.

It's not uncommon for parents to park their cars just about anywhere, unperturbed by the crazy kamikaze scene unfolding around them.

With this in mind, we have put together a list of suggestions for parents across the region who are battling the school run every day.

• Leave home a bit earlier in order to find a parking spot outside the school
• Make sure the kids have their seat belts fastened
• Park in a parking spot or an area that will not obstruct other vehicles
• Do not honk or shout at other motorists
• Be patient and try not to overtake (especially the school buses)
• Do not drop the kids on the other side of the road
• Drop the kids at the designated drop-off spot, if there is one
• Be courteous and follow the road rules
• Do not chat on the road after the drop-off, use the school cafeteria
• Dress appropriately, it's a school after all
• Make sure your child has everything he or she needs so as to avoid the need for backwards and forwards
• Don't try to talk to the teacher at drop-offs unless otherwise urgent
• Slow down

This first school term runs until December 14.

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