Getting your kids to school can take more planning than a Kardashian wedding.

And it’s back.

The daily grind. After six luxurious weeks of letting my kids ignore their alarm clocks, the time has come for my daily mantra to change from “relax” to “get-your-shoes-on-brush-your-hair-we-have-ten-minutes-until-we-leave-get-moving”.

The mornings can be a struggle, can’t they? There are tears, tantrums and lost shoes. And that’s just me.

1. Wake-ups.

I have three kids, and as they get bigger they seem to be running on three totally separate wake up patterns.

 Just as an FYI, this post is sponsored by Activia. But all opinions expressed by the author are 100 per cent authentic and written in their own words.

One is a ‘before the birds wake up’ kind of boy. He has never seen the sun rise in his seven and a half years. He is up and roaring (and in the fridge) way before the sun makes an appearance.

My middle child is a teen before his years. At the age of five, he’s the one I am desperately shaking awake at 8am.

My youngest at the age of three wakes at the slightest creak but is needy and cranky, and nothing will please her until she is fed.

The Gift of Sleep. Getting your baby to sleep through the night

2. Getting dressed.

I am about to seriously gender stereotype here so sorry if I cause offense – but WHY is it my three-year old daughter can take herself to her room and come down dressed like an Instagram fashion blogger, yet my two boys would happily go to school in their y-fronts if I didn’t forcibly dress them?

3. Breakfast is a war zone.

As well as being a personal stylist to two boys under the age of eight (and a fashion follower of a three year-old girl) I am a short order cook.

Eggs three ways. One likes toast with the crusts off, one only eats wholemeal, one won’t eat bread at all.

The battle zone can be defined by the inevitable carton of yoghurt dropped to the floor which is mixed up with the remnants of last night’s peas that I hadn’t quite gotten around to sweeping up yet.

My only saving grace is the smoothie maker that I (along with every other mum I know) received for Christmas. Yoghurt, milk, a banana and some ice whizzed up and served with a coloured straw soothes even the fiercest of combatants.

Try these breakfast recipes without eggs, but are still delicious.

4. Finding lost belongings.

“Mum, where’s my school hat/ green socks/ library book/ math’s homework/ Pokémon cards/ left shoe?”

“Mum, where’s my sports bag/ tennis racquet/ science project/ right shoe?”

“Mum, where are you?”

(In the cupboard. Hiding).

Oh, I love this game. It’s called: ‘I chase you around the house brandishing your toothbrush and a large bottle of sunscreen, and you run and hide squealing with delight until I lose the plot and threaten to take away your Ipad time until you are 21’.

5. Finishing homework.

If we can even find it to begin with.

6. The making lunch battle.

So aside from making two different types of sandwiches, I have to find a healthy alternative for Mr I-ain’t-eating bread.

Luckily among his few food groups is fruit, cheese and yoghurt. So lunch boxes can be easily sorted, as long as he isn’t within earshot to issue instructions.

7. Cleaning the breakfast war zone/making the beds.

Or just leave it all until after work…right?

8. Getting out the door.

This can take as much organising as a Kardashian wedding. I can guarantee that as soon as one kid is ready and waiting in the front yard, one will have disappeared. As soon as you locate said child, the first, second or third will need to do a poo/need to get their animal cards/need a drink. Get them out and slam that door shut. (Until you remember you’ve left the keys inside).

9. Remembering the much needed excursion note/sports kit/swimming bag.

Back inside the house we go…

Parents at sporting events. Do kids always need an audience …

10. Negotiating the method of transport.

Scooter/bike/skateboard/feet or car? Why not just ride a yak – it might get us there quicker.

11. Hungry again. One last snack. 

You’ve made it out the gate – school is just streets away. Three kids on bikes, helmets on head and there you are, stumbling under the weight of three crammed packed bags. There is just one more obstacle to negotiate.

“Mum I’m hungry”… so back to that fridge you go.

Here’s my tip: Keep a shelf filed with quick, easy and healthy snacks like yoghurt and you might just make it to the bell on time.

What are some of the the tricks your kids use when trying to avoid getting to school on time?

Check out these funny back to school eCards. Can you relate to any?

Danone’s mission is to bring health through food to as many people as possible, but we understand it’s not easy staying healthy. That is why the Activia 28-day challenge is encouraging all to take small daily steps towards a healthier you, starting with 2 Activia yoghurts a day to help improve your digestive comfort. It encourages all to partake and share their experiences through social media. For more information, please visit our website at www.activia.com.au