Our little boy has just started school (great!) and I also have a toddler. The school run is a real struggle for me as I have disc problems in my back and fibromyalgia. Since school started my back pain has worsened and Ive started limping after walking a few yards. Im going to see my GP again today to see if they can come up with anything.

My problem is I cant walk that far without being in pain, but I can walk. School isnt that far away. I have resorted to taking the car, but I still have to park a distance from school entrance, get buggy out of car and wheel toddler in to pick up my lad. First few days I tried walking but after a short distance I was very slow and limpy and each trip it became worse. I thought the buggy that the little one was in was at fault, so Ive bought a second hand sprung type pram/pushchair with bigger wheels which is supposed to be easier to push. This comes on Wednesday.

I also bought a second hand mobility scooter last week, but Im nervous of using it to collect kids from school as we have to cross a busy road and when Im steering the scooter its really hard to keep track of a very lively 4 year old boy. Also Im too nervous to balance the toddler on my knee.

Im open to suggestions if anyone else has this problem and has solved it.

Could any of the other mums help you out? If you live pretty close to the school and they're passing your house anyway it may be an option?

Maybe have a chat with your little lads school teacher and/or headteacher and see if there's anything they can do to help - it may be that they're able to bring your lad to the car for you or reserve a parking space?

Some schools have started a "walking bus" scheme, where members of staff walk from house to house collecting kids, and they all walk to school together. Perhaps it would be worth asking the school if they've considered something like this - it certainly helps keep the traffic down as well.

The Council even help people set them up:

http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/road-safety/education-training-publicity/walk-to-school

Another possibility with the mobility scooter is to use a couple of bits of kit to help you. A pair of traditional reins for your toddler could be used to make sure that they stay on your lap properly (I know they wriggle, but you could do lots of trial runs and give rewards for not trying to escape) and a wrist strap for holding on to your 4 year old may give you a bit more security when crossing roads etc. if you attach the other end to your wrist.

I know that they aren't glamorous, but if you were putting them in the car you'd strap them in, wouldn't you?

Another possibility with the mobility scooter is to use a couple of bits of kit to help you. A pair of traditional reins for your toddler could be used to make sure that they stay on your lap properly (I know they wriggle, but you could do lots of trial runs and give rewards for not trying to escape) and a wrist strap for holding on to your 4 year old may give you a bit more security when crossing roads etc. if you attach the other end to your wrist.

I know that they aren't glamorous, but if you were putting them in the car you'd strap them in, wouldn't you?

Good point medusa. I think we have to have more trial runs in the park with the scooter. I tried it with the little ones on Sunday and I found it hard to keep track in the park, but if we can get them to be a bit more disciplined, perhaps it will work.

Today my new sprung chassis pushchair came and I must admit it was easier but I had someone else push it back for me. Ive been managing my pain medication differently too, after seeing the doc and its made a bit of difference. Not a huge amount. Hopefully a combination of all this small things will help.

When our little man has been at school a bit longer I will maybe get to know someone who will help, but I dont like putting on people, especially as he is a handful.

As a disabled Mum who always took her children to school using my scooter. I can give some tip. The toddler problem is solved by the harness from reins being threaded through a belt round you. This stops the child wriggling free or slipping off your lap (though be careful what you wear as some clothes are more slippy than others) A wrist strap will give you security for the other but in any case get the child used to holding onto one of the scooters armrests. If you have hazard lights put them on when crossing the road. Buy a bright reflective waistcoat for the 4 year old too. I have taken my children to school for 10 years and never had an accident.

I think it's a matter of confidence with the scooter. Duckweed's given some great ideas too. Have loads of trial runs, like you say. My 4 year old has CP, so we're both disabled and when I had a scooter she used to love sitting on it with me (if I'm honest, at times it drove me crazy! LOL). Just make sure you're not over the weight allowance with you and a little on on the scooter.

Hope you're getting to grips with it all now

Ive been using a combination of the car and my new pushchair this week, which really is a lot easier. I must get some toddler reins and another wrist strap though. Its a good point.