Two weeks back at school and only one school jumper lost so far. This must be some sort of record at chez Hogan. But then again, I haven’t checked the Twistables or pencil situation yet.

And now that I think about it, one child definitely left for school this morning wearing last year’s shoes.

Welcome to September. The season of new beginnings. A new school year, a new you, my walking buddy has suggested, if not in so many words. What she actually suggested is joining a gym because it’s getting darker, colder and a lot rainier than it was during the summer.

Now I’m not sure if she realises I own a walking pad – I must not go on about it enough – and a pink 2kg kettlebell, which sits in the corner of my room, a bit like the brick in Father Ted. This is mostly because I don’t know what I’m supposed to do with a kettlebell, but I bought it when they were all the rage. And also it’s pink. So I’m practically a gym bunny already.

Anyway, I’m ready to embrace the new school year, new me theme. If not least because January resolutions seem a tad pointless when we all know parents live by the school calendar anyway.

So in that vein, here are some other resolutions to live by, in the interests of a peaceful and happy parental new school year.

1) Don’t overparent

There is a real temptation to do anything and everything for our kids because (a) sometimes it’s easier and (b) because we are such a time-poor society that we don’t want to waste precious family time making our kids do things they don’t want to do. And we don’t necessarily want to have to hear about them doing it either.

Overparenting means we’re depriving them of the opportunity to build life skills and develop resilience. But we also end up unloading the dishwasher more, doing all the vacuuming, completing their school projects and spending way too much time in the class WhatsApp groups asking about homework. What happens if you forget to take down your homework or bring home a book? Learning of a different kind.

2) Set aside time for you and stick to it

Religiously. Because when those after school activities and training sessions come knocking again, and they will, you will find your time swallowed up completely, pointing the car in the direction of some field, hall or other, while also preparing to surrender your entire weekend to standing pitch side in the wind and rain as you embrace the joy of children’s team sports, music, drama and the special hell known as the swimming pool changing rooms.

And when you’re overheating in a cubicle definitely not made for families with squirming, half-showered children, you may find yourself questioning all your life choices. If, of course, it wasn’t for that one hobby or outlet that you’ve carved out to keep you sane. Please note personal care, such as showering, does not count as either me-time or a hobby. Meeting up with friends can.

Hobbies should be at the very least weekly. If you don’t have time for this at any stage of the week, your children are probably overscheduled. And you may be struggling with point 1.

3) Let it go

Go full Elsa. The comment that’s irritated you in the class WhatsApp group. The homework that wasn’t finished that evening. The training run that may actually push you over the edge. Some days don’t pan out as hoped. Such is life. So cut yourself some slack and make a decision on those days that suits the family – without berating yourself for the rest of the week for your choices.

Make life easier for yourself – buy the cakes in the supermarket and pass them off as your own at the school cake sale. (Or, failing that, I have an excellent Rice Krispie buns recipe over on my Instagram page).

4) Make peace with your expectations

You don’t have to have the same values, expectations or even commitment to dress-up day as other parents. Know what you want your children to get out of school and let that be your guide, rather than the distraction of the competitive parent battle cry.

But if your priority is academic and sporting achievement over happiness and inclusion, perhaps have a word with yourself. For all our sakes.

5) Put a planner on the fridge

So you can see where everyone should be. But delegate the responsibility of filling it out because you’ve done your bit in putting it there.

Don’t peak too soon.

It’s a long school year.