My kids are bus riders. It took me a long time to give in to Jacob's constant request to ride the bus. I drove him to and from school when he was in Kindergarten and half way through 1st grade. Then he finally put his foot down and I allowed him to ride the bus home from school. I still couldn't give up that morning drive.
When second grade came around Jacob told me that he really wanted to ride the bus to school. He didn't want to be a car rider anymore. This meant that he had to wake up 30 minutes earlier! This meant that I had to wake up 30 minutes earlier!!! Not sure if I was ready for this.
I have to admit having a bus rider has made my life so much easier. Not to mention the money we are saving on gas!!
Once Brady started Kindergarten a few weeks ago I had a big decision to make. Do I rev up the minivan and join the carpool line once again, or do I allow Brady to do something I would never let Jacob do....ride the bus. The first three days of school I drove both boys to school and let them ride the bus home. Brady's favorite part of his day was the bus ride. Go figure.
I have received criticism from one person saying, "I can't believe you allow your 5 year old to ride the bus! He must be terrified!" (this person obviously doesn't know Brady!) I have also received some wise words, "Riding the bus is part of growing up. Part of going to school. Part of teaching your kids to be independent."
Miss Saundra, the bus driver, has become a very important person to our family. It is so obvious that she loves her job and truly cares about all of the kids on her bus. She is so kind, caring, and extremely strict! As I put both of my boys on the bus each morning I am confident that she will get them there safely and return them to me each afternoon. We are lucky to have her!!
3 comments:
To me bus riding is a school all its own. My boys were all BRs. They also got up early to board the bus in the dark. It was much more difficult to send my first one (you know this guy) out to board the yellow bus, but from then on the others had a big brother along, like Brady does.
They will learn coping skills they'd not encounter in a classroom. ;-)
The key to a good experience is a wise and capable driver. Sounds like you got one! YAY!
I'm so jealous that you even have the option! I'm already fed up with the school commute! How awesome that you have a great driver too. You're being very green :)
Will's a bus rider too. He has been since the first day of kindergarten (at his request). He loves it, and it is so much more convenient. I know what you mean about the criticism, but like you I think it's all part of growing up and learning some independence. This is the time to loosen the apron strings a little....even if it's hard!
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