Preparing for the First Bus Ride
Robert Nickell
Preparing for the first day of school can be stressful
enough for parents and children, and when you add a first bus ride to the mix,
well it’ll make you realize just how brave, outgoing and incredible your young
children are.
I’ve experienced many first days of school and first bus
rides and I’ve put together some tips that will help ensure these important
firsts go smoothly.
Routine: Beginning
towards the end of summer it’s important to set up a morning routine with your
children. Get them comfortable with the routine prior to the first day or
school so they’ll be prepared to jump back into the swing of things when the
time comes. Having a routing will help school mornings run more smoothly, your
child will be less flustered, more confident and less likely to miss the school
bus when it stops on it’s daily route.
Get the Schedule: Prior
to the first day of school pick up the school bus schedule and make sure you
fully understand it. Know where the bus will stop and at exactly what time.
Also make sure you know where it stops both before and after your stop – in the
off chance you’re running early or late one day you’ll be able to drive your
child to catch the bus during it’s route. If you have questions regarding the
bus schedule please contact your school system ASAP, so there is no confusion when
it’s time for the first bus ride to school.
Hello and Goodbye: It’s
important – for safety reasons if nothing else – to walk your child to and from
the bus stop each day. Additionally, the consistency of seeing your face each
time they board the bus in the morning and get off the bus in the afternoon
will be reassuring for your child and essentially make the bus riding
experience a little less stressful and hectic.
Memorize: Go over
the schedule with your child and have them memorize it. Ask them where the bus
will pick them up and where the bus will drop them off and also make sure they
know what time. I know you’ll be walking them to and from the bus stop, but
having an understanding of exactly what’s going to happen will give your child
confidence. I also suggest reading books about riding the bus, watching
television episodes about riding the bus, etc. This way your child will really
know what to expect.
Practice Run: I
am a supporter of practice, and my family has drills or practice runs for
activities quite often. Before its time for the first bus ride I suggest you do
several practice runs so your child will know how the bus riding experience
will work into their daily routine. Walk with them to the bus stop at the
proper time – morning and afternoon – explain to them that a bus will pick them
up here and then drop them off here at the appropriate time.
The start of a new school year can be chaotic, but if you
begin discussing the routines and happenings in advance you and your child will
do great.
Good luck!
Daddy Nickell