Some students are excited about hopping onto the school bus, while others may be reluctant about riding it. Many school children, especially the first-timers, may feel anxious riding the bus during the first few weeks, and it’s quite understandable.
After all, they’re getting on board a big, yellow vehicle with many other kids they don’t know. As parents, it’s vital to help your children feel more comfortable and confident riding the school bus. After all, they’ll be doing this every day and for the rest of their school years.
- To help your children feel comfortable riding a school bus, talk about the school bus safety rules before their first day. They’re likely to have a rundown of school bus rules, making them feel intimidated. Teaching them the basics of school bus rules will put them at ease because they’ll know what to do when they board the school bus.
- You may also tour the kids on the typical school bus route so that they will feel less “lost” and more sure about where they’re going. Point out recognizable landmarks and familiar spots they will pass by, such as a local park with a playground.
- Many school districts provide a chance for the children to meet their school bus driver. But other districts don’t. So, if the kids missed the opportunity or your school district doesn’t offer it, encourage them to say “hi” to their driver on their first day of school. Once they see that the driver smiles at them and says “hi” or “hello” to them, they’ll likely feel more comfortable knowing they’ll be in good hands.
- Since the school bus passengers are children, their opinion matters; ask them if they have any concerns about riding the bus. Some kids may feel hesitant to ride the bus because there might be something (or someone) that holds them back from doing so. Or they might have formed some misconceptions about it. Most children afraid of taking the bus worry about not knowing when or where to get off. So, if your kiddos feel such fear, tell them that “Your school is a big building; you can’t miss it. When everybody else gets up and starts to leave the bus, you’ll know you are there.” You also have to reassure them that the bus driver is their friend and will make sure that they get off at the right stop, whether at their school or their house.
- If your children are young (under eight years old), wait with them at the bus stop for safety reasons. Being with your children at the bus stop will make them feel less anxious and more confident. Your children know they feel supported when you’re there to confirm that their school bus arrives to pick them up and see them off with a wave and smile! As days go by – and as they get familiar with the other kids and make friends with some of them – they will get used to waiting at the school bus and feel more confident doing this by themselves.
As for the school bus drivers, they play a crucial role in the lives of the students, parents, and community. One of the attributes of great school drivers is that they care about their student passengers. Their cheerful and enthusiastic attitude will also put students at ease, knowing that they’re in the right hands.
For special needs students, it helps to know the bus driver is there to help them feel comfortable and get to and from school without any issues.
If you love working with children and, at the same time, desire to be an important part of your community, check out school bus driving opportunities at https://schoolbushero.com/jobs.