What is up with the parents hanging at the bus stop?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

They are not teens in 5th grade. I'm shocked how parents check out when kids are 5-6-7-8 and think they are done parenting.

You know what? Letting your kid navigate the bus stop alone IS parenting! My 8 year old walked to the store yesterday with his 10 year old sisters and her friend. Before hand, we talked through what to do in various situations. Afterward, we talked about how it went. Turns out the big bag of Halloween candy I instructed them to buy wasn’t available, so together they worked out what to get instead and whether they had enough money. They were all very proud of their problem solving when they got home and through experiences like that gain the confidence and skills to navigate the world.

That said, I do sometimes walk my kids to school to say hi to the crowd there, as it’s community building. But more often than not they go alone with friends.

You walk your kids to school sometimes? How will they learn to navigate life?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

They are not teens in 5th grade. I'm shocked how parents check out when kids are 5-6-7-8 and think they are done parenting.

You know what? Letting your kid navigate the bus stop alone IS parenting! My 8 year old walked to the store yesterday with his 10 year old sisters and her friend. Before hand, we talked through what to do in various situations. Afterward, we talked about how it went. Turns out the big bag of Halloween candy I instructed them to buy wasn’t available, so together they worked out what to get instead and whether they had enough money. They were all very proud of their problem solving when they got home and through experiences like that gain the confidence and skills to navigate the world.

That said, I do sometimes walk my kids to school to say hi to the crowd there, as it’s community building. But more often than not they go alone with friends.

That's sad you cannot walk with your 8 year old to the store.

NP I agree with the pp you are arguing with. It isn't "sad" that the parent didn't walk with her child! It is empowering to her child to learn these skills. Her 8 year old wasn't alone and I think her child will be better off than a child who isn't given the opportunity to be independent.I find it sad that you can't let you child experience that. When my kids did it they were so proud and wanted to know if I had any other items I needed to get from the store!

[Anonymous]

I walk my 2nd grader to school because it’s a long walk (almost a mile) with a lot of turns and none of the streets in our neighborhood go straight and there are no older kids for her to walk with. My 5th grader, who goes to a different school not within walking distance, has walked home from the 2nd grader’s school alone. As we get closer to the school there are more kids walking. I would say most of the 2nd graders walk with an adult but there are a handful that walk or bike on their own. Much more common 3-5 for them to walk on their own. Most of the 5th graders leave earlier than the younger kids to get to their patrol posts and walk themselves. Personally, I’ve seen a huge change in my older DD from 4th to 5th. Much more independent and willing to do things without an adult.

[Anonymous]

Parents walk 10-13 year olds in from the parking lot at our school. You can drop them off at the door and drive on. It’s insane.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Parents walk 10-13 year olds in from the parking lot at our school. You can drop them off at the door and drive on. It’s insane.

No, it’s not insane. This may be shocking to you but there are actually parents out there who enjoy spending time with their kids! Yes, completely crazy!

Also, many parents have crazy schedules and the relaxed walk to school with their kids is the best part of their day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents walk 10-13 year olds in from the parking lot at our school. You can drop them off at the door and drive on. It’s insane.

No, it’s not insane. This may be shocking to you but there are actually parents out there who enjoy spending time with their kids! Yes, completely crazy!

Also, many parents have crazy schedules and the relaxed walk to school with their kids is the best part of their day.

Not the walk to school. PP is saying they park the car and escort their celebrity child to the door from the parking lot.

[Anonymous]

I did not read the entire thread. But here's my take.

First of all it is ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. There are kids as young as 5 taking that bus I am assuming. Would you let your 5 year old walk to the bus stop?

I have a recent experience with the school bus in our very affluent and safe neighborhood. I saw a little boy standing in his driveway next door for a long period of time (a kindergartener). No adults around and no cars in the driveway. Eventually I checked on him, only to find out that the school sent him on the bus (rather to aftercare). The bus driver dropped this kid at the stop with no parents to greet him and he walked to his house by himself. There were other parents around at the stop, I would assume, but nobody offered to help him. He was not upset, just patiently waiting for his parents, who were not expected home until after 6. I brought him to my house, gave him a snack, and contacted the school.

If I were his parent, I would have loved to have the "hovering" parents around to take control...but sadly, that didn't happen this time. You should be thankful you have a strong community.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

They are not teens in 5th grade. I'm shocked how parents check out when kids are 5-6-7-8 and think they are done parenting.

You know what? Letting your kid navigate the bus stop alone IS parenting! My 8 year old walked to the store yesterday with his 10 year old sisters and her friend. Before hand, we talked through what to do in various situations. Afterward, we talked about how it went. Turns out the big bag of Halloween candy I instructed them to buy wasn’t available, so together they worked out what to get instead and whether they had enough money. They were all very proud of their problem solving when they got home and through experiences like that gain the confidence and skills to navigate the world.

That said, I do sometimes walk my kids to school to say hi to the crowd there, as it’s community building. But more often than not they go alone with friends.

That's sad you cannot walk with your 8 year old to the store.

NP I agree with the pp you are arguing with. It isn't "sad" that the parent didn't walk with her child! It is empowering to her child to learn these skills. Her 8 year old wasn't alone and I think her child will be better off than a child who isn't given the opportunity to be independent.I find it sad that you can't let you child experience that. When my kids did it they were so proud and wanted to know if I had any other items I needed to get from the store!

Agree.

My 10 and 13 year olds have been roaming the neighborhood (including trips to Chipotle and CVS) by themselves for quite some time now. They love it! I came home from work the other day to a post-it on the door from my 10 year old that said “out with friends. Alarm is on. -Larlo “. They love the independence of being out and about by themselves.

Sometimes we do all walk up to Sweet Frog together. But my kids don’t need nor want me to accompany them most of the time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, if you're "flustered" over this, I'm not sure you're going to survive living in the DC area. Lol.

This was my thought exactly! OP, do whatever you like and your neighbors will continue to do what they like. No one cares, and even if they do, so what.

Good lord, yes. Nobody cares. They are there because they have the time and probably want to socialize. You don't have to do this if you don't want to. Send your 5th grader alone and don't worry about it.

How come in the 70/80's when the majority of moms were SAHM - none of them were at the bus stops, morning or afternoon. Did they not have time? Did they not want to socialize? Maybe they just felt their kids were able to do and it was the kid's thing. Not a parent socialization thing? I walked home from K half day with 3 other K students. I remember always planning our afternoon before the big kids came home. We would eat lunch when we got home and talked about our day. Then we would meet back outside to play horse stables on the fence or bike in the cul de sac before the big kids took over playing stick ball.

LOL. The whole point is that when they were all SAHMs, they had ALL DAY to socialize with each other, so there was no need to drag themselves to the bus stop each morning for a quick chat before work.

To me, this whole thread feels like "Made Up Drama". Different people like different things and for different reasons.

For example, some parents like to see each other in the mornings before starting their days, others are not interested in that. Some who choose to go see each other at the bus stop enjoy light chit-chat and a light level of connection, while others end up having some more substantive conversations that help create their more "real" friendships.

Why not just do what works for you, and stop judging others do what works for them? Live and let live, baby!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, if you're "flustered" over this, I'm not sure you're going to survive living in the DC area. Lol.

This was my thought exactly! OP, do whatever you like and your neighbors will continue to do what they like. No one cares, and even if they do, so what.

Good lord, yes. Nobody cares. They are there because they have the time and probably want to socialize. You don't have to do this if you don't want to. Send your 5th grader alone and don't worry about it.

How come in the 70/80's when the majority of moms were SAHM - none of them were at the bus stops, morning or afternoon. Did they not have time? Did they not want to socialize? Maybe they just felt their kids were able to do and it was the kid's thing. Not a parent socialization thing? I walked home from K half day with 3 other K students. I remember always planning our afternoon before the big kids came home. We would eat lunch when we got home and talked about our day. Then we would meet back outside to play horse stables on the fence or bike in the cul de sac before the big kids took over playing stick ball.

LOL. The whole point is that when they were all SAHMs, they had ALL DAY to socialize with each other, so there was no need to drag themselves to the bus stop each morning for a quick chat before work.

To me, this whole thread feels like "Made Up Drama". Different people like different things and for different reasons.

For example, some parents like to see each other in the mornings before starting their days, others are not interested in that. Some who choose to go see each other at the bus stop enjoy light chit-chat and a light level of connection, while others end up having some more substantive conversations that help create their more "real" friendships.

Why not just do what works for you, and stop judging others do what works for them? Live and let live, baby!

I think the whole thread is about how selfish parents are. Let your kids go to school and stop either helicoptering or socializing near them. Let them have their own time. Go walk dogs together elsewhere if you feel the need to see your neighbors every single morning.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, if you're "flustered" over this, I'm not sure you're going to survive living in the DC area. Lol.

This was my thought exactly! OP, do whatever you like and your neighbors will continue to do what they like. No one cares, and even if they do, so what.

Good lord, yes. Nobody cares. They are there because they have the time and probably want to socialize. You don't have to do this if you don't want to. Send your 5th grader alone and don't worry about it.

How come in the 70/80's when the majority of moms were SAHM - none of them were at the bus stops, morning or afternoon. Did they not have time? Did they not want to socialize? Maybe they just felt their kids were able to do and it was the kid's thing. Not a parent socialization thing? I walked home from K half day with 3 other K students. I remember always planning our afternoon before the big kids came home. We would eat lunch when we got home and talked about our day. Then we would meet back outside to play horse stables on the fence or bike in the cul de sac before the big kids took over playing stick ball.

LOL. The whole point is that when they were all SAHMs, they had ALL DAY to socialize with each other, so there was no need to drag themselves to the bus stop each morning for a quick chat before work.

To me, this whole thread feels like "Made Up Drama". Different people like different things and for different reasons.

For example, some parents like to see each other in the mornings before starting their days, others are not interested in that. Some who choose to go see each other at the bus stop enjoy light chit-chat and a light level of connection, while others end up having some more substantive conversations that help create their more "real" friendships.

Why not just do what works for you, and stop judging others do what works for them? Live and let live, baby!

+1. Not seeing how this is controversial. Only on DCUM lol.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, if you're "flustered" over this, I'm not sure you're going to survive living in the DC area. Lol.

This was my thought exactly! OP, do whatever you like and your neighbors will continue to do what they like. No one cares, and even if they do, so what.

Good lord, yes. Nobody cares. They are there because they have the time and probably want to socialize. You don't have to do this if you don't want to. Send your 5th grader alone and don't worry about it.

How come in the 70/80's when the majority of moms were SAHM - none of them were at the bus stops, morning or afternoon. Did they not have time? Did they not want to socialize? Maybe they just felt their kids were able to do and it was the kid's thing. Not a parent socialization thing? I walked home from K half day with 3 other K students. I remember always planning our afternoon before the big kids came home. We would eat lunch when we got home and talked about our day. Then we would meet back outside to play horse stables on the fence or bike in the cul de sac before the big kids took over playing stick ball.

LOL. The whole point is that when they were all SAHMs, they had ALL DAY to socialize with each other, so there was no need to drag themselves to the bus stop each morning for a quick chat before work.

To me, this whole thread feels like "Made Up Drama". Different people like different things and for different reasons.

For example, some parents like to see each other in the mornings before starting their days, others are not interested in that. Some who choose to go see each other at the bus stop enjoy light chit-chat and a light level of connection, while others end up having some more substantive conversations that help create their more "real" friendships.

Why not just do what works for you, and stop judging others do what works for them? Live and let live, baby!

+1. Not seeing how this is controversial. Only on DCUM lol.

Agree. No one can make a call on whether someone is a helicopter parent from this one scenario. I don't go to the bus stop down the street from us, but I can tell you that the parents who do are in no way helicopter parents and their kids get plenty of time to develop independence, running around the neighbourhood after school, on weekends, etc. These are laid back parents who enjoy a quick chat and have time to see their kids off to school. NBD, perfectly normal. And calling people selfish because they enjoy talking with their neighbours for a couple minutes a day? Really? Isn't that an example of a thriving neighbourhood? On the flip side, people who don't go to the bus stop, whether deliberately or out of necessity, are also perfectly wonderful parents. There is no right or wrong answer here. Majority of these kids will turn out GREAT and I bet if you put all these bickering parents in a room you would find that you all are actually pretty close in your parenting styles in the scheme of things. You simply can't (and shouldnt) judge someone so harshly based on one innocuous snipit of their life In the end, for most of these kids, whether you waited at the bus stop or not will have little impact on their success and happiness.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents walk 10-13 year olds in from the parking lot at our school. You can drop them off at the door and drive on. It’s insane.

No, it’s not insane. This may be shocking to you but there are actually parents out there who enjoy spending time with their kids! Yes, completely crazy!

Also, many parents have crazy schedules and the relaxed walk to school with their kids is the best part of their day.

Not the walk to school. PP is saying they park the car and escort their celebrity child to the door from the parking lot.

PP here. Yes, they walk the children from the car to the classroom. Literally. And there is a drop off point. I spend countless hours with my kids and I don’t need to make a show of it by walking them to their desks to make sure everyone knows I’m mom of the year. I promise you they are getting the royal treatment at home.

[Anonymous]

Oh look, another long post with moms tearing down other moms for *checks notes* talking at a bus stop.

Ladies, we are our own worst enemies. Let's be better, okay? Assume the best of each other, not the worst.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, if you're "flustered" over this, I'm not sure you're going to survive living in the DC area. Lol.

This was my thought exactly! OP, do whatever you like and your neighbors will continue to do what they like. No one cares, and even if they do, so what.

Good lord, yes. Nobody cares. They are there because they have the time and probably want to socialize. You don't have to do this if you don't want to. Send your 5th grader alone and don't worry about it.

How come in the 70/80's when the majority of moms were SAHM - none of them were at the bus stops, morning or afternoon. Did they not have time? Did they not want to socialize? Maybe they just felt their kids were able to do and it was the kid's thing. Not a parent socialization thing? I walked home from K half day with 3 other K students. I remember always planning our afternoon before the big kids came home. We would eat lunch when we got home and talked about our day. Then we would meet back outside to play horse stables on the fence or bike in the cul de sac before the big kids took over playing stick ball.

LOL. The whole point is that when they were all SAHMs, they had ALL DAY to socialize with each other, so there was no need to drag themselves to the bus stop each morning for a quick chat before work.

To me, this whole thread feels like "Made Up Drama". Different people like different things and for different reasons.

For example, some parents like to see each other in the mornings before starting their days, others are not interested in that. Some who choose to go see each other at the bus stop enjoy light chit-chat and a light level of connection, while others end up having some more substantive conversations that help create their more "real" friendships.

Why not just do what works for you, and stop judging others do what works for them? Live and let live, baby!

+1. Not seeing how this is controversial. Only on DCUM lol.

Agree. No one can make a call on whether someone is a helicopter parent from this one scenario. I don't go to the bus stop down the street from us, but I can tell you that the parents who do are in no way helicopter parents and their kids get plenty of time to develop independence, running around the neighbourhood after school, on weekends, etc. These are laid back parents who enjoy a quick chat and have time to see their kids off to school. NBD, perfectly normal. And calling people selfish because they enjoy talking with their neighbours for a couple minutes a day? Really? Isn't that an example of a thriving neighbourhood? On the flip side, people who don't go to the bus stop, whether deliberately or out of necessity, are also perfectly wonderful parents. There is no right or wrong answer here. Majority of these kids will turn out GREAT and I bet if you put all these bickering parents in a room you would find that you all are actually pretty close in your parenting styles in the scheme of things. You simply can't (and shouldnt) judge someone so harshly based on one innocuous snipit of their life In the end, for most of these kids, whether you waited at the bus stop or not will have little impact on their success and happiness.

+1