Bus stop culture

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If your kids are in second or third grade, why on earth would you need to stay with them at the bus stop? Do you even need to walk them there after the first day or two?

And agree that you are WAY overthinking this.

I would never leave a 2nd or 3rd grader on a curb without a chaperone. DP

I wouldn’t either. I couldn’t relax until I see them get on the bus. Everyone’s different.

As for talking to them, just see how it goes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Same boat with DD entering public school and not knowing our neighbors despite trying when we moved in 7 years ago (I went and introduced ourselves when we moved in and then also a few months later when I had surplus veggies and herbs from our garden to share). Expect our house IS the neighborhood bus stop so these people have all been on our front lawn every morning for years. I'm irrationally nervous about walking out our front door and joining them this year!

If the bus is in front of your house you don’t even have to go out. Just watch through the window.

[Anonymous]

How old are your kids???

You say you’ve been in private school for a few years. That sounds like late elementary. Kids who are that old can go to the bus stop alone. They might even be old enough to be patrols. It would be weird to go with a parent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My tips to encourage you to have your DC take the bus;

Walk up with them but not too early(I realize this will take some time to work out and finesse), ideally no more than 10 minutes before the bus is to arrive.

Offer a genuine smile with eye contact once you arrive. Focus on talking to and chatting with your own DC. Say hello to the other neighbors. Be upbeat with a nice expression.

I always say something like, “Hi - I’m Larla,
Alex and Mallory’s Mom.”

First day is huge with both parents showing up taking photos. Great way to meet briefly and share in the excitement.

Repeat at pick up - be just a few minutes early. Re introduce yourself and say hi to the next few parents who walk up.

Remember what you have in common: children, the school and the neighborhood.

Once the bus arrives in the a.m., you can leave. Don’t feel like you have to linger and chat. Same with afternoon. Get your kids and go.

Also, driving DC is such a PITA and particularly harrowing to navigate school drop off and Kiss and Ride lines. Don’t get into this habit or expectation.

Also consider allowing your DC to walk to and from the bus stop (part way, even) without you. Personal decision here but older ES kids don’t need chaperoning to and from the bus stop.

Don’t bring your dog.

Why not bring dog? Dog is a great ice breaker

[Anonymous]

I don’t think my parents ever bothered to walk me to the bus stop in elementary school. I was on my own from the beginning and yelled at if I missed the bus.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:you near tysons? sounds very familiar

Yes that’s me

[Anonymous]

Pp and I said don’t bring your dog because if everyone brings their leashed dog, it’s obnoxious. Our bus stop was like a dog park with dogs barking and leashed dogs taking up sidewalk space.