Can I drop off my DD at the bus stop 20 minutes earlier before the bus comes?

[Anonymous]

I am new to the area, so I do not know about the rules (I searched, but couldn't find the information). Is it OK for the third grader to wait for the morning bus alone at the bus stop for 20 minutes? I have another child who needs to be sent to the preschool and the schedule is conflicting. She will read some books while waiting. I appreciate your advice.

[Anonymous]

I have no idea what the official rules are, but I would feel completely comfortable letting my 3rd grader do that. What's your plan for rainy/cold days?

[Anonymous]

On rainy days/cold days ... Is there any good idea?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am new to the area, so I do not know about the rules (I searched, but couldn't find the information). Is it OK for the third grader to wait for the morning bus alone at the bus stop for 20 minutes? I have another child who needs to be sent to the preschool and the schedule is conflicting. She will read some books while waiting. I appreciate your advice.

The relevant rule here isn't MCPS, it's Maryland law, and you're fine for a kid over 8 if memory serves. The real question, though, is whether she wants to sit outside that long. If you are comfortable leaving her at the bus stop, why not just leave her at home and have her pull the door shut (locked) at 8:55 or whatever?

[Anonymous]

See the earlier thread about dropping off at school 15 minutes early. Seems a bit long for an 8 year old to do everyday alone to me.. though I guess others will arrive 10-15 minutes later. What about frigid weather days? Can you look for another bus stop with an earlier pick up time maybe in the direction you are heading? Does the preschooler have to be there exactly on time? A phone would be a must for me.

[Anonymous]

Last year, a parent always dropped off her ES-aged son way before bus time. The boys stood there, looking bored and lonely. I would pass him on my way to work.

I always felt sorry for the kid, even on days with good weather. It didn't look like he was having fun.

As a PP asked, do you have a plan for bad weather days? (cold temps, hard rain)

[Anonymous]

My DD needs to walk a little bit to the bus stop, so I don't have any other options other than dropping her off earlier.

[Anonymous]

Can your child get to preschool late? I'd rather do that than ensure my third grader had a cold and miserable day at school because they got soaked standing in the rain for 20 minutes waiting for the bus.

If I had this conflict, though, I'd probably just accept that my preschooler would be late every day. Perhaps it's possible to drive both children and just not use the bus?

[Anonymous]

This is not illegal nor within MCPS jurisdiction, OP. People may label you as a bad mother, but in the end, you do what you have to do!

Your child knows, of course, not to get into a stranger's car, and to yell and go home to phone you. I don't think the weather issue is that bad - bundle her up nicely on windy cold days.

[Anonymous]

I'm OP. Thank you everyone for the good advice. Is it ok to get on the bus at the different bus stop sometimes when it is very cold without notifying?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm OP. Thank you everyone for the good advice. Is it ok to get on the bus at the different bus stop sometimes when it is very cold without notifying?

Yes, this should be fine. Have you thought about before care, maybe on a drop-in basis for days when the weather is terrible?

[Anonymous]

Yes, this should be fine. Have you thought about before care, maybe on a drop-in basis for days when the weather is terrible?

I'll consider the options if it's available. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

We've had a few incidents at DDs bus stops involving sexual predators targeting children who were alone. Fortunately the kids all told an adult who contacted police, but no way would I let DD arrive more than 5 minutes before pick up.

[Anonymous]

As you get to know the area better you may find your daughter makes a friend nearby who she can stay with for the extra time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We've had a few incidents at DDs bus stops involving sexual predators targeting children who were alone. Fortunately the kids all told an adult who contacted police, but no way would I let DD arrive more than 5 minutes before pick up.

A few incidents? You've had multiple incidents? Where do you live? How old is your child?