Walking to the bus stop with a tiny tot can be an emotional experience for both parent and child. It is just one of many firsts for a child starting a new school year. Boarding the big yellow vehicle can feel like an overwhelming way to begin a new year of learning, full of obstacles and challenges. Once a child climbs on board, there is a cacophony of chatter, laughing, talking, and generally loud behavior. There are new social situations to navigate without the supervision of adults. For kids are feeling a bit nervous, here are some tips about riding a school bus that will prepare them.
School Bus Safety Tips for Kids
A school bus is so much more than just a mode of transportation. When kids walk up the steps to board, they enter a tight space with a code of social conduct that can be scary and overwhelming. There are lots of things parents can do to turn the experience into a positive one for their kids. Reading kids books about school buses is a good place to start. Here are some additional pointers about riding the school bus for you to share with kids who have jitters. This list includes safety tips for getting on and off the bus, how to behave during the ride, interacting with other kids, and some other things to consider discussing with your little students.
Advice for Children Before First School Bus Ride
It's super important to have a little chat with your kids about school bus safety on an ongoing basis. Lots of these conversation happen at the beginning of the school year, but revisiting these points from time to time is a good idea. Riding the bus is a big part of their daily routine, and it's easy to forget some of these important safety rules. A five-minute conversation can keep them safe from accidents, them understand the rules and expectations, and empower them to speak up if they witness behavior that is mean or even dangerous. Having these talks gives kids the knowledge they need to stay safe and have a positive experience with school transportation. In addition to physical safety, talk to your kids about the social atmosphere. This includes being on the lookout not only for themselves, but also kids who may feel isolated or alone.
(1) Find an old friend or make a new one.
Riding is a whole lot more fun with the comfort of a loyal friend along for the ride. Pair up with a mate at the bus stop or seek out the company of another kid sitting alone on the bus. Having just one friend is enough to turn a lonely ride into an opportunity to laugh and chat before the school day begins.
(2) Stay away from the mean kids.
There is always at least one bully on every bus. The best advice is to stay away and avoid interacting with the mean group if at all possible. Of course, if your child witnesses another child who is a victim of the bullies, taking action is the right thing to do. But sometimes it's easiest to avoid these kinds of kids altogether choose a seat far away. Read the best children's books about bullying to help kids recognize this type of behavior and give them the tools to handle it.
(3) Sitting alone is perfectly okay.
Sitting quietly and looking out the window is a good way for kids to make that transition between home and school. A child who has the confidence and self-assurance to choose being along sometimes is off to a good start in life. Also, for some kids, constant socialization can feel overwhelming. Mentally checking out of the chaos can be a healthy and necessary habit.
(4) Always make room for someone new.
If your kid is friendly, self-assured, and outgoing, riding the school bus is just another outlet for having some fun. Encourage your social butterfly to welcome some of the shy and quiet kids into their fold. Save a seat for a new kid or invite a more timid child to sit nearby. A little invitation can go a long way in brightening another child's day.
(5) Remind your child to follow the rules set by the driver.
There is no one to supervise what is going on behind the driver's back.This is a great opportunity for kids to practice good behavior without an adult watching. Staying seated, not leaving trash behind, and talking quietly are just some of the many important rules. Parents need to talk to their kids about the importance of these guidelines.
(6) Always arrive at least 5 to 10 minutes before pick up time.
Arriving at the bus stop with ample time eliminates the urge for children to rush, thereby significantly reducing the dangers of tripping, falling into the street, or being unaware of their surroundings.
(7) Do not approach the bus until it has come to a complete stop.
It's essential to wait for the bus to stop moving entirely and for the doors to open before approaching. Even a slow-moving bus presents a considerable danger. Sudden stops or adjustments by the driver could easily cause a child approaching or near it to lose balance, trip, or be hit.
(8) Always cross the street in front of the bus.
To cross safely, walk in front, make eye contact with the driver, and wait for their signal. Importantly, even after the signal, always check for traffic by looking left, right, and left again.
(9) Stay seated and do not stick any body parts outside of the window.
Make sure to tell your kids to keep their bottoms on the seat and face the front of the bus for the whole ride – it's the safest way to travel, especially if the bus has to stop quickly. Even on warm days, keep heads, arms, and hands inside the windows they don't come into contact with trees or other outside objects.
(10) Don't pick up items dropped near the school bus.
If a child happens to drop a cell phone or other personal object, their instinct is to retrieve it immediately. When an item is dropped close to the bus, kids need to let the drive know. They should not try to pick it up themselves until the driver gives them the all clear.
