As a parent, year after year we drill the "rules" in our children's minds in hopes they listen and follow it. I am a parent who also had the opportunity in life to be a school bus driver, so I understand the pressures parents go through. We worry when our children step in that bus for the first time that year, at that moment, we realize that we are no longer their safety blanket. To ease the worry is difficult but there are only THREE SIMPLE STEPS we can take to prepare our children and feel more at ease.

FIRST STEP is to remind your children on simple common sense rules that everyone needs to follow to ensure their safety and a pleasant ride. Go through what's right and wrong and they will understand. We teach them on how they must LISTEN TO THE DRIVER AT ALL TIMES, use their manners, to speak with co-riders using a tone that will not disturb the driver and others. We let them know the driver is the one in charge and the importance of the driver's role is to keep them safe. We review the rules for crossing the road, look in all directions and wait for the driver to indicate its OK to cross the road. We teach them not to be a bully and treat everyone in that bus as he/she would like to be treated. Clearly let your children know that the bus driver is NOT their BABYSITTER but their protector.

SECOND, you as the parent must have open communication with the driver. Find out what steps are taken to resolve problems that may occur in the bus. Ask questions that are not clear to you or any concerns you may have. Ask your driver or call the bus company to get those concerns cleared. The school is another means of getting information and if you're still not satisfied, then it is your right to contact your District School Board to get the answer. But always KEEP OPEN DIALOGUE with your driver, it helps on both sides.

THIRD STEP is TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN, ask questions, listen to their bus ride stories, laugh at the funny ones and the troubled stories will follow. By following this simple step you educate yourself on the rapport your child has with other riders. Having this type of information is so crucial, because this knowledge will help you and your child conquer any difficulties he or she may encounter in the future.

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Learn more about this author, Emilia Gravenhurst.
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