Riding the Bus

When my daughter was 7 she rode the bus home and one day decided to get off at a different stop. She wanted to visit family that lived near there. So, she got off at the wrong stop (the busdriver didn't say a word), walked to the family member's house, went in the unlocked back door, got a snack, turned on cartoons and hung out for a while. I was outside when the bus stopped at my house and she wasn't there. The driver couldn't remember where she got off. I called 911, was histarically crying, thinking the worst, neighbors, police, everyone was looking for her. It was very nightmarish. She left to walk home when Scooby was over and I found her walking down the street.

So, I think if you do it, the older buddy neighbor idea would be a really good idea. You also have to consider the child's personality. My son when never do such a thing. Good luck.

My kids have been riding the bus since they were in Kindergarden. As of now, I have had 3 kids riding the bus since they were 5. I am always there to get them on the bus and to pick them up from the buss. I make sure and talk with their driver. I act as if their driver is another teacher for them. We work together as a team. My kids have had problems on the bus (when they were in 2nd grade is when it usually starts for my kids) and thanks to the relationship I have with their drivers we are able to work things out. I keep an open and honest relationship with my kids and they can tell me anything. They know that I will go to bat for them (if they are in the right). They also know that if they are in the wrong, that the punishment given by the driver is the punishment they recieve and I will back the driver (or teacher). Hope this helps.

I don't believe 7 is too early. My son began riding the bus to school at age 3, he loved it and he still loves it. How does your daughter feel about her impending bus ride?

My son is five and is the smallest one on the bus. my son sits right behind the bus driver. they sent home a paper where to be pick up and where to be drop off.

Two miles doesn't seem that far, but 7 just seems so young to me. Are there older kids on the bus? If there are also jr high kids on the bus then I would say no. If she reports any fighting or trouble, then stop immediately. Two miles isn't that far to go get her. Sorry, but I just don't think buses are safe.

Catrina, 7 is a great time to ride the bus. I actually ended up sending my 5 year old last year...with the help of a 10 yr old neighbor, and she loves it. She actually begged me to let her go! I decided to go ahead when I realized the bus was beating me home. She has adjusted well this year again, and really enjoys the free time to socialize. Just u review be sure that you review safety rules with her, including what to do if she gets on the wrong bus, or if someone is doing something wrong on the bus. Also make sure that she knows that although the bus driver is an adult, she can only be on the bus with him/her..not allowed to stay on or anything else. Maybe thats alittle paranoid of me, but you never know. Anyway, good luck I hope that al goes well! ~A.~