Riding the Bus to KG - Family Giving Me a Hard Time.

Seriously, it is one day. It will not ruin her, and it will be a great memory for you both. Enjoy the time with her and experience her first day in her school career together. Just tell her that it is a special day, and that after the first day, she gets to ride the bus.

I was the country kids withthe 45 minute bus ride, from kingergarten on till I was 10 - I was not scarred by it. I did fine, and always loves school, and made use of my bus time to to homework and read, so I wouldn't have to do as much at home. My first day of K, my mom took pics of me at home, leaving the front door, and then took me to the babysitter's, dropped me off and went to work, and the babysitter took pics of just me and then me and her 2 older kids getting on the bus for school. My mom was bothered by it, but she never let me know till I was grown up, and I was not bothered by it at all.

I think you should do what you want her to do from the first day onward - so she doens't have any unrealistic expectations of getting driven to school, when she can't be.

Hello,

I took my son to K everyday last year. I loved hanging with him and giving him prep talks right before school. I drop him at the door and know that he is safe inside. I also picked him up because I loved chit chatting about the day and he loved it too. Never cared for the bus. K is along day and then to add another 45 mins to that. Most times they wanna come home and get a drink or just relax. If that is what you can afford to do, I say take her to school on her first day. You will be glad you did.

When my (now 10th grader) daughter (ONLY child) was in K, I wanted to take her to school as well. It is less than a mile away. I took her and I realized that I should have let her ride the bus as she wanted to on the first day.

She walked into that room just as she did at preschool and was completely into it. Other kids were crying, moms were crying, my daughter was loving being at school and I went to the car and cried because my daughter was obviously so ready for this new change. I hurt because she was not crying for me to stay. A parent of an older child simply said....you know mom, you did great because she is secure enough to want to be independent.

NOW, I did allow her to ride home on the bus. This was TOUGH for me. I went to the bus stop and my daughter did not get off. I started freaking out. The driver called the school and she was not there. Just before they called police, I happened to glimpse toward my house and she was just skipping down the sidewalk. Here I (and driver along with pther parents there were freaking out) my daughter was happy as ever. I ran to her and the driver realized she got off at the wrong stop.

Daughter said, but mom, I knew how to get home and I ran past the houses with the builders (new homes under consrtuction) Now can we have ice cream.

It was an experience that I hated but I learned to appreciate because she was ready (as I am sure your child is as well) and she LOVED the independence. She rode the bus through elementary school, even on days I was a substitute teacher.

Middle school and high school are different stories. I always took her and picked up.....still do....until she is legally able to drive herself beginning January 2011. Then I will be the worry wart until I know she is there safely.

Letting go is very HARD.

Oh for goodness sake people it's one day!! And a milestone day at that. My husband and I dropped my son off at school on his first day of kindergarten...we took pictures and were not the only parents there doing so. Many schools line up outside before filing into the school itself, which is what my son did w/ his kindergarten class. We (the parents) weren't in the way. It's to be expected, especially w/ kindergarteners. You are not spoiling your daughter by doing so...in my son's case he was happy to take the bus the next morning (2nd day of school) and got right on, waving happily from the window as it pulled away. Your daughter has the whole rest of the year to take the bus.
It's one day...do what YOU think is right, what makes YOU comfortable and celebrate your child's milestone first day the way YOU want to. It's not hurting anyone. And it's one day that will not come again.

You know what we did the first day? WE DROVE BEHIND THE BUS!!! yUp and I watched him get off and go into school. These people are not paying your bills are they? So you do what you think best. They can give you all the advice they want, and money for your bills if that helps, otherwise it is your daughter. Congratulations on the little ones first day of school.

By all means take her to school the first day! Almost all of the other moms will be there too. That is very typical for the parents to take their kids the first day of school, especially kindergarten, for the exact reasons you mentioned. If you tell your daughter this is not going to be an everyday thing then you have set the expectations. Screw your family (sorry for the language) this is your daughter and you can do what you want! Maybe they are lazy or just don't care, I don't know, but you do care and you have every right to take her. I think you are being a caring, responsible parent by helping her ease into this new schedule and routine. For goodness sakes she is only 5 or 6!

I take my kids to school the 1st day of EVERY year, even if it is just dropping them at the door - it's just a thing I do.

Kudos to you mom! Stand firm and don't let others tell you how to parent.

My son started Kinder 3 weeks ago...I took him the first 2 days...the first day I showed him where to go...the second day he had to show me he knew where to go...the third day I put him on the bus. I asked beforehand do you want me to follow the bus to school? He response was, "No, I can do it."

He got on the bus and never even glanced back...just about broke my heart!!

My son is easily overwhelmed and he wanted me there the first 2 days...then he knew where everything was and he was fine. Our school allows parents to accompany their child the first three days and then the campus is closed unless you check in at the office.

You do what you think is right for your daughter. Explain you can only go with her one day or what ever you decide.

She is your child...not theirs. They can voice their opinions, but if i were you, I would do what makes you feel comfortable. I'm sending my second child to kindergarten this year as I did my first child. That is the first day of "real" school and it is the very beginning of where I begin to scrapbook my child's K-12 school years. I wouldn't miss it for the world:) It is also a sad day because now they are in school. My husband who normally works out of town, is taking that day off to send our son to school. This is a big deal for us. My children live walking distance from our elementary school...and guess what? I always drive them. I don't care much what anyone thinks either. These are my kids and I'll parent them as I see best. Don't let them bully you...you are the mom and you know best.

Sending you strength,

M.

going to kindergarden is a big step in both of your lifes. You can never get the first day in school back. If you feel in your heart thats the right thing to do then who care what they say. You gave birth to her now you can give school to her. I would not have missed my sons first day in K for anyone I have a ton of pics of the drive in and him in his class room. Plus I was worried that he was going to have a hard time finding the class room. The first day can be alittle scary. Plus she will love the fact that when shes older she can look at all the pics you took and have a great memory of that day. Also when you get home from droping her off you can cry some more when you look at the pictures you just took, I know I did.
Good Luck

You know what? You are the mama, you do what you want!

They had their chance to be moms and now it is your turn.
You know what you need and want and what YOUR OWN child needs and wants. You do not have to explain yourself to anyone else.

When they are taking care of your child, if you are not paying them, then you can make a very strong request that they drive her or pick her up, but you cannot force them. IF you are paying them then they need to do exactly as you request.

Your child will be fine and will be well cared for on the bus, and up at the school. This is what they are set up for and this is what they have been doing for a long time.

This is your first time, so it may take you a little while to get used to all of this and for you to make sure your daughter has the hang of all of this.

You do not need to apologize for the way you parent. You need to learn to tell them to back off and quit bullying you. I am sure you can think of a nice way of saying. Thanks for the suggestions, or I will take that into consideration.

I am sending you strength. I am excited for you and your daughter!

I have taught elementary for 20 years. It is very common for parents to bring their Kdg or first grade students on the first day or so. It's absolutely fine if you want to.

Yes, it is hectic, and parents who want to talk to the teacher on the first day make it difficult for the teacher to establish and maintain classroom management, especially with Kdg. The teacher has to account for every child at all times and get all the important information down, so as long as you don't expect to visit with the teacher at this time, you are most welcome to drop your child off on the first day.

You're not going to ruin your daughter, and it's probably a very good thing that you go with her on the first day to share the experience with her. (But it's equally okay if you're a parent who can't take your child on the first day.)
You will feel better knowing she made it to school okay, and you daughter can get familiar with school a bit before she has to learn about the bus. It shouldn't be such a cause for grief in your family.

Just make sure the teacher writes down how your daughter will be going home the first day and then thereafter. All K-2 teachers make a chart of how students go home, even if it changes from the first day.

Remember that there could be a lot of traffic on the first day, too, so allow extra time and expect to park farther away.

So my kiddo had to go to pre-school and from pre-school he was bused over to day care. The first day I did it, took the pictures, outside of class and waited for him to walk in, my school doesn't allow parents in the classrooms. After that and I am not ashamed to admit he took the bus to day care but I followed the bus the first 3 days , my son didn't know. I wanted to see how the kids were "herded" to the bus, how they drove and how they dropped off my son. All went smoothly and never had to drive him. Do what works for you and your daughter. Drive her the first day tell her you are excited for her and want to take pictures of her first day. Then tell her she will be taking the bus going forward because she is obviously a big girl now and going to KG. She'll love it. She'll feel so independant and grown up. Don't worry about it all will go well. Bottom line you do what feels right to YOU!

Mmm I disagree, I took my child to school on his first day. I didnt get any support either but it was important for me so I did it. After that I drive him at my leisure, and he rides the bus when I cant, and he seems to be adjusting really well to it. He did cry a little bit when I left him, but was comfortable most of the day. My advice: Who cares, do what you wanna do!, my dad takes the "driving to school" time as bonding time, and like me he does not drive my sister to school everyday. I say its ok!
Good Luck!!!

Driving her to school and sending her off are good. I wanted to throw my voice in about the taking photos inside the classroom etc. The teacher may have an issue with that. You might want to call and see. If she does maybe take your daughter to school to "meet" the teacher and take some photos that day. There will be a classroom full of kids and the teacher will be busy. My own thoughts are that it is going to be very disruptive to the teachers first morning to have a parent in trying to "document" her first day. Why not take photo's of her getting on the bus? and take photos of her classroom at parents night? not negating your feelings in anyway just mentioning that you might want to consult the teacher about your plans. schools have really strict policies now about people in the schools. oh and meant to mention she will probably love the school bus. my son started riding it for a preschool program at 3 years old. they picked him up and dropped him off and he loved it.

i'm not near that crossroad w/my little boy, i just wanted to say i feel for you...how sad you're not getting support....i'm the worst one to say this b/c i don't live by it (but i try) - go w/your gut instint. if taking your little girl feels right, then do it. they're clearly not gonna be there comforting you if you well up a little (or even bawl!) and they don't have to deal w/your emotinos about it in general...i hate it when people act that way (happens fr my family too, so i'm not bad mouthing your fam)
all the mommas on here are your side, that should tell you something. :)
i was always such a mommas girls i would think your little girl would want you to take her and yours probably does too! good luck darling! :)

My first child--we walked to school (or I pulled the wagon or sled with him and his little bro) every day, grades K and 1. The K teacher wanted us to say our goodbyes while the children were lined up outside getting ready to enter the building. But we had visited the classroom a few days before, so he (and I ) knew what to expect.

For his 2nd grade year and every year after in elementary school--they take the bus the first day and I go meet it at the school and get photos of them getting off, standing in line at the door,etc. I usually walked with them to their rooms the first day or so, and then they didn't need / want that anymore. (I would also make sure to take a photo either before the bus arrived or after they came home, so we'd see what they looked like on that day.)

That option might be a compromise position. You never get back that first day of school, as someone else said.

And your daughter will not necessarily want a ride every day, she may be so thrilled with the bus that she prefers it! you never know.

do what you feel is right. It will be fine

K. Z.

Awww, Mamasal. Ten years from now is it more likely you would regret putting your daughter on the bus and waving good-bye or having shown your daughter it's important to you that she gets a good start on her first day of kindergarten? She has the rest of the school year to be a big girl. AND you will feel better seeing the classroom, seeing her IN the classroom, etc. I think the important thing is setting the example in that you do intend to be involved in her school life - from day one.

I followed my daughter's bus to school on the first day of kindergarten. I was there when she got off the bus at school and I made sure she got into her class okay. I will be doing the same with my son this year. People make comments to me about it, but I could care less. I don't care if anyone thinks I am babying them. They are MY kids and I will do with them as I please. Do the same for yours. You will not scar her, she will most likely appreciate it. My kids are going to a new school and they will have at least a 30 minute ride to and from school each day...whereas the past two years has been a 5 minute ride. So this also makes me nervous. Do what you feel is right and tell everyone else to back off, as nicely as possible. The first day of kindergarten only happens once, do what is best for you and your daughter!! Good luck :o).

My oldest rode the bus the first day and my next oldest will do so tomorrow (first day of K for her). They'd be VERY upset if I drove them! My daughter has been talking about riding on the bus all summer long - it's what she is looking forward to the most. It's a Big Kid thing. A Right of Passage for going to school type of thing. Take her to the bus stop, take a pic of her getting on the bus and be there to greet her when she gets off smiling in the afternoon.

Bus drivers aren't drones. They know who the K kids are. In our district, the K kids sit in the first few rows. The bus driver won't let them off the bus until he calls their name at their stop so they get home OK. At school in the morning, the K kids are the first off the bus and for the first few weeks, teachers/aides/parent volunteers meet them at the bus door, take a look at the nametag they are wearing with teacher's name and room # and point them to the right door... once inside the building, more adult volunteers take a group at a time down the K hallway and make sure each child enters the correct classroom. There's no way for them to get lost on the way to their classroom. Before the bus leaves the parking lot, the driver gets up and walks the bus looking for left-behind items. If he finds a lunchbox or whatever he'll take it into the school office. (Make sure her name is on everything!).

Our school STRONGLY encourages kids to ride the bus everyday for the 1st week if that is how they will mostly be getting to/from school. The reason is because they have TONS of extra help -- especially the 1st day. If a child is "new" to riding the bus after the first few days, he/she won't get as much help and might encounter problems (not 1-on-1 help getting to classroom, etc).

I grew up in the country and spent about 45 min on the bus each way. I loved it. One of the best things about school. I had plenty of time to read, talk with friends, do homework, etc. I still remember my very first day of K - and getting onto the big yellow bus... I felt so proud and grown-up to be riding it and going to school without my mom. Don't let your fears deny your child the same feelings!

I disagree with the "Do not go to school" attitude. Like Angela said, it's one day. Here the teachers expect things like that. They know the first day is going to be hectic, especially for kindergarteners. For some it's even their first time to school, so why shouldn't the parents want to be there. Take her & enjoy. By the way, whenever someone in my family laughs or generally doesn't agree with my parenting choice, I have 4 words--"My kids, my rules". Now that my kids are 3 & 7, they've heard it enough that they don't usually say too much to me. I have before, & will this year, taken my son to school on his first day. Our school does have a day that the kids can go & meet the teacher & find out where their room is & such. But, it's the first day. Then, he rides the bus.
Ignore your family & enjoy watching your daughter step into her new independence.

In our school, the staff recruits parents of kindergarten bus riders to ride along for the first days - week(s) of school until the kindergartens are comfortable with the bus routine. I wonder if that might be something to look into.

I think this really depends on what is going on with the other kids. It sounds like from your post that all the other kids will be driven to school every day. If the case is that the kids that she will be in class with are all be driven in the first day-then I would definitely drive her as well. BUT if she is the only one to drive and the rest are all taking the bus then I think that you should let her take the bus. She is a big girl now and it is time to let go-as hard as that might be. She is not in preschool anymore and needs to find her own way. And it sounds like you want to do this more for you than for her-sounds like she is gung-ho to take the bus. BTW-I don't fault you for it. I am totally guilty of it with my little boys.

I see that you have made a decision on how to deal with transportation. I think it's a good one! I just wanted to share some tips with you that might be helpful for adjusting to school. Here's some advice my pediatrician posted in a newsletter. If you want to read more school advice from him, check out the article at http://www.thornburgpediatrics.com/backtoschool.html.

Rules For The School Bus

1. Getting on the school bus.
- When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic and avoid roughhousing or other behavior that can lead to carelessness. Do not stray onto streets or private property.
- Line up away from the street or road as the school bus approaches.
- Wait until the bus has stopped and the door opens before stepping onto the road.
- Use the hand rail when stepping onto the bus.

2. Behavior on the bus.
- Find a seat and sit down. Loud talking or other noise can distract the bus driver.
- Never put head, arms or hands out of the window.
- Keep aisles clear as books or bags are tripping hazards.
- Get ready to leave the bus before you reach your stop.
- At your stop, wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat.

3. Getting off the school bus.
- If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk at least ten feet ahead of the bus along the side of the road, until you can turn around and see the driver. Make sure that the driver can see you. Wait for a signal from the driver before beginning to cross.
- When the driver signals, walk across the road, keeping an eye out for sudden traffic changes.
- Stay away from the bus’ rear wheels at all times.

4. Correct way to cross the street.
- Children should always stop at the curb or the edge of the road and look left, then right, and then left again before crossing. They should continue looking in this manner until they are safely across.
- If students’ vision is blocked by a parked car or other obstacle, they should move out to where drivers can see them and they can see other vehicles — then stop, and look left-right-left again.

I am probably repeating what others have written but have you thought about following the bus in your car? Then she can experience the bus and you can be waiting for her when she gets off. You can take pics and all of the other stuff you were hoping to do. Then if she has any questions you will be there to answer them and help her get to her classroom. We will be doing that with our son. We will let him ride the bus but will meet him at the school on his 1st day. Good luck! Have you asked your daughter what she would like? Just thought I would throw that out.

If she had older siblings to ride with on the first day, ok, but YOU go ahead and take her and help her find things and take pics etc. YOU are in charge and as a former KG teacher, I recommend that you do this.
The time to say good bye is once she is in the room.
Then you do not linger.
You did not say if she is riding the bus home.....but be sure there is someone there to meet her.
Tune out your family.

I didn't read all your responses (there are many! I hope they are helpful and encouraging).
My son went to a private kindergarten, but on the first day of first grade, we put him on the bus and then hightailed it down to his school to watch him walk in (and snap a couple photos :) ). I noticed a lot of other parents just there "watching" too.

I would look into car pooling with the other moms, and stick to your desicion. Maybe you are babying, maybe not.... That's for you to know and decide as the parent. And you deciding will send a message to your mom and sister

For both of my kids, on the first day of kindergarten, I put them on the bus and then was at the school when they got off. There are a lot of parents who all did the exact same thing. My kids got to be "independent" but knew they would see me one last time before entering the building and I got to see exactly how they were put on and off the bus. This year, my kids are going to a new school because of redistricting and I will probably do it again (they are in 1st and 4th grade). But whatever you decide to to, don't let anyone make you feel bad about it. This is your child and your decision. Good luck!

You should do what's best for YOU AND YOUR DAUGHTER!!! You have to raise your duaghter, not them. i'm sure they have a helping hand and their opinion matters but at the end of the day what makes you and your daughter feel good is what is going to have to work. good luck.

If she's excited about riding the bus, let her do it from day one. You can't drive her everyday so let her start making friends on the bus before she even gets to school. It's all part of the experience for her. Being the first day of school the teachers will make sure the students find their way to class from the bus. All the kids will be new so everything should be just fine. She'll forget her lunch box or book bag sometime, but that will or could happen any day, not just her first day. Take her picture at the bus stop and at home and be proud that your daughter is excited about school. Good luck.

I think your sister is right. Kindergarten is harder on the moms than the kids. She'll be fine. And she WILL want you to driver her all the time. I took pictures with backpack by the front door and then getting on the bus the first day. (Then I cried all the way back home--after the bus pulled away.)

I took my daughter to school for the first part of last year because I didn't think we were on the bus route (we actually are, but she has to switch buses at another school to get to her school). My daughter was BEGGING to ride the bus so I started taking her to her friend's house to get on the bus with her (good compromise). After making a quick phone call, I found that the bus did indeed go past our house and she had to switch at another school with her friend to get to her school. I followed the bus that first day to make sure she transferred ok (also a good compromise), and things were totally fine thereafter.

In my opinion, you should do what you feel and drive her. You might find that she wants to ride the bus after seeing her friends get off the bus. If so, I recommend that you let her ride it. She'll be ok. What if you ar ever sick and just can't drive her? You'll be proud she can do it.

Can you talk to your daughter about it? Tell her that you will take her the first day and help her find her room and then she'll take the bus after that. Or what about asking your friends who take their kids every day to take your daughter on days you can't and your mother won't?

I am shocked by these answers... My child will NEVER ride the bus!
My experience growing up was horrid on the bus. The age groups are too varied in opinion.
I watched a 8 year old last year after school and all she ever talked about was how she hated it. All the boys were rude and nasty, some girls made fun of her and she felt unsafe. This is a cute & fun little girl and it broke my heart she felt that way.
My girls are a few years off from the bus, but I will be driving them and picking them up... period!

Hi Mama,
My daughter is just 3 but I plan to take her on her first day of school, take pictures and get to her class ok and I don't care what people think about it. The next day and for the rest of her school career she will be riding the bus. Kindergarten is a right of passage and you should be able to enjoy her day as much as she will. If you daughter is excited about riding the bus then she will be ok to get on the bus the next day. Tell your mother and sister that you appreciate their concern but you are taking her and she can ride the bus the next day. No one knows your daughter as well as you do so do what you think is best. Good luck!!!

Do not go to school! The first day is hectic and hard and your presence will make it worse for the teacher and the other students.

Schools have TONS of teachers and helpers there to get the little ones off the bus and to the right place. The bus driver will make sure everyone got their stuff. If she does it herself she will feel great, but if you are there and then leave, she may cry when she otherwise wouldn't have.

You've already said that she is excited to ride the bus and ready to do it herself, so why do you want to hold her back? You can't take her every day so don't bother confusing her. Just let go and let this thing happen. She's ready, now you get ready too.

You've already done the 'so what happened', but just wanted to chime in that in our area, the kids are encouraged at all grades to ride the bus the first day of school. This helps the bus drivers see how many kids are going to be on the bus, they get 'I'm on bus #123' stickers as they get off the bus, and when they get to their class. On our buses the K kids sit up front right next to the driver. At drop off time, an authorized adult MUST meet the K kids before they are allowed off the bus.

Parents that want to see their kids off are encouraged to stay with them at the bus stops and then meet them at the school. Parents have to stop and check-in/get an ID to enter the building. We are discouraged from entering the classroom.

For after the first day, could you arrange for her to ride with one of the friends who will be driven?

Also, our school has started a Kindergarden Day Camp that is held for 3 days prior to school starting. The kids and parents MUST attend. They go through the day as they will, this helps the kids learn the path to their class, the bathroom, the cafeteria, etc. For other grades, there is a meet and greet for the kids 2 days before school starts.

Be strong
M.

We don't have the bus issue since we live across the street from my kids school, but I took off work on their first days of kindergarten and walked them in to their room, snapping all kinds of pics of leaving the house and sitting at their table...and I wasn't the only one! If you want to be there, then go. But ask your daughter if she wants to ride the bus the first day or have you take her in. You can drive separately if she wants to ride the bus. Now, as a child I remember getting on the bus my first day and taking a long ride into school (we were out in the country too) and it was exciting. You just need to talk to her and see what she wants to do. Whatever you decide, enjoy this milestone with her!!!

I would absolutley take her the first day!!! If you are able to i would take her everyday but the two days your mom is doing it, shes still so little and school and bus riding is a big world. My grandpa drives a school bus and he sees alot of bad things from kids such as cursing, knifes, fighting ect. I know we cant shelter them forever but 5-6 years old is so little still. Good luck with your decision.

It's only one day. It will be special.

That said... I drove my son every day TO school, and then he rode the bus home every day. He could have ridden the bus to (and after I saw how they dealt with bussed kids, I had no worries about it, but it would have meant getting up a whole HOUR earlier. Uh-huh. Not happening. Nope. Niet. Nada.) The school was *organized* with little ones and getting them to the right places at the right times (this isn't their first rodeo after all).

My rule of thumb is this: If no one else thinks it's a big deal, and I do... I "win". Because if it's not a big deal to them, there is no reason to compromise. Ditto everything else in life. If something is a big deal to my hubby but not to me, why on EARTH would I fight for "my" way? After all, it's NOT a big deal to me.

I am with you! The first day of school is so exciting, especialy kgn. I always bring my kids the first day. My dad this this for my sister and me all the way to at least jr high. It was important to me. This year I asked my kids if they wanted me to take them or ride the bus. They chose for me to take them.
Tell your relatives that you have the 2nd day to take bus pics and wave goodbye! I even took my son to school every day when he was in kgn. He just didn't want to ride. He grew out of it and loves the bus now. Probably because he is afraid I will kiss and hug him if I drop him off. Lol!
Bottom line, you are the mom and you do what you want!!
Have fun and take lots of pictures!! The first day of kgn only happens once.

Mamasal-
She's your daughter and you only get the first day of kindergarten once in her lifetime! Do it the way you want it to be done so that you have no regrets! There's absolutely nothing wrong with taking the time to make sure she is comfortable! Good luck, take tons of pictures and I even brought the video camera on my sons first day! Those memories are too precious to miss!

You've got a lot a answers here and I don't have time to read them all (plus I'm kinda sleepy ;) )...I just wanted to cast my vote in your corner.
GL! Trust your mama instincts!!! :)

It's a perfectly acceptable approach to drive your kindergartner to school the first day. In fact, I think it would be somewhat harsh to not when it's in your power to do it. The adjustment to school is difficult for many children. A day or even a week of walking your child through the procedure of getting into the school where she needs to be can build a lot of confidence and security. In our community, most children get dropped off and picked up by parents up to 5th grade.

I am not an over-protective parent by any means. In fact, I worry about my children very little and still love them to death!

As for your mom refusing to drive her--that's another issue. A caregiver should follow the wishes/instructions of the parent, even if that caregiver is the grandmother. If your mom continues to refuse and no one else is available to drive then she's got you over a barrell. But hopefully, by then your child will be ready to ride the bus alone.

Here's another thought. Could you send your child on the bus and follow the bus to the school the first couple of days? Your child may feel more comfortable just knowing that you're close by.

I hope you make the best decision for your child. I don't think there's any danger in giving a kindergartner a little extra security as she adjusts to a new situation.

K.

I read a few comments, but not all of them.......did you ask the school about it? Our school doesn't allow parents to come into the school on the first day, so the kids will learn what the procedure is from day one. They DO have the kindergarten teachers meet them all at the door and take them to the classroom as a group. That way, no one will be lost or left out. Then, the same happens at the end of the day. The K teacher takes them all to the door of the school and helps them get on the right bus/parent's car. Each school is different, so give them a call and talk about the procedure with them.

I have to drive my kids - no bus option for me. However, I watched a lot of parents snapping picks as their child got off the bus at the school - they must have followed the bus. Riding the bus is part of going to school. So, I don't think you are harsh for sending her on the bus, but I don't think you are overprotective for driving her. She won't be scared or neglected either way. You know your child the best and it sounds like you also just want to be there for her AND probably more for yourself to make sure they take care of her!

Don't let your family/friends or anyone else make you feel bad about just wanting to see your daughter off to school for the first day! You aren't hurting her either way, so do what feels right for you, even if it is just to make yourself feel good (since it sounds your daughter is not fearful and will do fine with or without you). ;) ENJOY the day, don't make it stressful!

I ALWAYS drive my kids on the first day of school. Always. I want to see their faces when they see their school and meet up with friends, I want to walk in my 3rd and 4th graders and at least quickly introduce myself to their teachers. I will even be driving my 7th grader on the first day of school. But starting the second day of school, they'll be taking the bus everyday after. Do what you feel is best for your child, don't let other people undermine how you run things in your family. Truly, whatever YOU think is best for YOUR child, probably is.

I'm a first grade teacher, and one of the biggest problems I see among students is that they have difficulty making decisions and solving problems on their own b/c of overprotective parents. That being said, and as a mom of a new kindergartener, I will tell you that I will probably NEVER let my children ride the bus on the first day or any day! I can't speak for every school district, but our school's routes contain students from elementary, middle, and high school all on one bus! I just feel like that is trouble waiting to happen! So basically what I am saying is, go with your gut! Do whatever feels right for you.

Why dont you ask your daughter what she wants to do and explain to her that if she does want you to take her it wll be just the first day and after that she will ride the bus?

Adjustment will be easier if she starts the school year off like the big girl she now is. I say, take the pics at the bus stop and let her be a normal school girl. Be there when the bus brings her home and take more pics as she steps off the bus. Once she is use to the norml routine, you can always drive her on occasion. Driving her before she is used to the routine will slow the process up.

If you absolutely must, follow the bus from the stop to the school but do NOT go to the class room. Your daughter will sense your anxiety and will be anxious.

I wouldn't go as far as walking her into class but yes I would drive her to school and take a picture before she goes in. There will be teachers outside to make sure she gets to the right class. If you are worried about her forgetting her lunch box or something on the bus maybe you can buy her a clip or something to attach it to her back pack.