My kids take the school bus for many reasons, not the least of which is all the great life lessons they learn:
They learn to make room…for those they don’t know, those who are different from them, or those with whom they likely would never have had a conversation.
They learn time management…the bus comes on time!
They learn respect for adults who are in charge…three cheers for the bus-driver, the bus-driver, the bus-driver; three cheers for the bus-driver, who drove us today!
They learn that they have it good…especially when they hear about other bus drivers who are more strict!
They learn “bad words”…and then we have conversations where they learn about respect and what is acceptable in our family (and they learn that’s it’s about making choices).
They learn to be responsible for their belongings…and they keep track of their stuff!
They learn to be independent…they don’t need Mom and Dad for everything and one day they will be on their own!
They learn to say good-bye…which is part of being independent.
They learn that someone is always watching…and on the bus it’s a video tape!
They learn that there are consequences for poor choices…like having to sit alone in the front seat.
They learn that the world is made up of all kinds of kids/people…and sometimes we have to sit with them!
They learn that when people don’t pick up their trash, the bus gets messy, sticky and smelly…just like their bedrooms!
They learn that some kids have asthma or diabetes or something else…and that goes on the bus with them!
They learn that life is bumpy and crowded and fun and amazing…and new adventures are around every corner!