First off, I want to express my genuine enthusiasm for being a school bus driver. I adore the kids I transport and all the amusing antics they bring to my day. However, dealing with some parents? Well, let’s just say I’d prefer the company of the children any day!
Here’s a list of things I’ve encountered during my time on the road:
- “My kids will never take the bus; it’s too risky.” Buses are engineered with safety in mind, even without seat belts. They feature tall, padded seats to protect the children. In fact, your child is more likely to be in a traffic incident while you’re driving them to school. Buses are higher off the ground and generally sustain less damage in accidents compared to cars. Simply put, in a collision between a car and a bus, the bus has the upper hand.
- “My child was bullied on the bus, and you didn’t do anything.” Unfortunately, bullying can occur. We strive to address these issues promptly, which may involve consequences for the bullies, such as a trip to the principal or even removal from the bus. But please understand, if your child doesn’t report the problem to me, I can’t address it. I’m responsible for up to 77 kids at once, and my attention can’t be everywhere.
- “Are you certain it was my child?” Yes, I’m quite sure that your child, someone I’ve known since kindergarten, was involved in an altercation. Multiple witnesses corroborate this. I have a responsibility to document serious incidents, and there’s a possibility of suspension from bus services.
- “Well, the other kids started it.” Just because another child misbehaved doesn’t give your child the right to retaliate. We all learned that two wrongs don’t make a right, right?
- “I know my child can be difficult.” Acknowledging this can be a double-edged sword. While it’s good to recognize your child’s behavior, it often feels like a passive admission that no corrective action will be taken. Parents, please step up and encourage your child to behave; otherwise, they might find themselves hoofing it to school.
- “Why won’t you come to my house?” As a bus driver in Vermont, I can’t navigate every road, especially private ones. Safety is key, and sometimes roads that seem manageable in summer become treacherous in winter. We’re a bus, not an off-road vehicle!
- “I’m sorry I’m late.” Your tardiness holds up all the other kids who are waiting to get home. I can’t drop your kindergartner off at the bottom of a steep hill just because you’re delayed.
- “I didn’t see you.” It’s astonishing how many drivers say this after zooming past a bus with flashing lights. Thankfully, my students know to wait for my signal before crossing the street. Seriously, how can you miss a BIG YELLOW bus with FLASHING LIGHTS?
- “It wasn’t me who passed you.” We often report the license plates of cars that disregard our signals. The kids are trained to note these details as well. So, when you drive a cherry-red Mustang with the custom plate that reads “PASSBUS,” it’s hard to believe it wasn’t you!
- “How do you manage your job without losing your cool?” Being a bus driver isn’t glamorous, but I cherish the hours and the time off during school vacations. More importantly, I love witnessing the kids grow up. Those precious moments make all the challenges worthwhile, whether it’s a hand-drawn card proclaiming me “the bestest driver in the whole world” or just a smile from a familiar face.
In conclusion, I encourage parents to communicate openly and constructively with us bus drivers. We’re dedicated to ensuring the safety and happiness of your children.
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Summary: This article highlights ten things parents should avoid saying to their children’s bus drivers, emphasizing the challenges faced by drivers and encouraging better communication.