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- For The Last Time, Let’s Stop the Rudeness in the Car Line
by Emily Jones
Updated: Jan. 18, 2019
Originally Published: Feb. 2, 2018
Recently, while picking up my children from school, I observed the principal stationed at the entrance. She was engaging every parent as they left the building. “Please read and sign,” she said, distributing fresh copies of her letter. “Sure thing,” I replied, juggling my kids as we exited. Amidst the chaos of toddlers with backpacks and lunchboxes, I managed to glimpse the headline: Car Line Guidelines.
Oh great, here we go again.
It’s truly astonishing that these memos are even required. The car line concept isn’t complicated, and no adult should need a list of instructions on how to avoid being inconsiderate. Yet, here we are.
Once home, I unloaded the kids and read the rest of the handout. It included reminders like, “Please refrain from texting while driving in the parking lot” and “Do not exit your vehicle if you are using the car line.” There were more pleas about parking if students needed time to settle down.
Please do this. Please don’t do that. Our principal is incredibly patient, but it’s time we abandon the diplomatic approach. It’s unacceptable for adults to need to be politely reminded how to behave in a car line.
These are straightforward rules—not brain surgery—and I’m fed up with the inconsiderate individuals ruining this process for the rest of us. It’s high time we address the uncomfortable truth that many are thinking, and I’m more than willing to take the lead here. So, turn down that Disney soundtrack and pay attention.
For the last time, let’s put an end to the selfish behavior in school car lines. It doesn’t matter if you’re running on caffeine fumes; the world isn’t asking too much of you. Simply listen, follow the rules, and at least pretend to have your act together between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. One hour—that’s all we’re requesting. After that, you can go back to your daily chaos, chatting on the phone and holding up lines elsewhere.
Do you think the world revolves around you? Because honestly, I can’t think of any other explanation for an adult’s struggle with this process. My preschooler could explain it in three steps:
- Drive up
- Drop off
- Drive away
That’s it.
If you need to rummage through your child’s lunchbox to see if yesterday’s banana is still edible, find a parking spot. If you can’t recall whether your child’s backpack has a form that requires your signature, grab a parking space. If your kids had an epic meltdown on the way to school and someone is bleeding in the backseat, find a parking spot.
Do not, under any circumstances, mess this up for everyone else.
Parenting is undeniably tough. We all have those days when the convenience of a car line feels impossible, and those days are frustrating. I, too, have experienced moments when parking, unloading, and walking my children into school feels like too much.
However, let’s be realistic. If parking your car and walking your kids into school is the worst thing to happen to you today, the world won’t come crashing down. But if you choose to inconvenience everyone else because you weren’t prepared, well, we all know what that makes you: a jerk.
Yes, I said it. If you ignore these clear and repeated guidelines, you’re being selfish. If you’re texting while driving, you’ve reached the pinnacle of selfish behavior and need to stop immediately.
Spoiler alert: Nobody appreciates selfish people.
If you can’t adhere to these straightforward and reasonable instructions designed to make life easier and safer for everyone, it’s time to find an alternative mode of transportation for your kids. For more resources on this topic, check out this article.
And for those interested in at-home parenting tools, this kit is a great resource. Furthermore, if you’re looking to deepen your understanding of pregnancy and home insemination, the Cleveland Clinic’s podcast provides excellent insights.
In summary, let’s all commit to better behavior in car lines. It’s a small request that can lead to a more pleasant experience for everyone involved.