Bus Stop Babble

This is our first experience with HS riding a school bus (ok...maybe his second experience, but in Newport, the bus pulls up to the houses of kindergarten kiddos...that creates a more intimate moment). It has been about five months of this new tangled experience and it seems like the best way to survive and thrive is to keep a few things in mind:

~ inclement weather does not mean you get a free card from walking your beloved down to the bus. Grab extra layers, umbrellas, foot Warner's, whatever the case may be to keep you from clanging your teeth together or looking like a drowned rat by the time you're giving your "pep talk" about having a good day at school.

~ just because your tween says they are old enough to walk down to the stop and they don't need you to see them off at the bus door does not mean a hill of beans. They do want you to walk with them so don't fall into the tween angst. It is totally cool for your mo to walk beside you chatting about Minecraft or discussing the latest in safety patrol matters. They don't want to have that conversation with "just anyone" so don't take it to heart when they announce "don't worry...you don't need to head down with me." Grab your jacket, the dog, and start walking.

~ being at the bus stop first is a huge deal. Really. When your Darlin' knows when they are approaching lateness n their firstness, they'll be sure to let you know with a huge announcement of panic..."that was the second clock chiming eight...I'm gonna be late!" *please note...it takes only about three minutes to walk to our stop and even with leaving at eight,we have about seven minutes to wait.*

~ get used to exclamations from all kids as the dogs all converge on the bus stop to see their favorite friends depart.
"Ooh, YUCK! He just smelled his butt!"
"Gross! She just drooled down my leg!"
"Nasty! Now they are all tangled up smelling butts."

~ realize that the bus stop is not only a place for the kids to be social but for the parents, too. This is not a popularity contest moment or a need to dress to the nines. Wear whatever you put on, brush your hair, and head on down to the corner to catch up on the daily happenings of 'da hood.

~ admire the love of putting on a bright neon green safety belt with a well earned safety patrol badge. If your Darlin chooses to participate in this program be proud. Be busting at the seems proud. It takes courage to be that kid who takes it upon themselves to keep the others safe.