Top tips for preparing your child for the school bus

8th July 2022 Family

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If your child is preparing to go on the school bus in the new school year, it can be a daunting time for them. A bus full of other people may not be their cup of tea so they may choose to stay to themselves. However, it is important to teach your child what to look out for and how to stay safe. Knowing what to expect will calm nerves and make your child feel more confident about travelling without you. Here are some tips from a boarding school in the west midlands on preparing your child for the school bus.

Photo by Austin Pacheco on Unsplash

The first and most important part of traveling without parents is safety. Your child will be independent on this bus and will have a helper who may not be able to keep an eye on them at all times so it is imperative they learn the safety rules of travelling on the school bus. Ensure they know to buckle their seatbelt as soon as they’re on the bus and to only take it off when they arrive at school. Buses are larger and can be stood up in which can be tempting for a child. Make sure you stress that your child stays sat at all times when the bus is moving. Basic etiquettes of speaking in a quiet voice with friends is also something they should practice. Inform them of stranger danger too, especially if there is a portion of time where they may be walking to and waiting at a bus stop.

Show your child the bus stop and take them on the bus route so they become familiar with it and the time it takes to get to school. Having a travel buddy on the bus can make a child feel more relaxed. Sitting alone on a bus where you know no one is terrifying for a child so having someone they know and can talk to will ease their nerves significantly. If your child seems upset or worried about travelling on the bus, allow them to voice their concerns and reassure them that they will be taken care of by adults on the bus.