Talk me down here....I know I still have almost a year to freak out about this, but out of all of our options, putting my baby on the bus is our best option. It's closer, it covers just the right amount of time that I need due to working full time.
But why do I get the sweats thinking about it? All the bad press? All the SAHMs in my hood make it sound like a non-option (like gasp!)? I'm sure I would get over it, but kindergarten and the bus on the first day would likely send me over the edge. Or do I just drive him the first day/week so I can walk him in and see what it's all about, then get over it and park him on the corner for the bus to take him. What if he doesn't have anyone to talk to or the older kids are mean to him?? Waaaa!
Holy Friday freak out. Let me know that there are other families that successfully use the busing system. ![]()

thanks to jennied ![]()
Re: Mom's with kids that ride the bus to school....
I would take him the first few days and then maybe he will meet a friend that will be on the same busroute.
I don't have any experience with the bus, but do you have to pay for the entire year? Could you do a trial system? Will you be able to wait at the bus stop with him?
The other option is to see if a SAHM would take your kid to/from school.
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Wait, what's this about having to pay for busing? I rode the bus as a kid (a million years ago) and don't know that you had to pay for it. Yikes!
Teresa, I would take your little dude the first few days, then work something out with one of the SAHM's if possible. Now, deeeeep breath
Yes, the bus costs money, I got over that little freak out a while ago. It's paid daycare while en route. Actually, it's free if you live 4+ miles away, but with how close the elementary schools are, that's rarely possible. I'm ok with the cost. If we don't do that, we have to do some kind of before/after school program anyway, which costs even more. The bus schedule allows just enough time for me to get to work and get home. It's actually perfect.
All of the SAHMs (that I am friends with) are full up. They all have 2+ kids of their own and trade off with other SAHMs (it's like a damn conspiracy) on different days and watch each other's kids in the afternoon. I can't offer any kind of reciprocal so that's where I'm at with that.
thanks to jennied
The nest ate my response. Dang it!
In short it said: Owen rides the bus and loves it. It's about 40 minutes each way. HE started when he was 3. It has a harness although I don't' remember if it's a 4 or 5 point harness. When he starts "real school" (not preschool) and no longer rides the bus he's going to feel seriously jipt. It's the highlight of his day.
I didn't know people freak out about things like this. Why? Kids love the bus. Seriously. Some SAHMs are freaks. (notice I say *some*) Quit worrying. Do what is best for your family.