I'm having a real problem with Ethan's bus stop.
First of all, it's way up the hill, around the corner, and across a busy street. I mean, it takes almost 10 minutes to walk there. I feel like I need to bring a water bottle because we are panting when we get there. And there is no way I'm letting my 5 year old go by himself, across the street, way out of eyeshot from me.
Then there's the issue of the other kids. Here is my little kindergartener (okay, so he's the tallest kindergartener, but still) waiting at the bus stop with 5th graders. Name-calling, pushing 5th graders.
And the homeowner's yard the bus stop is in front of? Completely trashed, thanks to the older kids. There is a giant rock in the yard with a tree behind it. The kids jump on top of the rock and literally break giant branches off of the tree. Then they use them as swords against each other. Last Thursday I couldn't take it anymore, and I said, "Stop breaking branches off of the tree! Would you like it if I came to your house and started wrecking things in your yard?" They kind of looked at me dumbfounded, then reluctantly jumped off of the rock and didn't look in my direction after that. But yesterday they were at it again, ripping leaves off of the tree and saying only the older kids could climb on the rock and the younger ones weren't allowed.
I don't want Ethan exposed to this kind of snottiness yet. He's still a sweet child who wants me to wave to him after he gets on the bus and finds his seat.
I might start driving him to school in the morning. I haven't decided yet. At least after school, only kindergarteners ride the bus home, and the bus driver drops him off in front of our house (Ethan still has to cross the busy street, but so far I have gone across the street to help him, and I'm teaching him how to watch for the bus driver's signal so he can cross himself one day.)
Am I being overprotective? Are there any other options that I can't see? Do other mothers feel this way?
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You are not being overprotective. I would call the Principal of Ethan's school. They actually do have some authority over what occurs on the bus (I'm not quite sure about bus stops, but it doesn't hurt to try) and let him/her know the situation. The principal should talk to the kids about their inappropriate behavior. If the principal can't do anything, he/she might be able to talk to the bus driver and have him/her talk to them. You could even try talking to the District and find out if they can add a stop or move the stop closer to your house. I'm surprised the home owner hasn't given these kids a hard time about trashing their yard!
I agree with Britt. They put in a stop at our house just for Sierra (though we do live in a small town). But, as for the naughty behavior, he is exposed at school too. I'm so sorry. Sierra is learning things I don't want her to learn either, and did starting last year. Some of the girls were already making fun and being snotty. They are in Kindergarten for heavens sake! (well, now first grade, but still). Do you remember last year I told you that some kids were saying sh**? Apparently, one of my friends husbands went to eat lunch with their daughter and um, my little girl was saying it too! Yeah, not cool. She doesn't hear that at home! Good luck, and sorry Ethan is going to start to learn things you don't want him to. But think of all the good things he is learning!
Good ideas so far. If it were me, I'd be driving Shelby to school probably.
Erin...you are not being over-protective. Maybe let him ride in the afternoon and take him in the morning. Also, I know that with Brooklyn's bus...I had to talk to the "bus garage" through the school district with any concerns that I had. The bus system is separate here from the actual school. Check into that to see if you can't get the bus driver involved. Good luck...and I am sure there are MANY other moms that feel the same as you. Except maybe the Mother's of the obnoxious children at the bus stop!!;-)
I would drive my kids to school! no question
I totally agree with you, that would freak me out too! I'd be driving him to school and letting him ride the bus home (like others have said). Good call.
It's true that they're exposed to that at school, but it's your job to keep him safe as much as you can.
I was so against sending Calvin to public school until he was older because he's so sensitive and sweet (similar to Ethan) - then I found myself in "The Brig" where I have no other choice. Sigh. It's all about what they get in the home, just find solace in that. You're such a great mom.
I would drive him to school if it were me, too. I would hate for the owner of the house to think that your child had anything to do with what the other (non-caring) older kids were doing. I have already seen a little bullying going on at Brooklynn's class as well and it just plain sucks! I keep telling her "Always be nice and conciderate of others, even if they don't treat you that way." It's kind of a hard thing to teach a 5 year old but it seems to be working....so far. For now, I would just let him ride the bus home.
Drive him! Trust your instincts and your feelings and drive him. You'll love the quality time together, even if it's a few minutes. I'd rather my kids start the day off right than be scared, etc. If it's like that at the bus stop then imagine what it's like during the drive. Nothin wrong with easing him (and you) into school.
I say call and see if they can have a closer stop what can it hurt right? I can't believe the yard owner hasnt said something To sad kids are like that.
liz
Ugh, what a pain! We live in a very quiet street and my kids have a bus stop just half a block up from our house, on our same side of the street. It makes it so easy! And even so, I had issues with it. Hahaha. My 1st grader and Kindergartner ride together, which somehow eases my separation anxiety. :-D So, yeah. Good luck with that! Make some phone calls, as others have suggested! Starting school is hard enough, without having to deal with these other stresses!
I'm with everyone else--I'm totally planning on driving my kids--I know Carson thinks the bus is cool now and wishes he could ride it, but really, they are exposed to a lot on the bus (I know, I had to ride it and HATED it!). Not that they aren't exposed to stuff like that other places, but yah, a few less minutes of stuff like that is great. You are not being over-protective:).
Not overprotective - ditto to everyone else - call the school and let them know what is going on - they may be able to help.
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