If your child is getting ready to start using the school bus, they may be feeling quite nervous. As they grow, they’ll face obstacles and faced with little milestones such as this, so preparing them is the best way for them to learn to cope. Once they get used to this new part in their life, it’ll feel as easy as brushing their teeth. Get ready to prepare your child for the bus to ensure nerves stay down and they don’t feel so scared. Here are some top tips from grammar schools in Leicestershire on preparing your child for the school bus.
Practice the routine with them. Familiarising your child with the process and what to expect and say is one of the best ways to remove nerves from an anxious child. Most of the time they fear the unknown so giving them as much background description as possible will help them mentally prepare. Take them to their bus stop and show them around the area. Show them what to do when trying to get the attention of a bus as well as how to get the driver to stop when they’re close to reaching their destination. Learning the bus route is also important so your child will know where they are at all times. Converse with your child throughout this process and allow them to query anything they may be confused or worried about.
Chat with other parents who may have children starting on the school bus too. If your child has a buddy that they can go through this new experience with, it may help take some of the pressure off knowing they won’t be alone. If there are no other children in the area available to travel, you could always go with them a couple times before they feel confident to go alone.
Teach your child the rules. Ensure they know to always stay seated with their belt fastened whilst the bus moves. Make sure they don’t speak to any strangers or wait around in areas that aren’t very busy. Make sure your child is fully aware of the importance of these rules before they set off.
You may be worried yourself of how your child will get on this new adventure but try and keep calm yourself. Follow the steps above and watch how both you and your child feel relief knowing you’ve done everything possible to ensure your child is safe and happy. Remember, this will make them strong and independent which is vital for tackling new experiences as they get older.