kids catching the bus to school

Ok so I'm possibly being over the top here, but was just thinking about our fuel costs from another thread. We spend $90 a week on fuel for our main car, and that's purely because I drop dd and pick her up from school every day.

If she caught the school bus which is free, we would save a LOT of money! I havn't been brave enough to put her on there yet! She says she doesn't want to because she's scared of the big kids. And the other thing I worry about is that the bus stops at 2 other schools before it gets to hers, and I worry that she would get off at the wrong place and then be lost and upset.

Just wondered how many of you have kids catching the school bus at an early age? I was catching the bus at age 5, but I had 2 older brothers with me so I just followed them.

I don't think I would do it.

Unless there is an other kid at your bus top who you can trust to help your DD.

My concern is the fact it stops at two other schools.

I was 5 too when I started catching the school bus. But it only went to one school.

She is only 5 and there would be no way I would put a 5yr old on a bus alone. It might cost a bit of money to take her but at least she is safe, and at 5 she shouldn't have to be worried about not feeling safe goig and coming home from school

i caught the school bus at 5 huh

but my mum waited at the bus stop and was there to meet me aswell and the teachers at my school were very strick with bus lines etc when leaving school. i also has an older cousin on the same bus who got off at the highschool the stop after me so sort of made sure i got off at the right one. after a few weeks i knew what to do and where to get off etc. and there was really no worry anymore. mum was always there at the stop until i was about 7, after that id walk the 100m to my house and shed be there at the gate smile

I personally dont like the idea of putting MY 5 year old on the bus to school...

However, sometimes it is unavoidable & has to be done. I would feel much more comfortable if i knew that there were other kids from the school on the bus that will look out for her & bus drivers are usually pretty good with the really little kids - my DH used to be one... LOL

Some kids can handle it & it is too overwhelming for others. I would put her on & see how she (& you) goes. If you are going to do that, you could stalk the bus & meet her at the school a couple of times to make sure everything is ok. She may love it & we (as parents) may be a little paranoid.. LOL

My situation is this: DS goes to high school & has to catch the bus into the next town - 1 hour journey, with a pitstop at an indiginous community on the way. when we moved here, there were no places for DD at that school - yet. DD currently goes to the local town school here, so we walk. But, if a place becomes available at the private school in town for her, then she will be going there & therefore will HAVE to catch the bus - eek. My only blessing is that DS will be there to make sure that she is OK - i still ddont like the idea tho - she is so small & timid.

Ok so I'm possibly being over the top here, but was just thinking about our fuel costs from another thread. We spend $90 a week on fuel for our main car, and that's purely because I drop dd and pick her up from school every day.

If she caught the school bus which is free, we would save a LOT of money! I havn't been brave enough to put her on there yet! She says she doesn't want to because she's scared of the big kids. And the other thing I worry about is that the bus stops at 2 other schools before it gets to hers, and I worry that she would get off at the wrong place and then be lost and upset.

Just wondered how many of you have kids catching the school bus at an early age? I was catching the bus at age 5, but I had 2 older brothers with me so I just followed them.

For me it comes down to the child's maturity, how comfortable they are doing it and the circumstances.

My brother went on the bus when he was five but I was on the same bus and was 12-13, the bus driver was a close family friend and the bus only stopped at the high school before the primary school. Also, when you got to the school there was always two year seven councilors (prefects) or a teacher who took the 4,5 and 6 year olds to their respective classes.
My parents also waited until half way through the year so he was settled in school first.

I caught the bus from age 4, it took and hour to get to school.

Different world back then I guess (back then.... makes me feel old lol, I'm 29). The bus driver made sure everyone was safe and happy (he still drives the same bus now!), and that if someone had to cross the road he would help them etc.

mine all started catching the bus together so I cant really help, maybe seeing if there is someone from her school who is older and is willing to be a bus buddy and make sure she knows when/where to get off etc

DD1 turns 5 on Saturday and starts school next year. She can't even walk next to me holding the pram, she still runs off. There would be no way I would let her take a bus on her own. Especially where I live, I don't feel she would be safe. I will be driving her to school.

Um..well it all depends on the child I guess and how they can handle thimself in certain situations.

Personally I wouldn't let DD go on a bus by herself at age 5. The way things are nowadays I just don't think I could trust it.

Dd would actually understand what to do and where to get off, and is mature enough to cope with it.

But there's always those "what if" thoughts that go through my head so I havn't been able to bring myself to let her do it. lol

Our neighbors high school kids get off at the second school, so they could make sure she stays on there. I don't know - it just seems such a big thing to do!

No possible way would I let a 5yr old catch the bus alone! All it takes is a split second for something to go wrong... Far too many dodgy people out there these days! I'd rather pay $90 a week petrol (which I do anyways LOL) than take a chance with my child's safety...

Good luck with your decision smile