Nervous Mommy/DS starting Kindergarten/School Bus!

Hi everyone. I haven't been on in a while because have been in the process of moving to Smithtown from Queens over the summer. Now as we get closer to the first day of school, I am having "panic attacks" because of the thought of putting my oldest child (5 years old) on the bus and going off to Kindergarten by himself (I have a 5 year old, 4 year old and 20 month old). Everyone tells me it will be fine but I am having a hard time dealing with it. There is no matron on the bus and he must put his seatbelt on himself as well. I just feel like if he is upset, sad or crying on the bus, there is nothing I can do to comfort him. That would kill me. For all I know, he will be completely fine...but I can't help but worry and thing of the worst. Does anyone else fell like this? Sometimes I feel like I'm the only one.

Re: Nervous Mommy/DS starting Kindergarten/School Bus!

You are not alone!!! When my son went to kindergarten I felt the same way you did, I think it's normal to be scared for your little one. My sons bus had the kindergarten kids sit in the 1st couple rows so he could keep an eye on them and also helped buckle them in. Your ds will be just fine and if your that worried follow the bus and park where you can see dc get off the bus (but don't let him see you) Maybe that will make you feel better, that's what my sil use to do. Good Luck.

Re: Nervous Mommy/DS starting Kindergarten/School Bus!

I am going to play it by ear that day. I may follow the bus if I am still nervous. I am just praying that he goes on happy. Thanks for the advice!

Re: Nervous Mommy/DS starting Kindergarten/School Bus!

I am right there with you!! I DREAD next week like you cannot imagine. My five year old is going on the bus, too...and DH keeps saying, "well, we could drive him..." but the school really discourages that, and I understand why. It's just so difficult to put your young child in the hands of a stranger driving the bus!

Re: Nervous Mommy/DS starting Kindergarten/School Bus!

I am here with you. My DS is 4 and he will be taking the school bus as well. I want to drive him but DH thinks it's better he ride the bus since its only a 2 or 3 minute ride. I feel so helpless. I want to be there with him in case he gets scared and needs me. I never expect this to be so darn hard but it sure has gotten to me big time.

I am here with lots of for you on the first day next week. Im sure we can all use some that day.

Re: Nervous Mommy/DS starting Kindergarten/School Bus!

Wow!! I was really feeling like I was the only overprotective and over exagerrated mother on this planet. I have been crying over this as I talk to other moms who are totally calm and collected about waving bye bye to their little one as the bus drives away. What if he cries? I know I will be fighting back the tears. I asked my DH to take the day off for support but he can't. I hope all goes well. to you too! Thanks for the support!

Re: Nervous Mommy/DS starting Kindergarten/School Bus!

I know exactly how you feel. I have and 8 year old, and when he started kindergarten, I cried when he got on the bus the first time, he was a little nervous, but ok. When he came home that first day, and said that he had a good time on the bus and at school, it made it easier the next few days.
This year my daughter starts kindergarten, and even thought I've been through it already, I think there may be some tears again, on my part!

Re: Nervous Mommy/DS starting Kindergarten/School Bus!

Don't worry. He'll be just fine. With as many years as I stood at bus stops and watched children get on the buses, it was always harder on the parents than on the children. If he is on a bus with the older kids, he will sit in the front near the driver and when he gets off, his teacher will be waiting for him. Don't let him see you crying and being nervous because it will make it harder for him. If he appears apprehensive, talk it up. Tell him what a great adventure it will be and what a big boy he is becoming. Don't follow the bus and whatever you do, don't drive him. It just makes harder on him. As the bus pulls away, smile, wave and throw kisses. When he sees you at the bus as he gets off, I guarantee he will have a big smile on his face and talk your ear off about everything that happened that day. The first day is the always the hardest on parents.

Re: Nervous Mommy/DS starting Kindergarten/School Bus!

Im not so nervous about putting him on the bus, Im more sad about another milestone approaching

He went on the bus with the K Orientation and he was beyond excited and still talks about it. He's more than fine socially, and Ive subbed in my district for 2yrs so I have great confidence in their standards/routines and ways of doing things. AND we're extremely close to the school, so its not a far ride at all.

You would think he's getting on a ride at Disney, he's awaiting that school bus every few hours he mentions it.

But Im sure I'll be boohooing next week too

They say the moms have a harder time than the kids ! All of our babies are getting so big

Message edited 8/27/2007 5:35:39 PM.

Re: Nervous Mommy/DS starting Kindergarten/School Bus!

I'm not sad or worried for DS to start next week at all. I'm SO excited for him. I actually get butterflies in my stomach thinking of it b/c I cant believe this is it. I remember so perfectly the first time I saw his beautiful face in that delivery room and now he's about to become a kindergartener. I'm so proud of him and the boy he has become. It just makes being a mom so special and times like these makes me realize what a blessing children really are. I'm really looking forward to next Wednesday (except that I have to go back to work).

Re: Nervous Mommy/DS starting Kindergarten/School Bus!

I feel that way too for all the reasons you stated but I was strongly encouraged to let him do it. My DS knows I want the seat belt on him and we have been discussing how he should check between the cushions if he can't find the strap. He did a trial run at the school a few months back and he strapped and unstrapped himself so I'm hoping he will do it. I am just going to put on a happy face next week and take pride in him and encourage his adventures. That is my goal. I don't want the face he sees as the bus pulls away to be me looking nervous, sad or worried.

But I'm right there with you.

Re: Nervous Mommy/DS starting Kindergarten/School Bus!

how old am I that I had no idea school buses have seat belts now?

Re: Nervous Mommy/DS starting Kindergarten/School Bus!

I felt the same way. Since my son was the only kid a the stop, I would walk him on the bus & buckle him in. Also giving me a chance to get a better look at the bus driver in case I had to hunt him down at a later date. You smile at him, you introduce yourself but what you want most is his fingerprints to run a background check on him (even though your school district does it). I was just grateful that Joseph's bus turned the corner before DH started crying. We've switched schools now, so he doesn't take the bus (which we're both a little sad about).

I agree - don't drive him to school. The teachers told us that at orientation. Once you drive them, they ask for it every time & lose that independence.

It's huge. Huge but part of them growing up. Remember being a little nervous & so excited to ride the bus on your own?

Re: Nervous Mommy/DS starting Kindergarten/School Bus!

Check out this video: Laughing Kids; Crying Moms--It's
The First Day Of School! - Video - WSOC Charlotte"

The link:
www.wsoctv.com/video/13982578/index.html?taf=char

I GUESS WE ARE NOT ALONE!!!!