How to help your child feel more confident about taking the school bus

Now that it’s back-to-school, your child might be starting to take the school bus to school. If this is a first for them, it can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. For instance, if your child is new to a school, or unsure of where to go in the school or if they don’t have any of their friends or classmates with them on the bus, it can be a daunting prospect. This guide from a private boys school in London will show you ways to prepare your child for their daily commute by school bus.

Do a trial run before their first day

This can be especially important if your child is starting at a new school and they haven’t met anybody just yet. The first day can be a worry for children if they don’t know where to go or how to get to the school before then, so you should aim to give your children the chance to head to school as if it were a normal day. Show them the same route the bus would take to school and note any small or clear landmarks that indicate where they’re going. Your child can then refer to these later on when they’re on the journey for real.

See if your child can buddy up with someone

Thankfully in the wave of social media, local community groups can help parents talk to other parents with students starting school at the same time. If they live in the local area they could buddy up and head on the bus together, not only making a friend on their first day but also having a little bit of backup when their parents aren’t there.

If your child has a fair walk to the bus stop, walk with them for the first week

Depending on where you’re blessed to live, the bus stop can be a stone’s throw away or a few minutes down the road. You and your child can walk down together to see where the bus stop is and you can wave them away when they head on the bus. Sometimes that can be all that’s needed to reassure a child that they’re on the right way to school.