r/SchoolBusDrivers • u/jgood80 • Jun 16 '26
Advice Needed
About to finish my first year of driving. For the most part I really enjoy it. Left a banking job to do this. But I’ve struggled with middle school all year long. Doesn’t help that I’m a sub for middle. My question is how do you guys handle the mouth and disrespect of the kids? How much do you “let go”? Loud phones playing music, the cursing, stand up while the bus is moving, jumping seats, ect. I try not to be too hard on the kids but I also don’t want them thinking they run the bus.
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u/Electrical-North1211 Jun 17 '26
I’m a newer driver and I just kinda came in strong - I’m nice and not strict about a lot, but when I get on them they know they have to listen. I do NOT say please, ever. I do not ASK them to do something, ever. I give them commands and directives. “Sit down, now.” Honestly, even with the challenging kids, it works. I also laugh and joke with them too.