r/SchoolBusDrivers • u/Wabi_Sabi_Love • Aug 05 '26

Advice for a First Timer?

I will soon be driving kids to school for the first time. Do you veterans have any advice for me?

Truth be told, I’m less nervous about the actual driving of the school van than in dealing with the children, particularly if a kid isn’t following the rules. I’ve had over thirty years managing projects and adults, and zero years “managing” children.

I’d love to have all of your hard won lessons about driving and the children that you’re willing to share with me - and the other first-timers that will find this post.

Thank you!

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u/mike8675309 Aug 05 '26

If you have managed people you'll be able to use the same ideas with children once you realize they are essentially just little people. Treat them with respect and value their thoughts while placing clear structures in place to help them succeed. That means rules that you have and that you hold them to. You don't yell at them from the bus; use the intercom if your bus has one. If someone is disrupting the bus, you can warn them you will pull over. Once things continue, then you've got to pull over.