11 Year Old on the Public Bus to School

I both walked and took the public bus to school until I was old enough to drive myself. I kept a little notebook and pen in my backpack because literally, every single day, a car would stop with some guy asking me if I wanted a ride. I would say no thanks and as he drove away, I would jot down his license plate. It was very scary but my mom was a working single mom and had no choice. Since this is the age of cell phones, I definately would have her carry one. Good luck.

I started taking a public bus to school when I was 6. Tell her to sit near the bus driver, she shouldn't have any problems. This is a perfect age to teach her to use public transportation and learn to be a little self sufficient, and the driver will keep an eye on her anyway. All of my kids started taking the bus by age 10 and are quite adept at it now, which helps me out when I don't want to or can't drive them places.

Our bus was a scary thing when i was a kid in our small town. looking back it was worse than i felt while riding the bus. kids would throw gum/candy and it would get caught in your hair. they also would light balls of paper and throw them. at the time it was funny. looking back i would be scared for my kid to go. but really no one got hurt. kids were just being punks! the driver never saw anything going on and nothing worse happened. she will be safer sitting closer to the bus driver. but i belive most buses have cameras now. the things that went on most likely wont happen with cameras and if they did it would only be once and they would be kicked off the bus. also they do back ground checks on drivers and they need a clean record (both driving and arresting). i think its a great age to send her. if she dosent have a cell phone i would get one with a charged battery at least so if there were an emergency she can call 911 without a phone plan. also if she can wait with a friend at a bus stop that would be safer. if she does have a phone and plan she can text you once she is at school. i think they have to be twelve by law before they can stay home alone. not sure if that is the age or not . she will be fine.

let the bus driver know that she is going to school and to please keep an eye on her. remind her that she is not to go any place with anyone for any reason and that if anyone try's to bother her to let the driver know and to tell the teacher also. She is getting older and these are just common things that we tell our children every day, it is time that she take that next step and she will be alright you on the other hand may get at least 3 gray hair's at the start in the first week. good luck to both of you.

I second the carpool idea, it definitely would be worth it to check with the school and see if anyone would be willing to carpool.

Other than that, make sure she sits right by the driver. Most routes have the same driver everyday, so she should be safe sitting by the driver. I too starting taking public transportation at about age 11 or 12. I'm sure she will be fine. You may want to get her a cell phone for emergencies only if it would make you feel better.

I rode public transportation all the time when I was that age... but It was 25 years ago and NYC- much more reliable public transit system.

If she has a good head on her shoulders, know your rules and follows them, she should be fine. Give her a cell phone and make her call or text you once she gets to school and when she gets home.

Is it possible for her to carpool with someone? If not, I would talk to the school and see if there is someone in the neighborhood who would be willing to help you out. I'm sure the teachers and counselors know of a mom or dad who would be willing to swing by and grab her.

There are no public bus stops in my area, so I know you don't live out here (near Sea World) otherwise, I'd offer to help. Good luck hon! Being a single parent can be hard and I applaud you for doing everything in your power to raise a strong independent young lady. You're doing awesome!

In my city they're doing away with school busses. Not that I *like* the idea (in fact, I hate it), but here... 3rd graders and up are just given bus passes for the public bus.

I'd invest in a gps phone for her.

So this is not the School Bus?? Its public transportation ??? I can why you would worry. Its there anyone that will be taking the bus that she knows? Maybe you can find out through the school. Maybe someone is car pooling that you can get in on. I wish you luck!

I think she will be fine. I rode the bus everyday starting in kindergarten. Meet the bus driver if you can, and try to find other kids her age who will be riding the same bus. I had friends I always sat with, or I would read or start my homework. Don't feel guilty- you're doing what works for your family.