You are up early, it is time to drop off the kids at school! Start your engine, prepare the breakfast, pack the bags and take the most suitable route possible. As a work at home mum or dad, someone has to take responsibility. Find the positive in the drop-off. You’re taking control and showing your kids responsibility and good time management.
Some questions may come to mind… “First there’s the issue of how long to stand with your kid while he waits for the bus, then the question of whether to make small talk with other parents and finally, at what age you can stop walking him to the bus stop,” says Jennifer, a mother of two.
“There’s no etiquette manual for these sorts of things.” Car drop-off lines do not help either. “It’s infuriating,” says Katie, a mom of three. “The inconsiderate behavior of other parents—stop the car, get out, get the child out the opposite side, put his backpack on, and practically walk him to the door—is maddening!”
Not long ago, my resolve to this problem was to, well, escape (thanks for the save, hubs!). But I’ve decided that I want this year to be different. With the last year of elementary school for my son and my last opportunity to wave goodbye to him every morning. So I’ve forged a master plan:
Tactic 1: Find My Fellow Oddballs
At least one other stay at home dad must exist! Stranded in a sea of moms, wearing an ironic concert T-shirt that I can comment on (“Cool, did you actually see Hootie & the Blowfish in 2006?”). Alternatively, a comment on the weather may even work.
Tactic 2: If this does not work out, Remember: I’m Not Here to Make Friends
It is not essential. You would not make friends with everyone at the grocery store so why here. Just stand your ground and do your best.
Tactic 3: Send My Kid on His Own
Considering the school may be within walking distance why not consider this alternative. They’re old enough to walk with friends. If you do it on a regular basis you may develop a strong bond and create trust! Key to any parent-child relationship