I petitioned our school district for a seat or (two) on the bus to avoid the car line. If your car line is anything like mine, I’m sure you would jump for a spot on the bus, too, no matter how far (or close) you might live from school. First, it’s the car line rules: don’t move in front of any car, display your car number clearly, don’t park in certain zones, don’t get out of your car no matter what, and the list goes on. Let’s face it, the car line is stress on wheels and as a mom of three girls who also works from home, the last thing I need is more stress or drama in my life. Second, the lack of human interaction in the car line breeds frustration and anger. I am assuming this is how solitary confinement feels.

Take my car line history for example. I have been given the middle finger twice due to gently honking at drivers in front of me for not moving. One woman drove past and gestured for me to roll down my window. I did and she told me to f&%$ off. Another time, our school principal told me she needed to see me after my child’s conference. Turns out, she wanted to speak not about my daughter’s behavior but mine. Apparently it is frowned upon to hold up the car line to buckle my daughter in. For all of these car line rules, I guess state law does not apply.

Which brings me back to the bus. Though we live too close to school to technically qualify, I discovered (thanks to the fine print at the bottom of the school newsletter) that you can petition for a bus seat if there is room. Oh happy day!!! Now I gather the troops five minutes before the bus leaves to head to our bus stop oasis, where we enjoy after school popsicles with our neighbors, celebrate Fun Fridays and laugh together (in person!) over Facebook posts about the car line drama.

But, to those parents who are not so lucky and must head to the car line, remember that you are not invisible. You may drive a minivan with tinted windows and hide your face behind Aviators, but other people see your actions, your kids. So remember to be kind. We are all just doing our best. And after all, we are all our children’s first teachers.