the school drop off

Some days my girls like to ride the big yellow school bus to school and other days they prefer to be dropped off at school.  Luckily, my hubby works from home and with his help, it's pretty easy to take care of the school drop off.  We are both amazed at the craziness that ensues at each school drop off or pick up. It's as though the other parents are completely unaware of the rules and common courtesies that must be followed.   I get so irritated when the rules aren't followed.  I'm not one to get road rage when driving, but I think I do get carpool rage when in the drop off line.  Here are the rules that I wish all parents would follow  - the rules that my hubby & I follow every time one of us is driving to or from the elementary school.

1.  The drop-off line is for dropping off!  It's not the time to pack up your child's backpack or have a conversation with them.  Your child should be ready to go the second you pull up to the school doors.  They should unbuckle, get out of the car, close the car door, wave a quick goodbye, and head to into the school.  If for any reason you might be delayed in this process - pull over the parking spots provided and help your child while in the parking spot.  The drop off line should only be for parents & children who are READY TO GO!

2.  The above rule applies to pick up as well.  When picking your child up, pick them up and pull ahead. They should be able to sit down and buckle while you are slowly pulling away from school.  If they need help buckling, pull into one of the parking spots provided.  Also, pick up line is not the time to park and ask your child about their day.  Please pull ahead, you can drive and ask them questions at the same time.  Pick up line is also not the time to ask the teacher on duty questions.  If you have questions - park and go into the school.

3.  There is no need to drive like a maniac in the car line.  You can still be quick and efficient while driving safely.  No need to talk on your cell phone or text while in the car line.

4.  Lastly, it's common courtesy to take turns letting cars into the parking lot from both ways.  A car from the right should pull in, then a car from the left, then a car from the right, so on and so on.  It's rude not to take turns!

If only everyone followed my rules - the car lines at school would run a lot smoother.  :)