So, you want to drive a school bus.

As some of us know, there is a lot more to driving a school bus than passing the driving test to obtain the requisite license. It is no small task to maintain student decorum while driving a school bus. Unfortunately not all students have been taught by their mommies and daddies how to behave properly. Now it’s your job. In fact, until the students are trained to behave in an appropriate manner, bad behavior can jeopardize the safety of all of the passengers on the bus.

Everyone has their own methods to accomplish this multi-tasking. A few, mostly experienced drivers, have mastered the art. Most of the rest of us can use a helpful hint or friendly reminder from time to time. A lot of what is suggested here you already know. It may be just a matter refreshing your memory. You have heard the old adage, he or she has forgotten more than most people will ever know. Well there is another old adage that is just as true, you are never too old to learn, or in this case, relearn.

There is a common thread that will run through this topic. That thread is respect. It is a two way street. I hear a lot about disrespect from drivers complaining about the students. But we sometimes need to be reminded that it works both ways. Students want to be respected, too. Respect is an emotion that is hard to survive without reciprocity. It is very difficult to respect someone who doesn’t respect you.