Part-Time Driver, Full-Time Mom

Many of you don't know this, but I am a part time bus driver. Okay, I'm a part time van driver, but there isn't much difference sometimes. My kids are often running late, and I'm out in the garage beeping the horn!

I drive my kids to and from school, which can be inconvenient and expensive, but I don't begrudge it at all. We tried the bus thing, and it didn't go well.. For one thing, they were picked up first, and dropped off last. That added about an hour and a half to their school day, which is long enough. Then there was the problem of the trash talking kids, the kids who raided their backpacks, and the dreaded, "I left my boots on the bus" thing. Yes, I know, you survived the bus. So did I (when they had one) so did my husband, blah blah blah. But if I can do my part, I do my part. Period.

Anyway, part of my at home mom job means getting my kids to school and back safely, and I really don't mind it at all. I like being the last one to talk to them, and the first one they see when they get out of school. Serena comes running down the sidewalk with a smile on her face, and a big, "HI MOM!" Then she begins to tell me everything that happened with her day. Natalie doesn't run to me, but she does smile when she sees me, and begins chatting immediately. It's no surprise to me that the first things out of their mouths are sometimes the things that bothered them most. I know they need to unload and get some good mom love right then and there.

At that age, my mom worked, and I walked home from school every day (6 blocks, in the snow or rain, by the way), coming home to an empty house. By the time my mom got home from work, made dinner, and talked to dad about whatever, there wasn't time to slip in there and get what I needed from her. Not to mention, I wasn't the only kid in the house, just the youngest one. In my later years, I began walking home with a friend, and would stay at her house as long as I could. Her parents were home and it drove her nuts, but I liked having them around. Weird, I know. It's not that my mom didn't care about my day, it's just that by then, I was over it and didn't talk about it. That was one of the reasons that I was motivated to be a stay at home mom. I knew that they would need me in junior high and high school, not just when they were little. Maybe your experience was better, but I think it depends on what is going on around you, and a lot was going on around me. Being home on one income is tough but I hope to be able to continue being home. It has been a blessing to me and to my family.

Growing up is hard, and in some ways I think it's harder for my kids than it was for me. I find myself reliving some of those tough things....friends treating you bad, boys calling you "ugly" or whatever came out of their mouths, teachers who were insensitive, and face it, school is no picnic! Gym teachers haven't changed a bit, I'm telling you.

I am willing to do whatever I can to support them and help them to deal with some of the issues they face as pre-teens. Today on the way to school, we talked about the power of self-control, which led to a discussion about the Holy Spirit, which led to why God sent his Son to die for us, which led to....and on and on. What a great opportunity I have twice a day to reach them, and they listen because those are the times they are either just about to leave me, or just about to see me after a long day.

Like I depend on God for my daily strength, my kids depend on me and Steve for theirs. So until they have a car of their own, they will be listening to my daily sermons and encouragement. It's the least I can give them when they're gone all day.

Please don't think you're harming your kids if they ride the bus. Sometimes it can't be avoided and it's the only option. That's why we have bus service in the schools. If I was a working mom, my kids would be on the bus, but I would make sure they had my time when I got home so we could talk about the day they had. That's really what's important. Making yourself available to listen to them, not lecture or give your opinion, but to just look right at them and let them talk.
Each day, when Serena gets in the van, I say to her, "Is there anyone I need to beat up today?" She laughs, knowing I'm just asking," who hurt your feelings and what can I do to help?"

Enjoy your kids and all they have to say, whether you're meeting them at the door with a treat after school, or picking them up in the parking lot. Enjoy every moment, and be blessed that God made you their mom!! I know I am.