I assume some kindergartners are apprehensive when they realize that their school bus does not have seat belts. Is there a way to calm their fears and reassure them that the bus is a safe place to be, even if it doesn't have seat belts?
I have had more problems with parents not understanding why school buses don't have seat belts. Most of the time the little ones think it is cool to not have to wear a seat belt in a vehicle.
Many times the mid-day runs are done in little buses which usually do have seat belts. If that is the case, a simple discussion about big buses being safe without seatbelts is usually sufficient to allay the fears of the little ones.
I've never had a child apprehensive about not wearing a belt on the bus. Parents are usually the one's with the issues. It's fine with me if a parent wants their child in a belt. But I do not take the responsibility for insuring the usage, I tell the parent that is between them and their child.
On "Kindergarten Day" we bring the children into school along with a parent. I explain about "Compartmentalization" to the parents then and they usually feel fairly comfortable with not wearing belts after that.
Calming frightened children
Posted - 10/22/2001 : 7:31:05 PM
