Getting Tired of Driving the Bus!

[judy]

Working with kids can be the most satisfying and the most difficult job in the world.

She probably does need your compassion, but it sounds like she needs to learn to live within your boundaries to get it. I never wavered with my boundaries. I loved all of my kids, but those who understood my rules got a special love. It was interesting, never spoken about, but those that didn't get that wanted it and worked to get it. It worked for me, and used their energy instead of mine.

Once I realized that I didn't care quite as much as I always had about my kids, I got ready to retire. I never wanted to get to that "teacher (or bus driver) burnout" point.

If that's where you're at, you might want to think about leaving.

Life is too important to work at a job you don't love.

Anyway, now that you're going to be skinny, you can be a model.

[Janet]

I really do love driving the bus and most of the time, love the kids. I remember feeling this toward the end of last year too, maybe with being closed up this winter I'm just needing a break. Spring Break will be here next month, so maybe a week off, plus hopefully warmer weather will help, and then school will be out in May.

I'm so afraid of changing jobs, although it seems so inviting to think about.

I would like to know more about the home based businesses you suggested Marilyn. I'm such a picky, organize freak, maybe a personal assistant type position would be right up my alley.

I mostly needed to vent with this thread. The girl does need my compassion, but I am having a hard time with giving it. I'm really anxious to speak with the counselor and see what she says. I just hope I won't have to have her sit up front with my young ones..that is not the example I want set for them. If I do have to give in and let her up front, the rule will be she will not be able to talk. She is only on the bus for 15 minutes...I think she'll live through it.

[Tink]

Janet, vent all you need. It's your turn. LOL

I'm sure it is hard to really enjoy ALL the kids ALL the time. There are bound to be ones you connect with better and easier than others. It seems like some people are just put in our path to test us... Sounds like you know which one it is on your bus!
Quite seriously I think middle-school and high school age girls are often very hard to get along with and being in a position of authority over them on the bus likely makes you "the enemy" regardless of how wonderful the rest of us know you are. While most do outgrow it in time, unfortunately you're stuck dealing with them now.

Hang in there hon. WE're here for you as needed.

[Brooke]

Hi Janet, I can see why is's so hard. I wouldn't be able to handle a bus full of kids to save my life! Now give me a classroom where they are al around the same age, and I am not busy trying to drive and I can do it!

I feel horrible for this poor baby if there is no one to step in and HELP this young girl to raise it. We can only pray for that little soul. This girl is in for an awakining when she has this baby. She will grow up real fast!

[goofywife]

I don't know how you handle it. I know I couldn't

[Janet]

I spoke with the counselor and all is well. I have her in the front seat and she's still complaining. I told her she wanted moved, she's moved, get use to it. If she is that uncomfortable she should have her parents take her. I guess she has told the counselor a few lies here lately so she wasn't real thrilled with the girls demands. I told her I had her up front earlier, but she moved back...she neglected to tell the counselor that. It looks like she has dropped, so hopefully she'll have the baby soon and not be riding anymore.

I feel so sorry for this baby. 9th grade mommy, 18 year old daddy, no jobs, parents are worth a darn either. Another mouth in the welfare line. Just so very sad., it breaks my heart...the child won't have a chance.

[DianaB]

It doesn't sound like a very good situation to me. Poor baby!