Busy families rely on carpooling to get their kids to and from school and extra-curricular activities on time. Carpooling can be a real nightmare if you’re not organized. Below are 10 tips to help you keep your sanity and get the kids where they need to be on time.
- Keep a written schedule of who is responsible for picking up kids and dropping them off and provide a copy to each parent in your carpool group. Be sure to include pick and drop off points to avoid confusion.
- Keep a few toys in the car to keep younger kids occupied. Select toys that don’t make much noise to keep the distraction level to a minimum while driving.
- Set ground rules with the kids at the beginning of the school year to minimize disagreements and confusion. Pass out a copy of the agreed-upon rules to each parent for reference.
- Be smart about snacks, if you choose to allow snacks in your car. Use individual snack size baggies and don’t over pack them to help prevent spillage. Try to keep the snacks nutritious by providing cut up fruit, cheese sticks or sliced vegetables.
- After school activities can often run late. Have each parent provide contact information to locate kids who don’t arrive for their ride on time. Help teach kids responsibility by making them accountable for showing up on time or contacting the carpooling parent if they are running late.
- Music can be a hot button in some homes, be sure to discuss music preferences at your initial parent carpooling meeting. Only play age-appropriate music. Avoid music with negative connotations.
- Assigned seating can reduce conflict when it comes to who sits where. If you are transporting kids with motion sickness take that into consideration with child placement.
- Have a predetermined place to meet. Younger kids can get frustrated and stressed if they don’t immediately see a car they recognize. Have a backup plan in case you are late to communicate to the kids as to where to meet you.
- Notify the driving parent if your child is sick or goes home early due to a doctor’s appointment so they are not left waiting.
- Be aware of car seat requirements in your state, and ensure you have proper car seats for each child you are transporting. If the child does not require a car seat, make sure they properly attach their seat belt.
