Notes from the car rider line
- Have plenty of gas. You could be sitting there for three days
- It says drop off starts at 7:45am. That means you need to leave your house that is five minutes from the school at 4:30am to secure your place in line
- Be direct in your placement. You do not need to let every car that came up a side street into the main line – they should have made better choices for line entry
- It is acceptable to throw your child out of the car like she is running from zombies and you are chucking her to safety. This also applies to the backpack, lunchbox, makeup bag and pallet of bricks she inevitably decides to carry to school
- Nourishment is key. Do not make the mistake of leaving your iced latte at home thinking you will just wait til you arrive back to your domicile to enjoy its goodness. You will get home and it will be a watery and pitiful excuse for a glorious latte
- Carry supplies – hair spray, Bobby pins, emergency rations, tape, zip ties or whatever else might appropriate to fix any last minute disasters
- Bring a large novel. You will have time to read it before you go a block. Screw it, bring two – that way you can at least occupy yourself for some time.
- Don’t cry – never show weakness. That mom looking flustered with 17 kids in her van – she will eat you alive and rightfully so if she had to wrangle all those youths
- Nothing can prepare you for the drama that will come from the passenger seat because your vehicle hasn’t moved for 8.6 seconds- nothing. Just lean into it and remember – it is only twice a day
- Finally – these notes will update with inclement weather. I am sure it will be even more treacherous.
Parentingandwine 