Carpooling Kids

As gas prices rise, concern for child safety and the number of activities that everyone stuffs into one day increases, carpooling makes perfect sense. Kids like it because they can spend time with friends. Adults can divide and conquer so to speak especially with after school activities.

Parents like to know that their children are safe with a trusted friend dropping off and picking up their children. In a vehicle, you have a captive audience for topics of importance to them all. Parents can find out what is on the minds of kids by just listening to what they talk about. What are they interested in or afraid of? Sometimes, children will say something in your car that they might not with their parents. You can play word, color or number games.

It can be very trying to drive with a group of children. As a driver, it is your primary job to pay attention to driving the precious cargo in your vehicle. You should not be talking on the phone. If you must take a call, pull over. The same is true with a behavior problem. Parents and children should know what behavior is expected. Everyone should know what the rules are and the consequences of misbehaving. All passengers need to be in appropriate car seats and seat belts. In addition, the driver should have contact sheets for each child. This includes allergies as well as what to do in an emergency.
If you are waiting for children to come to your vehicle, bring along a book, needlework or puzzle to help pass the time.