It wasn’t sending them off to summer camp with their friends. It wasn’t the building sand castles at the beach. Or splashing in the backyard pool. Or seeking thrills at the amusement park.

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It was the bus. Yep, that’s right. We’re talking public transportation, folks. When traveling with children around the city, you’re more than likely to get there by bus if it’s too far to walk. And with five children, taking the bus can be tricky at first. However, it turned out to be a wonderful experience and it was actually a really good opportunity for me to go over good manners for kids in public! Watch for more on my bus rules and for a sneak peek into my summer adventures with the kiddies!

Rules for Kids

First and foremost, I want my kids to be polite with the people they might encounter on the bus, especially the driver. I always remind them to say “hello” to the driver once they hop on and, if we’re getting off the bus near the front, to say “thank you” and “goodbye.” Sure, this may seem too simple, but this is a huge lesson that will stick with your kids their whole lives, no matter who they’re interacting with.

My second rule is to be aware of their surroundings and to not invade another person’s personal space. This rule is important for when we get on and off the bus and when others are getting on and off the bus. Also, part of being aware of their surroundings is knowing that this is not a playground – inside voices only!

Third, I want to teach my children to have great respect for the elderly. Helping them on and off the bus or offering your seat if they’re standing up are two important ways we can take care of our elders. It’s also great to see my kids doing this without being told, too!

This was my most memorable moment from the summer. What about you and your family? What’s the best thing you did all summer? Share yours by commenting below!

You might also like:

• Camp Survival Guide
• Trying to Not Raise Spoiled Kids
• Discipline Tips for Your Kids