"The person whose problems are all behind them is probably a school bus driver." - Unknown

Mr. Bobby drives our kids to and from school every day in "The Yellow Sponge Cake" (which is the name the kids gave the school bus based on a week long voting process). Mr. Bobby thinks it's important that the bus has a name so he took nominations, printed up ballots, and let every kid vote on the name. Mr. Bobby is always doing things like that.

I'm inspired by this man I see every morning for approximately 30 seconds. Here's a few of things I'm learning from him:

Enthusiasm is possible even at 6:50 a.m. Mr Bobby isn't short with his.
Knowing your "customers'" names makes a difference. Our kids light up when he PERSONALLY welcomes them aboard.
Celebrate good behavior and great attitudes. The bus can be a tenuous place ... especially knowing that the child to adult ratio is somewhere around 65 to 1. The easy default is to establish a kingdom of punishment and fear. Mr Bobby encourages, celebrates great days, and isn't short on prizes or stickers for good behavior. Carrot always beats stick!
Remember to bring chocolate for every possible holiday. (St Patrick's day was Oreos with green filling!)
A reliable, on-time schedule makes everyone happy. This just goes to show that fun and enthusiasm can also be planned and orderly.
Friday sing-a-longs, at full volume, with the windows D-O-W-N make a great start to the weekend. Universal truth. Bam.

If you ask my kids, Mr. Bobby might be the greatest bus driver ever. I tend to agree with them. In fact, in honor of Mr. Bobby, on my drive home today I'm going to roll my windows down and sing-a-long LOUDLY with the radio...

Watch out Atlanta commuters!!

Bus Stop Lessons