Any School Bus Drivers Out There? I Have a Question

My husband was a school bus driver. He had a route with older kids and could not believe the mouths on them. He drove in affluent areas so really was shocked that kids with so much were so disrespectful. Not saying though that they were all like that. He put his foot down the first time someone acted up. He had one kid, an 8th grader, that was totally out of hand. The kids ended up being kicked off the bus and had to have his parents take him to school the rest of that school year. Do not be wishy washy ever. Make sure they know that you are in charge. One thing that might help is saying hello using their name each day. That helped one of his fellow drivers when she was new. She introduced herself and made the child introduce him/herself as well.
Now, for your suggestions, I think it is a fantastic idea with the younger kids to reward for good behavior.

Wow, I am not a bus driver. In fact my kids don't take the school bus, I drop them off and pick them up. But if we had a bus driver like YOU, I would reconsider! Good Luck!

My son is in second grade. His bus driver is very nice. He knows all of their names, which seems simple, but makes my son feel like he cares about him. On Fridays, he asks the kids a trivia question. They have the weekend to find out he answer and tell him the answer on Monday. No prise, but the kids love to have the right answer!! As far as the older kids, find out what station they like to listen to. I would let them know that as long as the ride goes smoothly, they can listen to their music!!

Good luck! I wish all the bus drivers would have your enthusiasm!!

I am not a bus driver but I have 3 kids who ride the bus = 0 )
My youngest son is 3 and he LOVES Mr.Joel...all Mr.Joel does is know all the kids names, asks them about there day, tells them good morning, good bye and on Thursdays ( my sons last day of the week) to have a great weekend.

My daughter is in 4th grade, her biggest Peeve about her bus driver is when he doesn't make kids behave, she has sensitive ears so doesn't like it to be "too loud" her bus driver must be deaf because it is always loud, I can hear the kids before they get to the stop...I know I couldn't drive and be attentive if I had to deal with that kind of volume.

My son is in HS all I have heard from Jr.High to now is what music station they got to listen to on the bus. He is happy, this year apparently he is not :"stuck listening to country" his words!

Good luck!