BROWSE CAR REVIEWS BY:
MAKE
MODEL
Click on a car body type for search results.
 |
 |
| SUVs (two rows) | SUVs (three rows) |
 |
 |
| Crossover | Minivans |
 |
 |
| Sedan | Hybrids |
 |
 |
| Wagons/Hatchbacks | Just for Fun |
Carpooling Tips Keep Pick-Ups and Drop-Offs Pain-Free
Aug 17 2009 by Jennifer Newman
Parents are gearing up for the start of the school year, which means getting school supplies and setting up carpools. Our carpooling tips will help make this year’s pick-ups and drop-offs as pain-free as possible.
Before You Begin
Consider logistics: When setting up a carpool, it’s important to keep it in the neighborhood. While including the family that lives a couple of miles away doesn’t seem like a bad idea now, trust us, it is.
Safety first: Talk to your kids about safe behavior in the car, and give other parents permission to set and enforce rules when they’re driving the carpool.
In the Morning
Ready to go: Have your kids ready to go before the carpool arrives (it’s tough, I know). One easy way to take some of the rushing out of the morning is to have your child pack his backpack in the evening.
Cut the chit-chat: During morning pick-up, there’s no time for idle chatter. You can catch up with other parents when you drop the kids off in the afternoon. Our anti-chatter rule also applies to the carpool lane at school. If you must talk to Olivia’s mom, leave the carpool lane and park your car. Then the two of you can talk all you want.
Be gracious to carpool-lane captains: It’s a thankless — but important — job. Be sure to listen to their instructions and stay out of their way. I know you’re only trying to help, but trust me, they’ve got it under control.
In the Afternoon
Waiting game: There’s no need to be bored while you’re waiting for the kids to get out of school. To keep busy, consider reading an actual book (remember them?), balance your checkbook (it could be depressing), plan a couple of meals (bring a cookbook or use this iPhone app), tidy your car, sort and read your mail, or just sit there and enjoy the silence.
Seating chart: Once the kids arrive, seat the kids who will be dropped off first closest to the car’s doors. This will make drop-offs run seamlessly.
Time to catch up: Go ahead and take a few minutes to chat with your neighbors. You deserve it because you’ve survived a day in the carpool.
