Exactly what is it about school buses that make kids do crazy things? A few weeks ago, I was two cars behind a school bus. There were two boys, who appeared to be middle school age, sitting on the back seat. Those two boys were shooting the bird at a lady in the car in front of me. I don't know if she saw them, but you would have to be almost blind not to. She finally turned off and then I was directly behind them. The bird wasn't good enough for me....no....one of the boys bunked his rear up to the window and acted like he was getting ready to moon me. Well for the love of..... What is wrong with these kids? I started shaking my finger at him as hard as I could. If he could read lips, he would have seen that I was saying...."don't make me stop that school bus and report you to the driver"! I guess the finger shaking was good enough. He sat down. But, the audacity!
And then, just a couple of days ago, I pulled up beside a school bus with little kids on it. I'm talking grammar school age. I looked over and saw two little girls; one on the next-to-the-back seat....she was smiling and waving at me. And then there was the one on the back seat....she was sticking her tongue out at me. Goodness gracious! What in the world?
Mama always said that you'll catch more flies with honey than vinegar. I guess that expression could apply here.
So, I started smiling and waving...mostly, for the little girl that was smiling and waving at me. But then, something wonderful happened. The little girl that was sticking her tongue out at me stopped and she began smiling and waving, also.
Not only was I reminded of the expression that mama used to say, but I was reminded that an act of kindness can change an attitude.
Yes it did!
I'm considering this my random act of kindness this week. I can only imagine how it would have affected the little girl, if I were to shake my finger at her. I imagine it would not have had the same meaning or impact that it did on the older kids. To see her break out into a smile.....well, it just warmed my heart.
Keep Smiling,
Laurie
I'm linking up once again with Betsy with My Five Men for week 2 of Random Acts of Kindness. Hope you'll pay her a visit. Later y'all!
Ah, I hope you taught her a lesson and she'll wave and smile at the next person. Sometimes positive reinforcement really does work! My goodness, you've really had the week with the bus kids! haha...and I'm glad you didn't get mooned! lol...
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for joining in! I'll remember to smile and wave at the next school bus I see!
Something about the little girl tells me that she will remember and wave the next time. Oh yeah, I'm glad I didn't get mooned either or those boys would have had some splaining to do. Lol!!
DeleteI taught middle school for 24 years. Believe me, they are a crazy age group. But, I used your method of shower them with love and friendliness and it got me through.
ReplyDeleteAnd I bet they remember you for your kindness, Carol.
DeleteKindness begat kindness. I love your story, and how great that you made a real difference in that little girls attitude.
ReplyDeleteCute cartoon too.
Thanks Wanda. The cartoon reminded me of her. It warmed my heart to see her attitude change that quickly.
DeleteCute story, Laurie. My youngest son was probably one of those "mooners" when he was that age. lol I rode school bus an hour each way every day for 12 years of school (in all kinds of scary mountain weather). lol I was most likely NOT a model student either!;>) xo Diana
ReplyDeleteHaHa Diana....something tells me you had your fair share of school bus incidents. I love it!!
DeleteYes I think your RAK turned her and released her better side . . . lovely
ReplyDeleteBut the boy needed reporting . . .
I think so too, Eddie and I've since wished I had reported him. But then I wonder which would have had the better effect on him....maybe my finger shaking showed him someone actually paid attention to him. If nothing else, maybe it embarrassed him enough not to do it again.
DeleteLaura, I really enjoyed reading this post. Children, young and old, do some of the silliest things. It makes you wonder how these same students behave in class. It is not just children in school buses either. Being on the road sometimes brings out the worst in the grown-ups too. I did a post once about a man honking behind me to proceed with a turn when the light changed to green, even though someone, perpendicular to me had pulled into my path and proceeding on red to make a turn in front of me. Shamefully, my temper flared and I had every intention of making some not so nice mouth movements at him when he pulled up beside me later on the road. Thankfully, not my will but our Lord's will took over and so I waved and smiled instead!
ReplyDeleteI hope your act of kindness took root in those young minds and hearts and that they might pass some of it along to someone else. Have a beautiful weekend!
Thank you Lynne. I think we have all been in similar situations. I do hope I made a difference.
Deleteoh my....who knows what these kids are thinking....or...NOT thinking. You did the perfect thing in showing kindness.! It's almost as if kids sometimes want to dare us into acting ugly. Honey wins most every time....
ReplyDeleteblessings to you
Thanks Shug! I agree, honey will do it.
DeleteKids just do silly things... but can be so funny at the same time. Middle school kids are a special bunch, I think they are at an age when they often feel awkward or have to show others how brave/daring etc. they are.
ReplyDeleteI had to love about Lynn's comment, it reminded me so much of what I used to do when I was still living in Germany and had other drivers who totally annoyed me. When they finally would pass me, I usually blew them a kiss. Perfectly fine in Germany, but somehow I haven't dared to that here in the States.
Oh Carola, I think you should throw kisses. And wouldn't you love to be able to read their mind when you do.
DeleteI'm waving back at you too!
ReplyDeleteThat was great.
HaHa...thank you, Christine.
DeleteLOVE this post - glad the little girl had a change of heart (BOYS!!! Hmph!!! And I raised one!) ;-) Happy Saturday, Laurie - hopes it's full of smiles and waves! XOXO
ReplyDeleteThanks Tanya, I wish the same for you. By the way, just sent you an email about the vintage pouches. Have a great weekend! Smiles and waves, Laurie
DeleteI am disturbed about the way children today are being brought up with no manners (to say the least!) and a skewed way of behaving. I know I step on toes to say so, but I believe this has all started happening when the moms left the home and there is no one there to give the adequate time to all the basic necessities of raising the children. I admire your way of dealing with the situation as you did. Sometimes kids just need to see a friendly face. Someone acting in a cheerful way and sharing a smile.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. I think parents are afraid to discipline sometimes. I know times are tough for some people and women need to work outside the home. I wish times were different for them. I was blessed to be able to stay home with my girls and I wouldn't take anything for it. It was a huge sacrifice at times, but we always managed to get what we needed. I know my girls benefitted from me being home....I just wish all mamas could stay home with their little ones.
DeleteI'm thinking that middle age school kiddos are just the ones to do that sort of thing...especially the boys for some reason. Glad they stopped when you gave them the shaking finger back at them! That's one of the reasons I know I wouldn't want to be a teacher in this day and age. You have all the responsibility of teaching them all day, but no power when it comes to discipline. And unfortunately many aren't getting much discipline and manners at home.
ReplyDeleteSad, but true. I could never be a teacher either. I have the upmost respect for those that can. That have a hard job.
DeleteWe had a teacher once flag down a school bus to let the driver know what the kids were doing. It was hysterical. I would hate to be a bus driver!
ReplyDeleteDon't you know it! I would go home with a headache every day.
DeleteWhat a great story. Amazing how a little kindness softens the heart. It's nice to have the reminder.
ReplyDeleteA little kindness does go a long way....
DeleteI have friends that drive buses - an ability I admire. It is not a job that I could ever manage (I like a quiet vehicle when I am driving. It's good to know our strengths and weaknesses - lol!) I love that your smile and wave cheered up a little girl one can only guess may have had a bad day.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Renee. I do hope my smile and wave made for a better day for her.
Deleteoh what a story! geesh i don't know what's up with kids these days too says the old whippersnapper lol (me)
ReplyDeleteso nice that you got the little girl to smile, it probably changed the whole course of her life :) i would have done the same! good for you :)
Hi Sandy. Not sure if I changed the whole course of her life, but wouldn't that be awesome. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Come back soon.
Deleteoh laurie you are so funny and you handled both incidents just perfectly....kids are so impressionable and only need a little nudge to 'walk on the wild side' if someone else is doing it too ha
ReplyDelete