5 Safe Options for Transporting Your Kids

If you’ve ever joked about hiring a chauffeur to shuttle your kids to and from their various activities, you’re not alone! With back-to-school season upon us, many of us are in desperate need of a little help getting our kids around town.

Between transporting your kids to and from school, extracurriculars, soccer practice, weekend football games, study sessions and playdates, your family minivan is probably feeling more like the family taxi.

For working parents, the 9-5 schedule makes getting your kids to/from all their various activities difficult, if not impossible!

Here are 5 safe options for transporting your kids this fall:

1. The School Bus
We've said it before -- the school bus is the safest way to get your kids to/from school! Nowadays, many school districts offer busing to sports games, off-site practices and weekend events. Put your tax dollars to use by taking advantage of the big yellow bus!

2. Carpooling
Consider sharing the driving responsibilities with a friend. Perhaps one of you helps out during the week, and the other on weekends. Offer to chip in for gas money or Starbucks cards! The biggest benefit of this is that your friends are used to driving with kids, and will be equipped with the necessary booster or car seats.

3. Grandma/Relatives
If you have parents, in-laws or relatives who are retired, this is a great opportunity for them to get a little bonding time with your kids! If you have younger kids in car seats, be sure to head to your local fire station for a car seat inspection and have any questions answered. And -- be sure older family members have phones so you can easily communicate.

4. Hire a College Student
Many college students have schedules which can often allow them to be free in the afternoons. Contact your local college to see if you can talk with the Education Department and get a responsible student who's interested in kids. Check references, and come along for a dry run to make sure they're comfortable with everything the job entails.

Be sure to get a copy of the student's license and insurance. If they'll be driving one of your cars, contact your insurance company to discuss additional coverage.

5. Find a Local Service
Nowadays, there are transportation services available just for kids! In Cincinnati, 2Placez is a kid/elder friendly on-demand transportation company. The company’s main mission is to take the stress out of what could be a very burdensome situation for busy families. These places are serious about safety; at 2Placez, drivers are also selected by several criteria: they must have childcare experience, be over the age of 21 years old, posses a four-door vehicle that is 10 years old or younger, and have a Smartphone (parents get photo confirmation via text message once their child is picked up/dropped off!) Booking a ride is as simple as downloading the app or making a call.

It's a crazy time of year -- stay sane (and keep your kids safe!) by getting some help!

Photo credit: Adobe Stock.