Before we jump into the carpooling part of this topic, let’s come up with a good definition for a brat. A brat is someone who’s annoying, rude, doesn’t listen, disrespects authority, and won’t shut up. There, how’s that? You might have a couple other descriptive words to add to our definition, but that should get you started.
Now, let’s talk about carpooling with one or more (OUCH) of these people:
Look at the bright side. It’s only for a few minutes out of a very long day. Reminding yourself of this fact can help you survive a tough carpool. Also, you might not realize it, but you’re saving your mom time and money. Carpools are set up so parents can share the driving responsibilities. This allows your mom to take your little sister to her school at the same time you’re riding in the carpool to your school. So it saves her some valuable time, especially if she has to get to work. It also saves your entire family money. How? Well, the less driving around your mom has to do, the less often she’ll have to fill up the gas tank. Filling up the gas tank costs money, so carpooling can save your family hundreds of dollars every year. That’s pretty cool, and you’re doing your part to help pay for that next family vacation.
Listen to music or read a book. There’s nothing wrong with not wanting to talk, popping in your earphones, and cranking the tunes. Here’s an earphone tip: If someone asks you a question, be respectful and pull out the earphones before you answer. We have an extra health tip for you, too: Don’t crank the music too loudly because you could go deaf! If you don’t have a portable music thingy, you can always read a book. Try it—it won’t kill you.
Love the brats. Brats often feed off other people. If you respond to their tactics in a loud, angry way, they’ll only act out more. So the best thing to do is overwhelm them with kindness and gentleness. Talk about what they like to talk about. Listen to the radio station they like to listen to. Smile at them when they purposely spill their sippy cups on your new shirt.
Your carpool probably isn’t as bad as you think. (Okay, maybe it is...) Just try to keep a positive attitude, pray, and remember that dealing with brats is a part of this thing called life.
“I USED TO LOOK FORWARD TO THE END OF CAR POOLS. BUT THEN MY MOM STARTED CARPOOLING TO WORK, AND I REALIZED I’LL PROBABLY BE DOING IT FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.”
—BROOKE, 6TH GRADE