1st grade Field Trip Chaperone Question

[Pembo]

DS's class is going to the zoo on Friday. Only 3 parents can ride on the bus, his teacher picked them from a hat. The rest of us can go, but get to follow the bus. His teacher arranged for the 10 of us to carpool in 2 cars. DS just started at this school 2 1/2 months ago so I know none of the other parents.

I feel very weird about riding in a car with 2 dads and 2 moms that I've never met before. Dh thinks I'm just being goofy. But I want to drive myself, alone.

So here's my question: Would you ride with 4 strangers? Or drive by yourself?

 

[bsnyder]

Pembo, I think it sounds like a great way to meet and get to know some of the other parents! I just went on a field trip for Allison's class, and I drove 4 other parents in my car. One of them I did already know, one was an aquaintence, and the other two I didn't know at all (they were parents of kids in the grade ahead of Allison).

We had a really good time talking in the car!

I am sure it's hard, being in a new place. And if you're shy about meeting new people, that can make it harder. But I really think you'll be better off in the long run, if you make yourself do things like this, no matter how hard it may seem at the time.

I hope you do the carpool, and I hope you end up enjoying it!

 

[Pam]

I would drive by myself.

 

[poohbears5]

I would probably ride with other parents its good time to get to know what the parents are like for future parties and stuff.

 

[Pembo]

One more thing....we're moving in June so I won't ever see any of these people again, so making friends or getting to know parents for the long run really doesn't matter.

 

[Kallison]

If you feel more comfortable driving by yourself than by all means do so. Especially if you are never going to see them again! Where are you moving Pembo?

 

[Pembo]

We're moving 50 miles to the west side of Cleveland! We'll soon be only 30 minutes from Cedar Point. woo-hoo!!!!!! Can't wait.

 

[dizneenut]

I'd drive by myself.

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

I definitely would drive by myself.

I always have been a loner!!!

 

[bsnyder]

Pembo, I totally misunderstood. I thought this was the new school that DS was at as a result of your move.

If that's not the case, then I wouldn't hesitate to go by myself, if that's what I'd prefer.

 

[cgcw]

I would probably drive myself if I were in your situation.

Your DS's upcoming field trip reminds me of when my own DS went to the zoo in kindergarten. I also chose to follow the bus. However, what I didn't realize was that the bus drivers know different routes to the zoo than my usual route. When traffic got heavy, the bus just got off the highway and started taking back roads. The second bus followed along with the 8 parents who were trying to self drive. It was surely a scene out of a comedy. We had no idea where the bus was taking us and no idea how we were going to get to the zoo (should have stayed on the main highway). The worst part was getting a red light and then having to catch up to the bus again. I know I wasn't the only parent breaking the rules.

Have a great time!

 

[Cthia]

I would drive myself there if I was in your situation. Since you are moving to a new place there is no point in trying to make friends with the parents.

You will plenty of time in your new town to make friends with the parents.

Congratulations on the move. Very excited for you.

 

[tiggerlover]

I would probably opt to drive by myself as I tend to be shy and uncomfortable around people I don't know.

 

[laceemouse]

How long of a ride are we talking about here? I have been in the situation before and unless I smelled alcohol on their breath or had seen them on "America's Most Wanted" I would ride with the other parents. Even if you never see them again I think it is fun to meet and talk with new people! Again, a really long trip may be a different story, but otherwise I would PREFER to let someone else drive!

 

[Pembo]

I'm glad I'm not alone in the "shy" club.

laceemouse-It's about a 45 min drive and I've been there lots of times so I won't get lost.

cdcw-I'm LOL at your following the bus on a crazy route!