Just dropped the kids off at school and had an incident...?

Question

with another parent. I was trying to pull to the curb to let the kids out and she kept zooming up trying to keep me out, when I beeped at her she gestured that she wanted to go where I was trying to go. She was already at the curb, I waited for 2 cars to pull out before I tried to get in, then she beeped at me to go because I was watching to make sure my kids made it in. I WANTED TO GET OUT AND RIP HER HEAD OFF! How would you handle this situation, I feel bad because I am letting it get to me!

Answer 1

At our school, what you did would have been 'cutting in'. The traffic pattern at our school is that all incoming vehicles get in the end of the line and stay in file until they pull away, at which time the whole line moves forward.

So, the whole thing is probably just a misunderstanding on someone's part. The school should communicate to all the parents what the traffic flow is supposed to be, so everyone observes the same traffic rules. Still, it sounds like you handled the situation with more maturity than she did; and when kids are watching, that's even more important than being in the right.

Tonight, after the kids are in bed, you can sit up late and make your little voodoo doll of her to beat on! :D

Answer 2

I don't know how your drop off area is designed, but at our school, if you are letting your kids out at the curb (vs. going around to park in the lot) then it is the polite thing to do to get at the back of the line and cars will move up as the car in front of them moves up until you arrive at the area designated as the drop-off area. Then it is quite smooth for the first car dropping off to just pull out to leave as the car behind pulls up into that space. As a parent who has been on the other end, it seems quite rude to me when parents try to "cut" in line instead of waiting their turn at the back. Of course, I am not suggesting that this is how your set-up is and that is what you were trying to do. However, maybe give some thought to the most conducive flow of traffic. If you were trying to get in to the curb when someone else was waiting behind, it is frustrating to that person waiting even if you think the spot is open. The way our parking lot is set up, it can be quite dangerous for cars to be pulling into the curb while others behind are trying to pull out. It is so normal to become angry when you are trying to do what is best for your kids and something happens to prevent that. Meanwhile, calm down by calling a friend to "vent" or go out for a cappucino, take a walk, take a nap, exercise, punch a pillow pretending it is her head - whatever makes you feel happy. Maybe something else is bothering you and this incident was just the "straw that broke the camel's back."

Answer 3

You should follow school directions first of all. If they don't have any type well then think about your kids safety first. If she was already at the curb well sorry to say, but she was right. At my sons' school there is only one line that you have to follow to drop off and pick up. We have to form one line two lines can't be formed because we put the kids safety in jeopardy. I understand your frustration, but the school and the parents really need to get organized. She, however, was wrong she didn't have to beep at you just ignore those kind of people. She wasn't going to die if she let you pass first. Some people are so ignorant. Next time just ignore those kind of people and go about your business. Good Luck!

Answer 4

Try to remember that you are at a school and there are lots of little eyes watching you. They are also watching her.

Don't let it ruin your day and when you pick up your children at the end of the day don't mention it. If they mention it, then say something to the effect of, She must of been in a big hurry or something.

You may not agree with the way I think and my children often tell me that I am way too easy on people but I have never had high blood pressure and I enjoy life.

Let your children see that you are the better person and if you run in to the other parent again, then just motion for her to go ahead of you to keep the kids from being subjected to her anger again.

Answer 5

I hate drivers around school's the bad part about any where you go there are nice and naughty drivers there are the drivers that give you the space to back up, let your kids out or just plain let you have the right of way and then there are the drivers that cut you off that don't get in the turning lane to turn.... I hate drivers in general lol.. but unless you go to a school that is very small then you might never see that person again *never know*

Answer 6

If I were you I would let it go this time, but if it happened again I would get out of the car and go over and talk with her. I know how frustrating traffic can be at school in the mornings! All you need is some mad woman making it worse. She should be more concerned with making sure she doesn't run over a kid than getting in a hurry. Traffic is really good at my kids school b/c last year we had a little girl hit and killed at school so people are really cautious. Good luck with the mad woman!

Answer 7

You'll just have to let it go. It's a shame that the kids have to witness their parent acting the way she did...not setting a good example. I have to deal with that kind of crap everyday as well. Seems like if she was in such a hurry she should leave a little earlier on Monday rather than freak out while you are being responsible and watching your children make it into school safely.

Answer 8

I would have smiled and been as polite as humanly possible, made sure my children made it in safe, and exited calmly. Once home, I would have ranted and screamed at the ceiling for a few moments, probably saying many things of rather rude nature.

Then I would have tried to calm down again & remind myself that not everyone in the world is capable of looking past two feet in front of themselves & their perceived needs.

It would be nice if society was a bit more caring toward fellow human beings, but with the rapid pace of life & the hectic attitudes, I don't see this changing for the better at any time in the near future.

Answer 9

Dropping and picking up kids from school is like diving in to a pool full of snakes, total chaos and total panic. The last thing you want to do is add to it, because the instant you get out of your car or create a scene there will be ten other parents who are just there for their kids thinking they want to rip both your heads off, and stick them on pikes as a warning to the next ten generations of parents. Pick up/drop off kids with a simple attitude, do what is necessary for kids safety. So, yeah, you will get hooted at and sometimes you will be the one hooting. Spend your time looking out for the safety of other kids and your own, don’t lower yourself and compromise their safety by getting hot headed and involved in driving competitions about transferring precious cargo an ad breaks worth of time ahead of the competition.

Answer 10

You have the right to be angry. What she did was very unsafe for all the kids at that school. Let it go. You already did the right thing by NOT ripping her head off - now just feel good about the fact that you are not a rude b*tch.