School Bus Headaches

Updated on May 09, 2011
R.B. asks from Riverhead, NY
10 answers

My 5 yr old daughter is complaining of headaches on the school bus. I have no idea what to do. It has got to the point where she has a complete melt down every morning about going to school. They will not let her have water or open the window.
Driving is not really an option since I have an infant and there is a lot of snow and I am not comfortable driving in the snow. Just a little more info... it is a pre k bus there are only 5 kids on it and one adult helper plus the driver.
Thanks for the ideas so far.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

To answer Leah's question she is on the bus for about 30 mins... she says the headache comes after about 10 mins.
She loves school. But I do think this is a motion sickness thing? She geta a headache in my Prius but not in my husbands stinky old BMW from the 80s. Go figure.
There is no one to drive her. We live in a rural area. I guess I will just have to drive her and get the baby out of the car blabla. She has to be walked in so I can't leave the baby in the car or at home. I was just trying to keep the baby warm and inside and get her to school.
Thanks everyone any more suggestions are welcome.

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.D.

answers from Philadelphia on

Depending on what time the bus is, there may be really bright morning sunlight, this could be causing her headaches. You can ask her if it's bright and sunny on the bus, if she says yes, you could get her some sunglasses or a hat with a brim (sometimes you can wear a baseball cap under a warm winter hat so she can still stay warm). This is possibly an easy fix. Otherwise, I don't know what on the bus could cause headaches - too much noise maybe? Good luck.

2 moms found this helpful

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from Chicago on

My guess is way too much noise. Kids can get roudy.Try earplugs.

3 moms found this helpful

G.T.

answers from Modesto on

maybe its the diesel fuel? she might be allergic to it.

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.A.

answers from Minneapolis on

I get headaches when I get car sick. I do NOT do well on school buses. I am incredibly sensitive to movement. I would suggest she sits in the first seat and stays forward, watching out the front window.
How long is she on the bus? Does she have a headache right away or is it after 5 min?
If it is motion sickness, would she chew a ginger chew for the few minutes she is on the bus? They taste like candy, but help with motion sickness. They sell them at Target (up by the registers) or GNC type stores. They do also sell wrist bands that help by pushing on pressure points (they do work--I have tried everything) That might help with you having to drive her.

1 mom found this helpful

C.A.

answers from New York on

Talk to your daughter and see what is happening on the bus. Is it too hot, too noisy, is another child bothering her, is it the movement of the bus? etc. Maybe the driver or the helper wears perfume or cologne that is too strong. Then you can call the bus company or the school and explain your situation. I am a bus driver and I know that it can get very loud sometimes. I know that some drivers just don't care and let the kids do what they want, but I do not tolerate it. Buses are not inculated so there is alot of noise between the bus itself and the kids. The bus also rocks alot so maybe the movement is getting to her. Like one other mother asked... see if you can get someone in the neighborhood that will drive her. That is the best that I can do for you. I really don't know what else to say.

1 mom found this helpful

E.R.

answers from Appleton on

My son had the same issue. So we compromised and now I take him to school in the morning and he rides the bus home after school. I really didn't want him suffering with a headache all day at school. If you just can't swing it, maybe you can find someone in your area that you trust that does drive their children to school and see if she can catch a ride with them. Maybe you can even offer some compensation for them driving her to school.

I wish you all the best!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.A.

answers from New York on

I don't know if this was asked or answered but what kind of headaches? Is it a motion sickness thing? If so, maybe there is something you can do like wear one of those bracelets that help with motion sickness. I don' t know what's involved with these- you'd have to do some research and of course ask your dr if these are appropriate for children. Or maybe have her change her seat on the bus? Maybe closer to the front if she sits near the back? Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.P.

answers from Provo on

Buses make some people car sick. She may be claustrophobic. Maybe something is going on at school that she does not like.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.T.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I have a 17 year old daughter who complains about getting headaches from the school bus (she doesn't drive because we live a little too far away and it's too much wasted gas). She never got headaches on a school bus before but this year, ever since the company was changed, she's been experiencing terrible headaches. She says it's from the extreme smell of gasoline and the extremely bumpy ride (the driver hits every pot hole and drives much too fast). She herself has called the company and complained and mentioned her headaches. The company has done absolutely nothing all year.
Maybe your daughter is being affected by the bus fumes. She should sit as close to the front of the bus as possible because most fumes collect in the back.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.P.

answers from Seattle on

Buses give me headaches, too. It's the diesel smell. Sitting up front helps (in buses where the engines are in the back). Do you know where she sits on the bus? She might do better if she sits as far away from the engine as possible.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions