We have NO sidewalks in town, so every child is on a bus route. The primary and elementary schools in our town really try to discourage parents from dropping off/picking up - so many parents' cars, and not enough spaces in the parking lots.

When I do pick up my kids, it's a hassle, but I am glad for the extra time - lots of times I get to hear more about the school day than I would have if I waited until they got home on the bus -- by then, their school day seems like a distant memory! LOL.

When I don't pick them up, and let them take the bus home, they get to unwind and socialize w/friends. That seems like a good thing for now (the school-aged kids are still not in middle school), since the school day is very structured, and there isn't a lot of down time.