How to Set Up a Carpool

Carpools are virtually mandatory for parent survival. Until scientists clone parents, there's no earthly way you can get one kid to the dentist by 3:45 p.m. and pick up the other one at practice by 4 p.m. But good carpools don't just happen--they take cooperation, trust and planning.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Include only neighborhood families for the carpool. If you have to drive 15 minutes out of your way to pick up a kid, you're defeating the purpose.
2. Work out a schedule for two or three families and stick to it so each family can make plans around the days they don't drive.
3. Give as much advance notice as possible if plans change.
4. Make firm rules for the road: Only the designated driver can pick up the kids; parents cannot run errands with carpool kids in tow; and drivers should not talk on the cell phone while driving.
5. Set ground rules for the kids, too. Everyone has to wear a seat belt; no one under 12 is allowed in the front seat; hands must stay inside the car at all times. Be polite and punctual.

Tips & Warnings

• Meet with the other parents and decide in advance how you'll handle stragglers or misbehavers. Call other carpoolers periodically to touch base and ward off problems.
• Adults can carpool, too. Search online for "carpools" to see what's available in your area.