A kindergartner’s reaction to seeing her bus driver at her graduation party has melted hearts online.
In a clip on TikTok posted by Holly Bratcher (@hollypaigebratcher), her 6-year-old niece is sitting happily opposite her bus driver at the special occasion.
“Out of everyone at her party—family, kids—she chose to sit with him the whole time,” Bratcher told Newsweek.
@hollypaigebratcher
The text overlay on the clip reads: “Y’all, my niece’s bus driver came to her party, and she sat with him the whole time.”
Bratcher said that the bond between her niece and the driver developed naturally over the school year. “He’s been her bus driver since she started school this year—she loves this man,” Bratcher told Newsweek. “She gives him a hug every time she gets picked up and dropped off.”
It was her niece’s idea to invite her bus driver to the family event, but they never expected the special connection that would unfold.
“I was sitting there trying not to cry because it was so pure and sweet seeing them talk and play games,” Bratcher said. “She didn’t leave his side the entire time almost. They acted like best friends.”
Research has shown that trusting relationships with caregivers has a profound effect on children’s development.
A 2021 study found that individuals who reported always having a trusted adult in their lives were substantially more likely to develop supportive friendships and feel a sense of belonging.
The heartwarming TikTok clip has received more than 4.4 million views in a matter of days, sparking an outpouring of emotions on the platform. Viewers shared their own stories of bus drivers, teachers or other school staff who made a lasting impact on them as children.
Comments flooded in, with many users admitting the sweet moment brought them to tears.
“Look at her eyes! She adores him so much. Is that her superhero? It truly takes a village,” one user wrote.
“No but my 10 year old and her bus driver are definitely friends, they gossip and everything,” commented another.
A third user posted: “She doesn’t see his age she sees his soul. So sweet and genuine!”
“Everyone keeps saying it’s so cute and makes them cry!” Bratcher said. “TikTok has been crazy over this video.”
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