Kids walking to school - any advice?

[allwildgirl]

Okay, here's the sitch. My DD, who will turn 11 in November, starts 6th grade in September. Up until now, she's been going to a before and after-school care program at the school, where I can drop her on my way to work early and pick her up late.

She has asked if she can start walking to school in the fall. It's a small town, she'd have to cross one busier street and the walk is about 10 minutes (or maybe 15 the way she dawdles). There would be other kids and families walking at the same time.

I'm leaning towards saying she can. Any opinions?

 

[jodijodi]

I think it would be okay. One idea would be to contact a few of the other moms who live on the way and ask them to keep an eye out for her. I walk my kids to school, and there are a couple of kids who walk on their own and I try to keep an eye on them just in case. I'm sure you can find a few who'll be happy to help put your mind at ease.

 

[cakebaker]

I would never let her walk alone - if your could guarantee that she would ALWAYS be walking with other kids and families, then I'd allow it. There's so much much crap going on now, that even if you trust her, you can't trust the nuts out there.

 

[allwildgirl]

Jodi - there are already a few moms who keep an eye out for her in the playground, etc., especially after school. But that's a great idea, to actually ask them to do so. Thanks!

I can't guarantee that she would always be walking WITH someone else, but I CAN guarantee that there will always be other people walking the same route at the same time.

 

[cindi1]

I think you should let her walk on her own. I have the same situation as you. My kids all do before/after school care, but this past spring when I worked from home, I would allow them to walk home on their own. A few times I walked to school to meet them and realized the route if FILLED with kids and moms and crossing guards, etc.

Maybe you could free yourself from work a couple of times and walk the route with her to see how safe you think it is.

 

[SRP]

I think you have a very nice, peaceful neighborhood, and I remember the route past the school. I think it would be okay to let her try it. If problems do arise, then back into the car she goes!

 

[squirrelly]

Shelley--I am a worrier by nature, so initially thought of all the problems Sophie could run into in that 10 minutes. I know, a serious fault of mine! Anyway, an idea came to mind. Sophie has a cell phone, right? Could she call you when she leaves school and talk to you for the 10 minutes it takes her to get home? Would that be possible at your job? That way you could hear about her day and be sure she gets home safely. And, by the way, you are a wonderful and caring mom.

Kara

 

[goldenpath]

My daughter started walking by herself this past September when she started Grade 6 and walking home. The route is always full of other kids on the road. At first, I was nervous (my little baby growing up) but as time goes on, I got used to the idea. I explained to her about talking to strangers, etc. I also bought her a cell phone which only costed me $20.00 to add her onto my plan. I live in a busy city (Toronto) and thought it was necessary and therefore if she ever feels unsafe or needs me, I am a phone call away. My daughter has to cross one busy street and a few side streets.

 

[allwildgirl]

Goldenpath - thanks. I'm in Hamilton but Sophie goes to school in Dundas, which is only about 20,000 people. She has a cell phone too.

Kara - I like your idea too!

Thanks for all the input.

 

[LaughingWater]

I have no additional ideas or advice, but I wanted to say I can relate. My daughter is going to be 13, and I struggle with giving her more (much needed) independence vs. keeping a safe eye on her. I swear...every time I think, "It's time to let go a little more." I see some report on the news about a 12 year old being grabbed. x( I try to soothe myself with the mathematical odds, but it doesn't help much.

Hope you guys find what works for you! I'm sure whatever you decide will end up being fine.

 

[janie1234]

Shelly, your a good Mom to even be thinking about this. It sorta sucks that we have to worry about it, but the truth is that there are some pretty sick people out there. I live 1/4 mile from my kids elementary school and I've seen first graders walking to school unattended. As parents we all have to face what your facing. My kids are still little so I have some time before I'm faced with that delema. I too hope that you find what works for you.