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For free parenting resources please check out the Early Years Alliance's Family Corner.

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For free parenting resources please check out the Early Years Alliance's Family Corner.

Parenting

school

27 replies

ruthie48 · 14/09/2010 10:05

Oh dear, oh dear. Is this what some petty parents have become? I am referring to the item on Today programme on Radio 4 this morning about the mum who allows her 7 yr old to cross a quiet(not the M1!) road and catch the bus to school. Mum has 2 younger children. The programme received qiute a response from listeners who agreed with mum.It was pointed out that in sweden 5 yr olds are expected to go to school unaccompanied by parents and if they do, this is seen as over protective.My 9 yr old has been taught to learn about risk and potential dangers since the age of 7 and he is allowed to go cycling to the nearest park on his own. He has his mobile and to be honest my biggest squabble with him is making him wear his helmet. Far more important! I am a GP,s daughter and Iam a staff nurse and believe me one would not wish to experience the head injuries that my dad and and I have treated over the years through not wearing cycle helmets. Let,s get our priorities right Mum,s!P.S Shame on you Lincolnshire County Council for even thinking of writing to the 7 yr old,s mum!!! They apparently have apologised for the strong worded letter!

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ruthie48 · 14/09/2010 10:13

I wrote " petty" because you can guarantee that a politically correct parent will have reported the Mum to the council. I was once reported by a parent for allowing my daughter who was then 10, for walking home from school! This takes less than a mile and the government encourages us to allow children from the age of 8 and within a 2 mile radius to walk home from school.I completely ignored the complaint of course! I always wish I could think of a witty retort to say at the time but I always think of one hours later when it,s too late! Tips welcome on witty put-downs to interfering busy-body parents!

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Chaotica · 14/09/2010 10:15

Why does 'petty' mean 'politically correct'? What on earth does 'politically correct' have to do with this. You are clearly confused.

ruthie48 · 14/09/2010 10:18

I was trying ( obviously failed in your, opinion to explain that I meant to write politically correct, not petty!!

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ruthie48 · 14/09/2010 10:20

Please bear with me, I am no genius but please do not insult my intelligence.

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ruthie48 · 14/09/2010 10:21

Also fed up living in a nanny state!

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domesticsluttery · 14/09/2010 10:24

I heard the item too, and was horrified.

My 2 DS (aged 6 and 8) have walked themselves to school this morning, and will walk themselves home tonight. They don't always, but DD (4) is at home ill with a tummy bug at the moment.

DS1 often walks himself home from after school clubs.

We live in a rural area and it is only about half a mile to school. They don't have to cross or even walk alongside any busy roads. They are both very sensible, if they weren't I wouldn't let them walk.

The idea that some idiot would could report you for this is ridiculous!

Hullygully · 14/09/2010 10:26

It is very wrong.

ruthie48 · 14/09/2010 10:29

I know crazy isn,t it? And it,s not even a posh school!

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Chaotica · 14/09/2010 10:30

I agree with you that reporting parents for this is wrong, but you're just as likely to be reported by someone who is right wing/politically incorrect/ a complete facist for this - so please do not use these cliches (ie politically correct) to describe someone being petty.

ruthie48 · 14/09/2010 10:31

Do you mean very wrong for being reported or very wrong for allowing kids to walk(heaven forbid!) home unaccompanied?

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ruthie48 · 14/09/2010 10:32

P.S I am clearly not confused as I am a professional staff nurse!!Pleae be careful before making assumptions!

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ruthie48 · 14/09/2010 10:34

I completely disagree with your opinion but hey ho! Can,t win ,em all!

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ruthie48 · 14/09/2010 10:35

Oh and if I choose to use my choice of cliches I flaming well will!

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ShinyAndNew · 14/09/2010 10:36

I agree with you that children should be allowed more freedom and the school should not have followed up on the complaint, but I don't understand what your job or your dad's job has to do with anything?

ruthie48 · 14/09/2010 10:36

Oh and if I choose to use my choice of cliches I flaming well will!

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Chaotica · 14/09/2010 10:37

I'm not insulting your intelligence - I'm questioning your usage of 'politically correct' when it has nothing to do with the issue of prying into children walking to school. FWIW I would make the same point to a professor - it really doesn't matter what you do.

Read my post - I said I agree with you.
I just question your use of language.

ruthie48 · 14/09/2010 10:40

I was merely pointing out that perhaps as parents our priorities have become confused.The wearing of cycle helmets is much more important than allowing kids to walk to school unaccompanied. I was affording my experience as a nurse who has witnessed and treated severe head injuries through not wearing helmets. I admit I veered off the subject so apologies if i lost you there!

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pagwatch · 14/09/2010 10:41

Is it this type of thing that makes you very angry Hully?

Hullygully · 14/09/2010 10:43

It is just so wrong. What about her dad's job?

ShinyAndNew · 14/09/2010 10:44

Ah right. Well imo, children should wear helmets and have a bit of freedom

Although the children around here all seem to be slightly feral, so there are no worries on the freedom score.

I saw two boys climbing trees on Sunday. As boys (and girls) should be doing on a nice afternoon. However it's maybe not such a good idea if the tree over hangs a beck and the boys look to be around four years old with no parents/adults in sight . They did have a helmet, knee pads and a scooter though

ruthie48 · 14/09/2010 10:44

I unfortunately do not have exceptional language skills at times.I am a staff nurse not an intellect, And I still disagree with you. I am sticking to politically correct!My choice of language- sorry.

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ruthie48 · 14/09/2010 10:49

Could you clarify what you meant by "dad,s job?" Also what does feral mean ShineyAndNew.I also agree that 4 yrs old is in my opinion a tad too young to be allowing children unaccompanied. I do have a heart!

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Hullygully · 14/09/2010 10:55

About him being a child professor. He should know!

ruthie48 · 14/09/2010 11:16

I am so sorry but I just have lost the plot! Which Dad and which child Professor? Sorry, me thinks I need a coffee!!

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ruthie48 · 14/09/2010 11:20

Shall I start a campaign for the wearing of cycle helmets? Sould it be compulsory? My late father would agree!I could also rant on about the last measles epeidemic that my dad was privvy to but I aint even going there!That,s for another day and justice has ben served by The GMC.

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