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Original poster

Walking to school alone - advice please

257 replies

chickensarnie · 04/09/2024 21:35

DD is 9 (early may baby)

DS is 15 and usually takes her to school but lately has been making my life a misery because he doesn't want to. Even though it's the same road as his own school!

I can’t change my work hours, I commute so I leave at 740. I don't have any family or friends who can help.

AIBU to let DD walk alone? She's not allowed a phone at school which is my only worry, how would I know she got there?

It's 2 streets away, no main roads. Takes less than 5 mins to get to school. Theres a pelican crossing to cross the road, which she knows how to use. It's not a main road but it can get busy.

I think it's fine but I'm worried school will say it's not.

It's a village not a city if that makes a difference.

My only worry is how would I know she got there safe?

OP posts:
Beginningless · 04/09/2024 21:41

This sounds absolutely fine to me, if you think she could do it safely. My DD is coming up to 9 and I would let her walk alone if it weren’t for one busy road which doesn’t have a crossing. If it were a walk that sounds as straightforward as yours I would. Our school phones if a kid hasn’t turned up with no explanation - wouldn’t they do this? Where I live the school lets kids walk home alone from this year, why do you think yours would object?

Littletreefrog · 04/09/2024 21:40

I would tell DS to sort out his attitude and contribute to the household by doing this one little task. If its only two streets away its hardly eating into his hanging out with friends before school time.

BUT you know your DS if you think this could risk him just deciding to leave her to walk by herself anyway then I would maybe see if there's a friend she can tag along with on the way to school instead.

Abra1t · 04/09/2024 21:40

Well I would let her if she’s sensible.

Humdingerydoo · 04/09/2024 21:40

I wouldn't allow that, no. I know our school wouldn't either.

Can she walk with a friend?

Dramatic · 04/09/2024 21:40

Yes it would be fine with me, presuming she's year 5? Our school allows year 5 and 6 to walk home alone (with permission) and I know some schools allow it from year 3. I'd say year 5 is a good time to let them start walking alone.

Iblowgoats · 04/09/2024 21:40

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Tulip8 · 04/09/2024 21:37

Not a chance would I do this.