To make the kids walk 3miles to school?

Couldn't you have taken taxis at least for a couple of trips?

Well, in that case I think you try it and you will know if the first week if they will stick at it for the whole of the month.

I'd probably offer one way a day...so let them pick if they want to be dropped off or picked up.

I'd also be mindful that coughs and colds are rife this time of year and walking might really be a slog if they're under the weather

I can't believe some of these responses. No wonder there are so many unhealthy people in the UK.

I walked 2 1/2 miles to school and the same home, every day for seven years at secondary school. PE kit, cookery basket, whatever was needed. I think there was a bus but my friends and siblings wouldn't have taken it. The walk was a big part of our social life.

For those who walk as an activity, the basic rule of thumb for children is that they should be able to walk a mile per year of their age. So a five year old should be able to walk 5 miles. DS was ahead of that, he loved to walk, and still does.

OP, they will be fine, send them with an extra healthy snack if you think they'll need it.

Gosh this sounds intense to me....not as an occasional thing, that would be fine but every day...wow. Well I guess you're all fit at least. I should probably do more 😂

OP ignores this very sensible suggestion

It's a long way to walk first thing in the morning when you might be rushing, but I would cycle, which won't take long at all.

One month they can handle it.

I went and checked and I did over 2 miles a day in secondary through snow and rain, it wasn't super fun on wet days, but no one suffered!

And now… what’s your walking like now? Do you still walk so much? You must have spent most of your days walking

Just do a mixture of both. If its pissing with rain, then drive them, if its a nice morning then they can walk. It doesnt have to be completely one or the other, and it's only for a month. It's not like you're sending them up a chimney, and if they're sporty kids anyway they will be fine.

Yeah. When we could get a lift we would but that wasn't an option most of the time (except for my youngest's last year there - nursery was until 6yrs old in my country, both started at 3, when I learnt to drive)so all weathers walking or biking (more biking with DS as he went into nursery earlier in the morning while DD didn't go in until 10am), in winter I'd pull them on a sledge if there was enough snow.

At least you’ve all realised now. Of course they can walk and very quickly their stamina will build up. It’s for a month so I am sure something can be cobbled together - bike in the morning and pick up in afternoon sounds doable, or walk but lift if it’s torrential rain etc.
It’s fine for fit and healthy children to walk for a couple of hours a day. Really surprised at those saying the children are not being prioritised etc. But then I see things like that on Mumsnet a lot and I think I just parent differently.
What about if one wants to do a club after school?

So you’re in the office and supposed to be working now then

This is the obvious solution

Up at 6, out walking the dog for 6.15, home for between 7-7.15, then an hour to get ready and breakfast etc. Leave at 8.15, in school for 8.45. They leave school at 3 and are home for 3.30. Have an evening walk after dinner from about 6-7. Kids in bed for 8.

I work in the office 9.30-14.30 about a mile past their school, then work 3-4 hours from home in the evening when theyre in bed.

If you factor in a lot of people's commute time and theyre drop offs to wrap around care its probs not that much different time wise.

I’d let them walk. If it’s a massive issue you can always rethink, but I don’t think it’d do them any harm. Generations of children have survived doing this!

Or a compromise - would you be able to take them halfway?

'be a mum'. Honestly, so dramatic. Asking your kids to walk to school is hardly opting out of motherhood.

I agree with this. My last job was 3.2 miles from my house (just looked on Google maps). On nice evenings I’d walk it, one hour door-to-door. I’m a reasonably brisk walker. My colleagues were absolutely incredulous. Doing that walk is pretty unusual for an adult nowadays.
I think 12-13 year odd will be fine, but on wet days will be miserable as sin, and on heavy load days will find it difficult to forgive the OP.

It never ever ever occurs to most OPs that there is a middle way.

Nope…. It’s black and white and no possibility of anything else

I would if they could do it on bikes. I’m an avid walker and an adult and 3 miles is a lot, especially before school and in inclement weather. They’d be exhausted before the school day started and likely walking home in the dark which presents its own safety issues. Sorry, I wouldn’t do it.

I walk 2.2 miles (hilly walk) and it's fine, except in bad weather or if I'm feeling ill. Luckily I have the option of a bus.

Lots of colleagues cycle much further.

I'm laughing at some of the more extreme posts - will they be walking barefoot indeed!! I'm also laughing at the idea of them wheeling bags along.

6 miles a day is a significant but doable distance. It would be hard going twice a day, 5 X a week rain or shine. I can't see why you and your DH can't meet in the middle with it though and compromise. Or if nothing else you BOTH get to decide what you do about your own journeys. So op you opt out of yours and the kids walk to school. He picks them up.

It will take longer than 45 minutes to walk 3 miles uphill at that gradient. In bad weather with a heavy school bag it would be pretty grim.

Could you get them to walk there and do pick ups a few times a week?