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AIBU?

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Original poster

To make the kids walk 3miles to school?

792 replies

DHdoingmyheadin · 02/09/2025 08:07

Due to ongoing roadworks, the main road through the village to my kids school is closed and will be for c. a month. We are right at the edge of where the roadworks are so we have two options:

(A) A 15 mile detour by car, down the road all the traffic is being funnelled down (a main A road that is congested even when the road through the village is open). Which I trialled yesterday, and took me 45 minutes each way. This was with no school traffic as schools go back tomorrow. So I’d be doing at least 90 minutes of driving each morning and DH 90 mins in the afternoon.

(B) The kids walk to school and back. 3 miles each way.

DH is adamant I can’t possibly expect them to walk. It’s hilly. It’s due to rain. I think they walk. I think it would be insane to drive when it’s literally faster for them to walk. It’s 3 miles. I’m not asking them to swim the channel and then scale Mount Everest. Kids are 12 and 13.

AIBU to put my foot down and refuse to drive?

OP posts:
MyDogHumpsThings · 02/09/2025 08:15

Not unreasonable at all - in fact, I’m sure it would be good for them! Make sure they’re wearing good shoes and coats. I used to do this regularly as a kid (usually when I missed the bus). At 12 and 13 they should be able to find their way and navigate roads, and they’re together. Not a problem. I’d give them a lift in torrential rain.

childofthe607080s · 02/09/2025 08:15

It’s a hour each way - they would need decent rucksack and possibly an extra snack but beyond that it’s very good for them - longer for them shorter for you

yes it’s something I would do myself - it’s rare that there is heavy rain - I guess you need to watch the forecast and get up earlier on those days to take them in

Octavia64 · 02/09/2025 08:15

Bikes.

if you get mountain type bikes they’ll be good over footpaths and Bridleways you don’t need roads,

you can get panniers to go on the back for OE kits and similar.

my kids grew up in Cambridge abd everyone bikes to school there.

Mynewnameis · 02/09/2025 08:14

Too far. But there must be some other options like driving part way, sharing lifts

Comtesse · 02/09/2025 08:14

My kids have to carry heavy rucksacks (loads of textbooks required) so I would prefer not to make them walk 3 miles given the circumstances.

HeddaGarbled · 02/09/2025 08:14

Compromise: drive them when it’s raining or you’re not in a rush to get to work; let your H do whatever he chooses.

Spies · 02/09/2025 08:14

Soontobe60 · 02/09/2025 08:12

Would you be happy to do a 3 mile walk twice a day in the rain before and after work? Give them a bloody lift!

Agreed especially in the winter. If they can't cycle then yes I'd give them a lift.

coffeetasteslikeshit · 02/09/2025 08:14

Nannyfannybanny · 02/09/2025 08:09

Depends on their ages.

Are you being serious?

I’m not asking them to swim the channel and then scale Mount Everest. Kids are 12 and 13.

From the OP.

Lafufufu · 02/09/2025 08:14

Can you use bikes or scooters -3 miles is a fair way.

On hideous days I'd def drive them

Cadenza12 · 02/09/2025 08:14

6 miles a day? That's ridiculous.

Kittylickingplate · 02/09/2025 08:13

Ride your bike and meet them?

ScaryM0nster · 02/09/2025 08:13

Walking one way feels like a fairly obvious compromise.

AuntieAunt · 02/09/2025 08:13

They bike? I’d be tempted to offer them £10 a week for cycling as it’s the money saved on petrol.

Could they bike on days it’s not chucking it down, and you give lifts on the days they’ve got to take ingredients in/it’s pouring it down.

Surely three miles is only a 20minutes bike ride. It will be good for them and the planet.

Soontobe60 · 02/09/2025 08:12

Would you be happy to do a 3 mile walk twice a day in the rain before and after work? Give them a bloody lift!

FollowSpot · 02/09/2025 08:12

Is the road closed to pedestrians? If not I would keep my car parked the other side of the roadworks and go from there.

6 miles walking a day is quite a lot, it will be dark for the later part. Do the kids walk alone or will one of you need to do 2 x 6 miles round trips a day?

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 02/09/2025 08:12

Do they have bikes or scooters that sounds more sensible? Or could you leave earlier for less traffic?

Nannyfannybanny · 02/09/2025 08:09

Depends on their ages.

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