School run

[Vestisbest]

Do you walk/cycle your DC to school or drive? And how far away are you?

I have two DC, eldest is no problem getting to school on foot/bike but youngest is a nightmare, having just started reception and going through all the emotions. It’s less than a mile so I’m loathe to drive, but I’m only making my own (and reception DC) life more difficult by insisting we walk/cycle.

Literally across the road so we walk.

Still had the 'I don't wanna...' stuff from DD on occasion and we've found that going to breakfast club works for her. She's much happier walking up to the office and heading straight in than she was when we were hanging out in the playground waiting for the teachers to let them in.

Is there anything you can put your finger on that is particularly bugging him about going to school in the morning?

10 minute walk so I'm not getting the car out for that !
She used to moan but now enjoys the walk as she walks with a classmate too

30 minute walk, so about 2 hours a day for me walk wise

Ours is 2.2 miles and more than half of it is along a 50mph road with no footpath so we drive.

We do a mixture. Mainly walk and let youngest go on balance bike but honestly the occasions we take the car, it’s far less stressful- we actually get there on time!

Do you take a snack to pick up, that might help.
Or a scooter that if necessary they can stand on and you pull along.

We walk. Just under a mile so takes about 15 minutes. We very occasionally drive when it's tipping it down.

About half a mile, we walk. About ten to 15 mins.

1.5 miles we drive, I would never get there on time walking, DC just started reception

Past school runs here, but at that distance it'd be walking. Would your youngest enjoy and be quick on a scooter

He’s just not enjoying life in reception right now @CyberCritical unfortunately. He’s ok when they’re although a bit wobbly, but he’s just such a mummy and daddy’s boy, he likes to be at home and it’s a big change for him. He’s ok at home in the morning but the tears and moaning often start when we’re on the way, at least in the car it’s 5 minutes and I can distract with songs, and I don’t have to rush him along. He’s definitely capable of the distance when not in a rush or sad/worried.

He has a scooter and I do pull him on it often but it doesn’t stop the moaning and tears unfortunately, and then I’m less patient because I’m stressed about getting there on time! The way back isn’t such a problem because we’re not in such a rush.

My DC also fight constantly atm which is more stressful when a bike/scooter/on foot journey is involved!

Just over 2 miles, so we drive.

We used to live closer and so we used to walk but if I’m totally honest, I actually find driving less stressful with young kids 🙊 I feel like it’s taboo to admit that though!

If you’re 1 mile away it’s kind of a tricky distance - not quite far enough to justify driving but I can see that it’s not ideal to do that twice a day with a reception age child. It will definitely get easier though!

It's a 30 minute walk for me. However I have DD1 who has just started reception and DD2 in preschool (close proximity luckily). I felt DD1 walking with DD2 pram would be too slow/difficult. So I drive to the bottom of my (very long) road. Then DD1 scoots the remaining 10 mins with DD2 in pram. This avoids all the traffic around the school and trying to find somewhere to park. And generally speeds it all and makes it less stressful.

4 min walk (0.2 mile). We moved closer to the school after a term so that we'd have an easy school run. Before that it was a 25 min tube journey (door to door). We don't own a car.

My youngest has just left primary so a bit past this but honestly, it's such early days and he's struggling a bit so I'd drive him if it's easier for both of you. It doesn't have to be permanent but if it gets him through this part then do what makes things easier.

Just drive him. Then walk in the summer. Or drive halfway and walk half way. No need to torture yourselves.

4 miles so we drive- but because of the parking we then have a 10 minute walk!

We are having some nice chats on the walk at least. He is so so tired all the time at the moment (just started Reception). It's been a big adjustment for us all.

I can't drive, so we always walked from Reception age, 40 minutes each way. DS scooted sometimes or cycled. No other choice other than getting a pricey taxi so if he didn't want to it was tough! I've noticed he's much less lazy now at 15 than his friends whose parents drive them around everywhere, DS is happy to walk most places.

Thank you to the posters giving me permission to drive 😀 made me feel much better about it and much nicer than the usual Mumsnet we walk 4 miles each way and all get along so well whilst doing so.

I agree it’s a tricky distance, not a very short walk but not far enough to 100% justify driving. Added complexity is that eldest is ND and definitely benefits from an active commute to school, but at least they are getting plenty of exercise otherwise through sports clubs. Doesn’t stop me feeling guilty when I see neighbours from my street cycling/walking in though!

At least this week has been chucking it down so I feel guilt free about driving them!!!

20 min walk. We don’t walk we get the bus there and back.

3.5 miles, car.

Could you get a bike trailer and just cycle yourself? School runs are the worst, i feel your pain!

4 minute walk with reception age child

I would drive there. Its honestly not worth the battle in the morning. Drive there and walk home in the afternoon.

Me and my 2 walk but the school is 5 minutes away. I walk further in the school, than to the school, getting the kids to their classrooms.

We do a mixture of car or walking. School is about 15 minute walk away. If it's raining we will get in the car.