Public transport

[supersallymum]

My 11 y/o DB wants to take the bus to school alone, he has an older brother who does this but is at a diffrent school, I only started to let my 14Y/O go with friends at 13. It's only 8 stops (a mile and a half) and I have to do a school run anyway with little sister. I'm saying no, am I being unreasonable?

[usualsuspect]

YABU

Most secondary school children make their own way to school

[BroomForMyChin]

Yes YABU. Getting on a bus shouldn't be a big deal when your at high school. Unless you have sn which would make it difficult, then of course that would be different.

[soandsosmummy]

Is he at the same school as his younger sister or is he at a different one? It not clear from your OP.

If you have to go on the same bus with her anyway, could you compromise and say he can sit where and with who he likes on the bus (i.e. with his friends) but he must go on the same bus as you for now. If he's in secondary I think YABU. I take Dd to her school by bus and see plenty of children from secondaries without their parents

[WorraLiberty]

What are your reasons for saying no exactly?

[InDulciJubilo]

I went to school at secondary by bus with my mother but only for the first day so I would know where to go. That's how I made a friend who lived near me as well as going to the same school. Our parents never went with us again - and we blossomed.

[crazynanna]

My girl got the bus alone from yr7...she would die if I offered to take her!

[BoysBoysBoysAndMe]

Depends on the area and journey I'd say.

And is it dark when he leaves and gets back to and from school?

And how responsible / streetwise is he?

Would he be with friends?

[RosiethePriveter]

My 12 year DS has just started doing it (similar distance) and he's fine, he's also autistic. He does have a mobile though and knows to call me if anything goes wrong. He also has someone waiting for him when he comes home so isn't home alone.

[RosiethePriveter]

12 year old sorry - year 6.

[usualsuspect]

The bus I get home from work is full of annoying school kids

[Nancy66]

You are being TOTALLY unreasonable - let the poor lad have some independence....

[jasper]

If he has to pay a bus fare and you need to drive there anyway he should go with you on cost grounds.
Otherwise he's old enough unless he is unusually immature/ irresponsible

[jasper]

Did i get this right - You drive a mile and a half to school with your daughter. Is there any reason you don't all walk to school?

[ChristinedePizanne]

Of course an 11 YO should go to school on the bus. Why wouldn't they?

[BoffinMum]

YABU
It is necessary for over 11s to learn independence like this.

[SquirtedPerfumeUpNoseInBoots]

Yabu. It will teach him some independence.

[Bunbaker]

"Did i get this right - You drive a mile and a half to school with your daughter. Is there any reason you don't all walk to school?"

Perhaps the OP doesn't have time to 2 x 3 mile round trips on foot each day. Don't be so judgey.

supersallymum
Are there a lot of children from your son's school on the bus? Do his friends travel on the same bus? Perhaps he would rather be with his friends. All of the children in our village get the bus to school (4 miles away). No-one gets taken by car.

I think you should let him get the bus.

[ExcitedElectrons]

YABU, there will probably be loads of children from his school anyway so he wouldn't exactly be alone. Also he needs to learn independence and how to get on a bus by himself :o

[ExcitedElectrons]

Just noticed Bunbakers post, sorry!

[jasper]

what's judgey about asking if there is any reason not to walk ? It's a valid question.
I think you are the one judging me, bunbaker

[WhatIsPi]

Of course he should get the bus on his own. Why are you against?

[cory]

Most secondary school kids around here make their own way to school , whether on foot or by public transport.

[CEDR]

Walk, Cycle, Bus... all things that are great for your child's health, development and independence. Please let him travel by himself!