To think DD is just fine with a bike ride of this length?

[AwkwardMary]

She is 7 and we have begun to ride to school in the mornings...it is three miles down a country lane and we ride along with 3 other familys who have children who are older.

My sister said I was "very cruel" to make DD ride 6 miles a day. DD really likes the ride and it seems to help her wth confidence....she ad the other DC all ride very well and have fun....the fresh air is good...the excersise is good...yes we have to leave earlier than usual but I am adamant that this is a better way.

If it were very cold or wet then we would drive of course...am IBU to "make" my DD do this? She's not very big fo her age and I think my sis thinks that means she's not strong enough...

Oh sorry bun I see your DD is older...well t's not for all of them I suppose...some people are a bit nervy of it arent they? We had no car for a looong time and so DD had to use her push along bike a lot and then graduated...she knew it was bike or walk so no choice!

Indrid a stone! That would do me....I reckon I could lose two to be honest and still look fine...

Our hill is the side of the river valley, it's there no matter which way you try to go. The only way to avoid it is to push bikes up a muddy footpath for a mile, or to cycle another three miles along the bottom of the valley, cycle up the scarp (I usually give up and push ), cross the busy road then trespass over a rather shouty farmer's private estate roads. I've lived here since I was seven so I know the territory intimately.

My 4 year old nephew regularly rides 11 miles on his bike - it's fine. Biking is great fun!

Good lord, a friend of mine was dragging her kids up Scafell and the like at 7 and 8 (with the promise that they can have as much chocolate on the hike as they want). Kids get used to the lifestyle they are brought up in. If she's used to cycling that distance daily, good on her, and you for doing so.

just keep on going.
your sister ibvu.

Good on you and the other parents, OP. Rest easy in the knowledge that you are doing your daughter a massive favour by helping her keep fit and appreciate nature, reducing your carbon emissions and reducing traffic congestion.

What's not to love?

LMAO at v cruel!! Would she rather you take the car??

Let your DD be the judge of if it is too far. I cycle 8 miles to work(so thats 16 miles a day), two or three times a week, i don't think i could make it every day as i already get hit with the tired stick in a big way.

That would be the oly thing, maybe on a wednesday have a non bike day, but only if your DD is tired, she is young and fit and probably loves it.

Im a bit jealous :)

it seems a lovely way to start the day, and no doubt will imrove her fitness

www.edutopia.org/exercise-fitness-brain-benefits-learning

It makes you worry about DCs these days. Of course she can do it! If she can't it will be very clear.
Maybe your sister doesn't have DCs-if she has I would offer to take them out-I expect they would jump at the opportunity.

I bet academic improvement would show in schools if every DC had such an active start to the day!

golly that's a good lin McHappy ! Amazing! DD could do with upping her maths too!

I'm not sure they do bikeability for 7 year olds, but it is definitely worth asking. The schools round here do it in year 5 (9 and 10 year olds). It isn't optional. Unless the child doesn't have a bike they have to do it.