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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think a 40 minute walk to school nursery is manageable?

361 replies

Heckythump1 · 19/06/2019 11:15

We are looking at pre-schools for September for an almost 4 year old. (We've just found out we have to move in a few weeks) we have a few choices but our favourite on paper is a school nursery 40 minutes walk away. Neither of us drive so we will have to walk whatever the weather, although there are buses for some of the journey.
We are visiting all options in the next week or so.
Am I being daft wanting to send them to a better place further away or should I send her to a closer one that I don't like as much?

OP posts:
BiscuitDrama · 19/06/2019 11:17

40 minutes at a four yr old pace or adult pace?Smile

HorridHenrysNits · 19/06/2019 11:17

That's going to be a lot to coax a 3-4 year old to do when they're tired after a session. How much of the journey does the bus cover?

Unihorn · 19/06/2019 11:17

I wouldn't want to do that day in, day out for a year, no. Nor would a tired 4 year old I wouldn't imagine.

00100001 · 19/06/2019 11:17

if you have the time, then yes. Although you might want to get your daughter to scoot or cycle (if possible), as it will be quicker than her walking!

How do you currently get to work?

00100001 · 19/06/2019 11:18

it also depends if your daughter is used to walking that far.

You might need to train her up!

GreenFingersWouldBeHandy · 19/06/2019 11:19

40 mins walk for you or DC?

Imagine it in the dark in the middle of winter. Doesn't sound like much fun to be honest.

Is cycling an option?

AyBeeCee10 · 19/06/2019 11:19

No I wouldnt do that. For a 4yo that's just too much. She might be tired or feeling poorly, or belting down with rain etc. Just too many factors for such a little child.

Dreamingofkfc · 19/06/2019 11:20

My 5 year old struggles with a 15 minute walk home from school....it takes us double that! Will you be using a buggy? Or expecting your little one to walk?

CodenameVillanelle · 19/06/2019 11:21

What if it's pissing down rain?
This seems like a terrible idea tbh

MynameisJune · 19/06/2019 11:21

Can you get a bike and a bike seat for your daughter? Are these full days or half days?

Original poster
Heckythump1 · 19/06/2019 11:22

It would be two different buses to cover the whole journey.
We have a scooter which she loves and we'd definitely use it.
She would probably be doing 2 full days and 1 half day so wouldn't be everyday.
I really love the school on paper so think I might want her to go there when she starts reception too, i'm so excited to visit it.
Gosh it's so stressful trying to decide what is the best thing to do!

OP posts:
Sparklingbrook · 19/06/2019 11:22

I wouldn't have wanted to do that. You will have to do the walk there and back twice, it will take a fair chunk of time from your day.

How long are the sessions? Will it be worth you going home?

HomeMadeMadness · 19/06/2019 11:23

I've done a similar commute but DC1 was in a buggy at the time so it was about a 35 minute walk at my pace and he could be under the rain cover. I actually don't mind walking so it was OK. I don't think I'd like it if I had to drag a tired toddler with me though!

Buddyelf · 19/06/2019 11:23

Sorry I wouldn’t either. We live, at an adults pace, 5 mins walk from school/nursery. Takes twice as long when I have the DC with me and three times that when it’s raining and they just have to have their own brollys and stop and look at puddles etc.
On top of that a 40 min walk twice a day is a lot for a 4 year old, they’re so tired after school. You’ll end up with a never ending ‘will you carry me’.

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 19/06/2019 11:24

Hell no! Tbh if it was that superior a school and I was that keen I’d learn to drive

Original poster
Heckythump1 · 19/06/2019 11:24

We walk everywhere due to not driving, not used pushchair for a long time.
Not sure we could do bike and seat as it's down one hill and up another, I'm not the fittest person ever but I like walking!

OP posts:
BigRedLondonBus · 19/06/2019 11:26

I wouldn’t want to do that. Mine walk is half that and I find it annoying tbh doing it in the rain and cold is unpleasant and my children are slow, no way would they do 40 minutes and they are older than yours.

TheCatDidSay · 19/06/2019 11:26

Have been doing that for the last 7years and will be for another 7 by the time the youngest starts and finishes school.

As long as you have options for bad weather such as the bus, it’s actually quite nice we get to have nice chats there and back.

Original poster
Heckythump1 · 19/06/2019 11:27

Onlyfoolandmothers... yes I plan to learn to drive soon, but obviously won't happen before September!

OP posts:
Di11y · 19/06/2019 11:27

what's the likelihood you'd get into reception there if it's so far?

how far with a brisk walk and scoot?

HorridHenrysNits · 19/06/2019 11:28

That sounds like a colossal pain in the arse tbh. And we walked everywhere too, but when mine were that age and tired, they made enough of a meal of a shorter walk home. It would have to be much, much better than the other options for me to be willing to take this on. It's not about your preferences and abilities, it's theirs.

I'd also point out that the 2 longer days is a double edged sword. Yes, it's fewer walks need doing, but its also meaning two of the six will be done when your child has been in preschool all day.

Sceptre86 · 19/06/2019 11:29

Our nursery is a 20 minute walk ( adult pace) and dd will be doing the walk alongside me two days a week. I am currently learning to drive. In dry weather it should be ok but I imagine she will be tired after a session but I am not looking forward to it in winter as we do get snow and it tends to rain a lot here. Tbh unless the other nursery is amazing I would look at practicalities and go with the shorter commute. If you are likely to have another child then you would need to do that walk whilst pregnant or with a baby, would that be manageable for you? Just something to consider if you have other young children or intend to.

SansaStarkers · 19/06/2019 11:29

I walk this amount to school.

Some days it's a pain. Sometimes it's lovely.

With a 4 year old I would be tempted to get a bike though.

drspouse · 19/06/2019 11:30

Would you even get a place at the school if you are that far?

Sirzy · 19/06/2019 11:31

If your thinking long term to school then will you even get a place to a school that far away?