Walking 2 miles to school age 9 & 11

[JulietteLeGall]

Is this reasonable ? I’m out of catchment and too far to walk so this isn’t an option for us but my brother has said that his boys have started walking in. Crossing a major, very busy, roundabout (albeit very well set up for pedestrians) then one long road with lots of side roads to cross. I feel like this is too much and am a bit worried but I’m not in a town so don’t know what is normal.

I walked since with my child since she was 4 years old 2.5 miles each way to her school. No other option.
No public transport, no car.

No, not my problem. But they are my nephews and I am concerned

There is a public bus that would take them some of the way but they don’t like the risk?! Or the expense

I'd say the 11 yr old (at secondary) should be fine.
The 9 year old is too young - and their older brother shouldnt be responsible for them.
Walking a short distance alone aged 9 is ok.
Walking miles with a parent is absolutely ok.
But the combination of distance and age is one too far for me - and I say that as a parent of a 9 year old who is walking back from school - but less than a km.

I think it is a long way for a 9 year old and an 11 year old as well! Quite apart from the obvious bickering ,an 11 year old should not really be responsible for a younger child its not fair on them . I would maybe say to DB your concerns (tactfully!) but if he wont act on them not much you can do really

It's fine. Two miles is a pretty short distance.

The distance and the roads at their ages isn’t the problem, it’s their ability and willingness to not behave like idiots that is the greater concern. The responsibility that comes with independence is a learned lesson.

I live in the Netherlands so kids generally have more freedom, DD cycles 3 miles each way (across busy roads but most with dedicated bike lanes) to and from school.

I walked probably 2 miles each way to school. I hated it. I’m the summer I was sweaty and uncomfortable. The winter was the worst. Raining cats and dogs and be soggy all day. It’s not right really, you need back up for bad weather. 9 year old will left alone. Older brother will probably abandon him.

It does seem a bit far for a 9 year old without adult supervision. I'm pretty certain road safety guidance is that children under 10 shouldn't cross busy roads without an adult. It'll probably fall apart, anyway, the minute the older boy joins an after school club, gets a detention or asks to ride his bike so he can have more time to do his homework. Lots of parents start off with these things, only to find them impractical and abandoning them. You may just have to wait and see how it goes, but I don't think it would do any harm to casually mention your concerns, just try not to be too judgy. They may feel there are no other choices.

You could enquire if they have checked with the school and explain that some schools wouldn’t allow it

Distance is fine. Personally I'd go with the youngest for another year or so, but I like school runs as they're time to chat with the kids.

Far too far for a 9 year old at all, especially alone in winter and over a busy road.

Dark nights

It wouldn't be a problem for me, assuming the children have a good understanding of road safety.

Personally I think 40 mins walk each way is too far, but we have prioritised short school journeys in our house so perhaps I am biased. I agree with PP who have said that adults can easily downplay the effects of a long journey to school every day.

God no wonder we have such high levels of obesity in the western world, two miles is not a long distance to walk. Children who wake up and are driven to school are probably worse off. A walk wakes the brain up. Children have to be given some independence. They're crossing at a pedestrian crossing, not making a dash across the motorway.

Obviously your brother and his partner think it's OK.

I'd encourage them to cycle or scooter because it is somehow easier when you are a bit tired but otherwise, that's not a bad commute.

The distance is reasonable. As long as the 9 year old allows the 11 year old to decide when it is safe to cross the roundabout then I'd be fine with that too. Will the 9 year old be 10 before he has to do the journey alone? Age 10 is what was said to be the age children are capable of judging speed and distance to safely cross busy roads when DS was that age.

Oh, and do they have nice bright coats or reflective strips?

I wouldn't want my kids walking that distance alone, but with me I wouldn't mind it. I don't like the fact you said they argue either, all it takes is one argument for them to be distracted. Could you persuade them to take the bus? Much safer.

That's how far I walked when I went to senior school. It's good exercise and you get to chat to your friends the whole way

I used to ride my bike that distance everyday on my own from about the age of 12. Minimal roads mostly pathways. I think it's too far for young kids to walk on their own. Too many opportunities for them to fall out and get separated get distracted, get side tracked or have someone else approach them.

Far too young to go on their own without adult supervision - mine have a childminder they are no way old enough it's very irresponsible not to mention dangerous.

If they "don't want to RISK" a bus (do you mean covid??) or want the expense of bus fares send them to a school more local!!

Certainly not. My school wouldn’t even allow a 9 year old to leave class without a parent to collect them