To take my six year old on a nightly walk?

[AddisonM]

I need to lose some weight. I’ve been struggling with undiagnosed depression and I’m trying to dig my way out. I have been following a friend on Facebook who has dropped three stone since January just by walking. She walks every single night for miles. She looks fab.

I used to run and go to the gym but I can’t seem to muster the energy or confidence right now. So maybe a long evening walk is the way forward.

My six year old daughter is a bit prone to laziness and doesn’t really do much exercise. She’s not keen on it and I find this a bit difficult to accept, tbh (I mean I get that she doesn’t like it but it’s important to be healthy and she has couch potato tendencies). I’m thinking about taking her with me on these walks. I don’t know how up for it she will be but she’s quite clingy with me just now so she may come along just to be with me. I thought it would be nice. We could chat. We walk to school every day and I quite enjoy it.

Husband not keen on the idea (he would be at home with three year old, who wouldn’t walk far enough). Says it’s up to me, but thinks it’s a bit dark and cold and that she wouldn’t enjoy it.

Has anyone else done this?

There’s really no need to be so nasty.

I never said no women walk at night. Don’t put words into my mouth!

I’ve visited other places and I’ve seen they are busier with women at night- places with good evening public transport, shops open late, high police presence, generally busy will feel safer.

But most places in the U.K. aren’t like that- desolate after 6, only drunks stumbling out of pubs later, no jogging culture, hourly busses if that. These places won’t feel as safe.

I never get taxis and never said I did. I also don’t feel safe in them, after a horrible incident. It’s just what I know of the few shift working women who don’t have cars.

I know more women are assaulted in the home- that has also happened to me. But I can’t not go home. I can not go out alone after dark.

@Helmetbymidnight

I have to say, I don't know people this feeble in real life.

How do you manage to do anything?

Almost choked on my coffee reading this

Agree though!

But most places in the U.K. aren’t like that- desolate after 6, only drunks stumbling out of pubs later, no jogging culture, hourly busses if that. These places won’t feel as safe.

It is just not true that in 'most places in the UK' people are stumbling out of pubs at 6.30pm and women don't feel safe. I live in a village and after 6pm people are still getting on with their day, going home from work, talking their children to rainbows, swimming etc. When I lived In a large city it was still full of people going to restaurants etc.

Where are these desolate places after 6pm?

Yes a walk around your local area at 6.30 in the evening, looking at people's Christmas decorations sounds a great idea .

I would imagine there would be enough people around still at that time to make it safe but not too many that streets are busy. Round by me there are people who have just got back from work taking their dogs out or popping to the shop.

As you say, if you want to walk faster or for longer some days, you can leave your daughter at home with your husband .

@Sarahandduck18
But most places in the U.K. aren’t like that- desolate after 6, only drunks stumbling out of pubs later, no jogging culture, hourly busses if that. These places won’t feel as safe.

Sorry I just don't agree. I've live in cities, towns and rural parts of the UK and do not recognise this description of the UK.

The town I live in remains bustling after 6pm. Drunks only appear after the pubs and clubs close on a Friday or Saturday night - but none to be seen at all during the pandemic. Plenty of joggers and cyclists and these days families out for walks and empty buses drive past every few minutes.

I find it so odd that anyone finds it peculiar to take your child for an evening walk. Wrap up warm. It's invigorating to go for a chilly walk x

Well. I have since my boy was 8 taken him out running 3 or 4 times a week, as he was vegetating on his backside otherwise. At first he would walk intermittently and we would do a mile or so. He's now 10 and runs about 6k several times a week.
Does he moa? Yes when he'd rather be on his PS4. But he's fit and healthy and quite proud of his achievement. Also whilst out running I get more engaging conversation than ever.
Do couch to 5 k and definitely take her to junior park run when it restarts.
You're the parent and when she's a lean fit healthy teen she'll thank you for it. Ignore the doubters and go with your own wise instinct!!

I know more women are assaulted in the home- that has also happened to me. But I can’t not go home. I can not go out alone after dark.

It was dark today not long after 4.30 - that must be so restrictive. Obviously you are very anxious due to past experiences but you must realise the majority of people need/want to get on with life even in the early evening. Your area, deserted after 6 bar staggering drunks is definitely the exception rather than any hint of a rule!