If your DC walk to/from school alone.....come and reasure me.

[LynetteScavo]

Long story, but we've agreed DS can walk home from school on his own. He is 9 1/2, very sensible, and it's about 1/2 a mile walk.

I now feel sooooooo nervous.

Speak to me!

Tell me he will be fine and not bundled into a care by a kidnapper!

He'll be fine, of course he will, you know how sensible he is.

However, be prepared for a load of criticism from -busybodies- other parents.

He'll be fine LS. Mine walked at that age and I think walking home is best to start with.

I know, only 2 weeks ago I was tut-tutting about another boy in has class walking home alone.

Mine doesnt but she will one day. If its on a route where lots of parents/kids do it then he will be fine. all the kids that do so at our school our watched by us mums (and if the kids aren't sensible that has been known to be reported back!) its good prep for senior school - if you give him a bit of independence at this age he will cope so much better when he is a bit older I think.

he'll do it a few times then ask you to pick him up again, as he doesn't want to carry his own bag

He'll be fine and agree with Mrs W that he'll ask you to pick him up soon enough when he has heavy bags to carry

Well, DS2 (8) and DS3 (10) have been walking to school and back home alone (a five minute walk) for the whole of this school year with no problems whatsoever, unless you count having to be sent back for missing coats and trainers. You're doing the right thing getting him used to more independence before he goes to secondary school. I've not been aware of much criticism from other parents - they generally approve. It's a good idea to let the school know what you've arranged - they tend to like to know, and it should ensure your DS isn't kept at school one day because a teacher doesn't believe him when he says he's allowed to walk home on his own.

He'll be fine.

I'd let DS3, 10 in August, walk home and it's two miles for him.

(He doesn't, but he's sensible enough to).

Mine walk to school - DS1 nearly 11 and DS2 8.

DS1 has been walking to school since the summer term of Yr4, he will be getting the school bus in September to High School - yikes.

Our twin 9 year olds walk home alone (5 minute walk).

They will be fine. Most children are hit, burnt , abused and mistreated sadly by someone they know in their own home. Out and about is often the safest place to be yet people get so worried about children being out. It's good for them to learn how to cope with risks. Children of 5 and 6 walk to school alone in Germany I believe.

He'll be alright, probably see others walking to school too. My eight year old now nine was doing it.

My DD yr 5 rides to school, although we are only just round the corner and she has done her cycling proficiency.

Worrying is normal. I worried about letting my 10 year old walk five minutes to and from school, but she is 6 months later quite responsibly playing out with hr friends for an hour or so after school.

The deal is...always know where you are/know your route (so you can make a quick getaway if needed), stick to main streets, never ever use the alleyways, and if you are staying out, then make sure you have a friend with you. Safety in numbers, yadda yadda.

Pat on the back, they'll be fine.

In our area, there are so many children walking to school at the same time, and they all know each other, I think it would very be difficult for an abductor to pass unnoticed.

I was very happy to let dd (10) and ds (7) walk together last year; sadly, dd is now in a wheelchair (no! not a school-walking related incident), so I have to come out to push her.

Tbh I'd rather they started practising independence before they get to secondary school, while they're still sensible...
IME 9yo haven't quite developed that teen idea of being invincible.

Get a grip Kerry.

here in Japan, all children walk to school on their own from age 6. In Tokyo they ride the train/subway/bus from that age...
I know, its a different country and much safer here in general, but it gives them such a feeling of independence and confidence. Your DS will be fine.

If you're worried could he walk with a friend?

I'm sorry to hear that about your daughter, Cory.

Where I am children walk to school from the age of six. They often walk together with other classmates and not alone.

Prepare you son for the walk, and tell him if he see somebody he knows from his school or class, he can go join them so he doesnt have to walk alone. Tell him about not walking out into the street, and make sure he knows how to cross the road safely. (Get him a mobile phone for emergencies and your reassurance if you can, with your number on speed dial)

Most importantly, tell him: If a stranger in a car stops and drives slowly next to him, run away. If the driver opens the window and start talking to him, even if it is asking for directions, RUN. And do never go into somebodys car, if offered sweets, a ride, etc. EVEN IF HE KNOWS THEM. He should just say "nah, its ok, I want to walk" and walk away.

Thanks everybody.

He'll be passing a high school, so there are lots of teenagers around at that time of day. I'm not sure if that makes things better or worse. - When I've walked passed at that time of day, they have all been well behaved, but seem to have no road scence at all!

I gave him the lecture of not getting into anyones car, even if he knows them. (With the exception of one of his grandparents).

I did wonder about a mobile phone. Would it make him safer? I'm imagining him being mugged for a £10 phone. I'm quite against mobiles for chidren. I really can't decide on this one.

He will be fine. Mine DD does and she's just 9. I admit she walks with a friend most days but not always. However there are always plenty of other children and parents going to school on the same route. That helps.