Walking to school - is a mile too far? And are we going to have to set off at 7am to get there on time?

[smellyeli]

We are looking at state primaries and the one that we like and has spaces is about a mile away from where we are looking to move to. I have no idea how far I used to walk to school (felt like 10 miles but apparently it was not) - does anyone do a mile or so with a tired 5 year old and an 18 month old in a buggy? And if so how long does it take you?? I am really keen not to have to drive.

Dp did a mile and a half each way with the dds for years, with dd2 walking it, rather than buggying from aged two. For the last couple of years it was nearer two miles each way. I worry tbh about how many people seem to think a mile is a long way (not saying YOU do, just the population generally).

what's a mile? 20 minutes?

I did this with a pre-schooler and a baby/toddler in a buggy, before 8am and again at 6pm. Do-able. I'm not that tough.

yep we have got over a mile walk each way - have an 8month old in a buggy and a 5 year old - he's fine both ways, everyday in all weathers though tbh he has to be as I dont drive.

The more they walk, the more they get used to it obviously. I dont think a buggy board is necessary for a 5 year old at all - in fact mine would be embarrassed.

I do feel a bit knackered by the end of the day having done it 4 times though.

It takes us about 15-20mins but he runs most of the way of his own volition. We often run past all the other children from his school sitting in their cars in traffic.

why do you have to leave at 7Am?

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Remember you'll be doing it twice a day , that's 4 miles, maybe taking upwards of an hour and a half which is a fair trek especially with a cranky toddler who would rather not be in the buggy ata ll.

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Actually I am mildly shocked that you think a mile would be too far. I don't think it's even bordering on far. Your DC will get used to it.

miles fine. I used to walk a mile to school when young. Would have to do it now if we didn't live closer

We used to go a mile to school with 5yo, 4yo and 1yo. It was fine. We often cycled (baby on back, the other two cycling on their bikes) but sometimes walked. It took maybe 25 minutes walking with them.

Toddler wasn't cranky about it, she liked the journey. The 5 and 4 year olds were fine with it too.

well Riven I do think you're being a little presumptuous there. DS1 didn't walk until he was 18.5 months and there's no way in hell he'd have managed a mile at 2yrs old

Bike - great idea. Could alternate with buggy. Lots to see on the way (well, you know - not exactly lots,but dogs/cats/old ladies/trees/buses - so enough to keep things interesting. For someone who doesn't get out much.) and hopefully others will be walking too.

Riven - hopefully it will make up for all the cake eating over the past ten years, but somehow I fear not.......

I love you MNetters - I'm amazed my own ignorance and insecurity about something so relatively simple can generate so much helpful advice from complete strangers

Lol at "old ladies" being on the list of interesting things to see!

bike with buggy here, when my dd was younger she went in it as well, 2 seater one, it has been brilliant, good for luggage too... I do the trip 3 times a day, ds is at pre-school nursery at the same school. I cycle there to collect ds (takes 7 mins max), cycle there to meet dd, we all walk home, though ds aged 4 sometimes hops in and out of the bike buggy. We have lots of roads to cross and ds and dd tend to have a run around a park, so 30 mins is necessary if ds is walking.

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We must be about a mile from school - takes me ten to 12 minutes when I'm on my own and hurrying. When ds was little (nursery age) could take him up to an hour and a half on the way back. 'Hello sky, hello leaves, ooh, what a lovely caterpillar, shall we watch him for 20 minutes'. Endearing, if I was in the mood, aggravating if not!

It's never been a problem, even when ds was tiny. It is A Good Thing for children to walk a reasonable distance to school (although obviously you don't actually have to move house if you happen to live within a hundred yards or anything).

We do a mile every day - from dc in reception, and me with single or double buggy depending on the day. Of course it's not too far! Would strongly suggest scooter - seems to get the most reluctant walkers moving, although it does take a slight leap of faith down hills at first!

My DS has a scooter bike and we walk about a mile to school and then I walk back with buggy everyday. He's 3.9 and has been walking distance since he was 2. I recommend getting some practise in so that they build up their stamina.

At the weekend we looked after a friends DS and walked the 2 boys the mile to the park and back (so 2 miles in total), friends DS was too tired to even eat lunch, and fell asleep on the sofa.

At 5 I would expect that he should be fine!
It's great exercise for you too!