DS starts secondary school this September, and he'll have to take a bus

[ChickensGoMeh]

So what, you say? Well, we currently live a five minute walk from primary school and I walk him and DS2 down. DS shows no interest in walking himself/walking with friends. It's a safe route. Both possible secondary schools are over 2 miles away, and involve crossing a dual carriageway. So walking not really an option. Both schools run buses for students. There will be no problem getting DS a place on the bus. But I am hand wringing and fretting about him getting himself to school. He'll have a five minute walk to the bus stop, then the bus will take him directly to school and back again. I am scared that a big child will eat him So if your DC take a bus to school, can you reassure me that a) they're more than capable at 11 (er, nearly 12 actually) and b) Year 11's don't really eat Year 7's. Thanks muchly

mimble - definitely NOT Worst Mother Alive, you are very sensible allowing your DS a little freedom when he can handle it. They have to grow up and learn how to handle their independence soon enough, it is best to let go gradually.

Not like some y7's I know who have gone from not being allowed out on their own even to walk to the shops in y6, to getting themselves to school 20 miles away, involving a lengthy train journey. Without even a practice run beforehand! .

Now THAT is taking throwing them in at the deep end to ridiculous lengths!