My son wants to walk to school but I don’t think he’s ready. He’s 12 and starting high school. The high school is located reasonably close to our home. But to get to it he has to cross a busy road.
And I once busted him running across the road while the little red man was flashing.
Plus, he doesn’t have much experience walking anywhere. It was always easier to drive because of his little brother and sister. Now he feels like he is all grown up, owing to the fact he is a high schooler, and he is craving more freedom and independence.
Maybe I’m just not ready.
Child psychologist Dr. Kelly Bowers from Youthrive Integrated Therapy Services says there’s no particular age at which a child can walk to school, however under 10 and you may come under the scrutiny of law enforcement.
From the age of 10, she says it depends on the child.
The ridiculous things we believed as kids. Article continues…
“Ask yourself whether you feel confident in your child’s ability to cross roads, be aware of stranger danger, navigate their way to school and to arrive in a timely manner,” said Dr Bowers. “You might also want to consider a few other things when making this decision. Is your neighbourhood a safe area? Are there any major roads that your child needs to cross? Does your child have a buddy to walk with? Does your school have a walk to school policy?”
Top Comments
Wow! I am shocked by this article.
I can only think of one girl from my class at high school who didn't get to school on her own. Her mother dropped her off and picked her up from the school gates right up until the end of Year 12. The other girls were, unfortunately, not kind to her.
The beginning of high school is a perfect age for you to let your son take this small step towards independence.