Our question this week:
Our school allows 3rd graders to walk to/from school by themselves. My daughter is excited to do it next fall. We only live three blocks away but it would make me nervous with all the crazy people in the world.
What age did/will you let your child walk alone? And also at what age did you let your child stay home unattended for short periods (like while you run quick errands)?
To be honest, I have NO idea how old my kids will be when they are allowed to walk to school alone or be home alone. My opinion is that there really isn’t a certain age that is the “right” age for these things. It depends on the child, the neighborhood and even the kids that your child might be walking with.
YOU are the mommy. YOU know best. My advice is to trust your gut instinct and do what YOU feel is best, even if you decide on something that’s different than what other mother’s are doing. You’ll never regret protecting your children.
YOU are the mommy. YOU know best. My advice is to trust your gut instinct and do what YOU feel is best, even if you decide on something that’s different than what other mother’s are doing. You’ll never regret protecting your children.
We homeschool, so walking to and from school isn’t an issue. We do, however, live very close to our downtown area, where the library and several fun shops are. It is roughly 1/2 mile. Our oldest was not allowed to walk into town alone until she was 12. Am I overprotective? Maybe. But when you consider that there is a crazy intersection to get through, and all kinds of “strangers” walking our street because it’s our local bike path – maybe I’m not so crazy after all.
As for the leaving alone for a short time, I think the oldest was 10 and Little Brother was 8. And then I left for less than an hour. Recently, they had the whole day home alone, at ages 13 and 15).
As for the leaving alone for a short time, I think the oldest was 10 and Little Brother was 8. And then I left for less than an hour. Recently, they had the whole day home alone, at ages 13 and 15).
I think this is something that is individual to each child and family. Trust your gut and do what is best for you.
I’ve worked in several different schools. One thing I loved was seeing was groups of kiddos walking to and from school together. The little ones walked in groups and a different parent took turns walking a block behind. Maybe something like that could work for your neighborhood.
I’ve worked in several different schools. One thing I loved was seeing was groups of kiddos walking to and from school together. The little ones walked in groups and a different parent took turns walking a block behind. Maybe something like that could work for your neighborhood.
Well I think a lot depends on where you live, the kid and the route to school. When we had a 30 minute walk I always took them. Now we live 5 minutes away with one road to cross. So I let them go when they were 10
I’m not there yet – my little man is only 2 ! However, reading this question did make me sweat a little !
Unfortunetly, I can’t answer this question from experience – but I’m sure whatever decision you make will be the right one !
Unfortunetly, I can’t answer this question from experience – but I’m sure whatever decision you make will be the right one !
Well, since my son is no where near this age…I’m not sure how helpful my answer would be. As of right now, I would say around 10ish but that would totally depend on the child. I have cousins who are triplets and I would feel comfortable leaving two of them alone but most definately not leave the other one. I also have cousins who are younger that I would not feel comfortable with leaving alone.
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MiMi says
Yeah, so…I'm a little bit of a helicopter mom, at least in these things. I don't know that I'll ever let them walk. LOL
Rachel says
I think there has to be an element of trust with walking to school. After it's clear a child knows how to cross a street safely, and a parent has accompanied on the walk several times, a nine year old must be trusted to do something so simple as walk to school. It's good for him/her to grow in self confidence and independence. As far as leaving kids home alone, I think legally a child must be 11 to be considered “in charge” at home alone. But even eleven can be too young to take care of little siblings alone, so it totally depends on the individual child.
Matt and Meg says
This mommy panel made me think about my elementary school days. I wales to school every day with a bunch of my friends. We would pick each other up along the way. It was probably a 10 minute walk. I think I was allow to start walking by myself in the 3rd grade. I loved it.
Pamela says
My 2 little ones I homeschool, but my 3 big boys the school is to far for them to walk to, it would probally take them a good 45 minutes or so, I wouldnt let them walk though, eventhough we live in a nice country town I am very overprotected. But I do remember walking to middle and high school which were 4 and 5 blocks from my home we would walk and pick each other up, so there was a group of us walking together.
Amy - while wearing heels says
I am so glad I don't need to worry about this yet…not looking forward to the day I will have to make these decisions. It's so hard to let go, isn't it?
Holly says
This is definitely something to think and talk about. My 1st grader still wants to walk together all the way up to the school door and I am glad not to worry about him going on his own just yet. I am sure that day will come soon enough…
Your Doctor's Wife says
Nominated you for blog award!
http://www.yourdoctorswife.com/2012/05/versatile-blogger-award.html
Tranae says
I'm not a fan of kids walking to/from school. It would be different if parents agreed to post on each block. That way the kids are not really alone.