The Imperfect Community

Jessica · Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 7:56 am Post subject: 8 yr. old wants to walk to school

Holden is begging us to be able to walk to and fro school. We live about 8 blocks away, so close enough where we walk, but far enough that I haven't let him do it on his own. He's now coming out of the upperclassman doors since he's a big third grader and other kids his age walk, but ususally it's with a brother or friend, he doesn't really have anyone to walk with.

I'm very apprehensive about this, but I don't want him to think we're babying him either, but 8 still seems little, although I was walking home in Kindergarten when I was a kid! He says that he's the only one who's Dad comes to walk with him everyday. I gave him a really hard pop quiz, like what if someone says, "I lost my puppy or my friend is hurt, will you come and help me?", or "What if the neighbor said you could go with him or David's mom", in which the answer is yes because we have given him permission already. I asked about crossing the street in which he said, "No problem, left-right-left, I'm not a baby!"

What do you guys think? Scott is thinking to meet him halfway come Monday and then every few days start letting him go a little further. I'm just worried about that day he's walking the whole way home by himself. It's so out of my comfort zone. Isn't 8 still young to do this?

Petulant Pixie · Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 8:27 am Post subject:

I don't know. It depends on the kid, Jess. I don't know if I'd let Alex do it when he was that age, and from where Katie is NOW, there's no way I'd let her do it.

The fear isn't right away, because at first, he's going to be hyper-careful, minding all the rules and doing as he's supposed to. It's after that that's the concern, when he's confident about the routine and he starts to get bold--or lax. That's when you've got to worry, and worry ever after!

Have you thought about sending him with a cell phone? Cingular has this "pay as you go" plan that's really cheap (you can get cards that work out to like $8 a month), and there's no contract. I've already eye-balled them for when my kids have a need--they don't yet, but what you're describing is something I might consider a need. He'd have to remember to turn it on when he's leaving the school building every day and hand it over to you when he gets home, but then you'd be in contact with him.

Alex is being given time alone more at home, when I run errands or go to get Katie and I love being able to call him at home on MY cell phone just to be sure the house isn't on fire or that he isn't being held captive by some child torturer who broke in as I left.

Jessica · Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 9:12 am Post subject:

I did a little research on the kid phone thing, and as much as this violates children's "rights", I think I'm in love7

with it.

I was also thinking walkie-talkies, but have to do a cost comparison. I think we're close enough that those would work, but I'm really diggin' that above linked child tracking service. That would probably make me confident enought to let him walk home alone, don't you think?

Scout · Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 9:20 am Post subject:

The tracking phone is a good idea. I think the violation of privacy/trust thing is more a factor with teenagers. At this age, it's truly just a safety tool. I think if we were close enough, I'd let Calvin walk right now if he felt ready. He is also 8 and in the third grade. Starting out by meeting him halfway seems like a good plan. It's too bad there isn't a neighbor or someone he can walk with. But it seems like you guys live in a nice, safe neighborhood, right? I think it's really good for kids to be able to do these kinds of independent things when circumstances allow. I can totally understand being worried about him, though.

DietCokeHead · Queen of Imperfection Joined: 29 Apr 2002 Posts: 3805

I guess I would have to see the path that he would take, and the neighborhood, etc. 8 does seem yong to walk alone but I dont know... can you just walk way, way behind him instead? Laughing

MainstreamMom · Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 5:28 pm Post subject:

Well I was walking back and forth starting in K (but I had two friends in the neighborhood to walk with). If he will be alone I would either meet him and use the walkie talkies or cell phone.

I don't know though. Things are just different now.

prescott · Posted: Sun Sep 10, 2006 6:20 pm Post subject:

FYI, Radio Shack has 3-mile range walkie talkies for 10 bucks, so that's probably the way to go.

Of course, I don't think Holden even needs those, but I'm willing to get them for Jessica's comfort level....

ExCareerGal · Posted: Mon Sep 11, 2006 8:08 pm Post subject:

If I let my kid walk I would be stalking him or her the entire way. I am way too paranoid!
Janna

Sewingsiren · Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 10:28 am Post subject:

If there are sidewalks and not a lot of traffic, I would be okay with it. Where I live the kids would have to cross two very busy multi-lane roads. I just don't trust the drivers. I walk alot myself with the kids, and I know they (drivers) do not respect the rights of pedistrians.

prescott · Posted: Tue Sep 12, 2006 2:35 pm Post subject:

We are in a 150 year old neighborhood with sidewalks, laid out in a grid so it's a *very* easy walk. Straight east, straight north.

We wound up getting walkie talkies. We did a "test run" today -- he beeped me when he left, and I met him half way.

*My* only concern is the damn kid won't get himself dressed properly when it's cold out. We had lost hat/glove issues even when I picked him up! Laughing