As the new school year approaches, my children are preparing to embark on their journeys to school independently. They’re at an age where I believe they can manage this responsibility. I’ve instructed them to look both ways before crossing the street, although I’ve yet to witness this vital practice. Fortunately, the school is just a short distance from our home, so I feel confident in their ability to navigate the route.
Last year, we attempted a trial run, which was going well until I received feedback from my son’s teacher that he was behaving erratically during the walk. This prompted me to pause the experiment. However, this year is different, and my son is now three months older and, I hope, wiser. He will be entering second grade, while my daughter moves up to fourth. If they aren’t ready to walk to school alone now, when will they be? I have no intention of shuttling them back and forth to school until they’re old enough to drive. While many parents choose this route, I find it perplexing.
When we moved to our current town years ago, one of the attractions was its walkability. Unlike the sprawling suburb of my childhood, this community allows residents to stroll to parks, schools, and local shops. Back then, my partner and I had just one car, which sufficed for our needs as we both commuted to work.
Now, we have adapted to a two-car, two-child family, but I am eager to stop driving the kids wherever they can walk as soon as possible. Until now, I have escorted them the short distance to school, waiting anxiously for the bell before heading back home, a routine I have repeated 1,440 times. It’s not that I dislike walking; in fact, I enjoy it. However, I often find myself wishing for the time I could reclaim by not having to supervise them. I could potentially gain an extra 45 minutes or more in my day. Additionally, my morning stroll adds to my workload, as I feel compelled to maintain a certain appearance before returning home to prepare for the day ahead. I refuse to present myself in anything less than a competent light.
My frustration with this daily ritual has even led me to consider relocating based solely on the efficiency of school busing options. However, my partner wasn’t swayed by that argument, and I resigned myself to the notion that I would walk my children to school indefinitely. Then, it dawned on me: children grow up.
This year, I am determined to give the independent walk another shot. I trust that they can handle crossing the neighborhood street without a crossing guard, even though it’s a risk I must take. The question now is, when will they be ready to stay home alone?
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In summary, as I prepare to let my children walk to school independently, I reflect on the changes that come with growing up. It’s a significant step in their development, and I am ready to embrace this new chapter.