DAD.info
Free online course for separated parents
Forum - Ask questions. Get answers.
Free online course for separated parents
DAD.info | Fatherhood | Being Dad | Should I let my child walk to school?

Should I let my child walk to school?

Maya Griffiths

Maya Griffiths

Allowing your child their first taste of freedom with a solo walk to school can be a nerve-wracking prospect for parents. Many what-ifs may run through your mind and you might feel hesitant to allow it.

Here’s some tips on what to consider.

What is age-appropriate?

You’ll likely know when your child is ready to walk alone as you’ll feel confident to let them. In general most kids begin walking to school between the ages of 9 and 11. However, if your child isn’t very savvy with crossing the road yet then you could walk with them, practising looking both ways carefully until they seem ready.

You’ll also want to consider whether your child knows not to talk to strangers, and if you feel that they’d know what to do when faced with that situation.

Take safety measures

One helpful way to monitor your child on their walk to school is using an app like Find My iPhone, which you can use to follow their journey. Bear in mind, however, that these apps can stop tracking if their phone is turned off.

You can also give your child a personal alarm, which they can put in their pocket or attached to their bag should they need it.

Walk with friends

There’s safety in numbers. If your child can arrange to walk to and from school with a friend or two then you’re likely to feel more reassured about their safety. If possible, note your child’s school route buddy’s phone number in case of an emergency.

Consider the route

If the walk to school is mainly busy roads and built-up areas then it’s safer; routes through countryside areas and alleyways less so. If possible, agree between you that your child will stick to a safe route every day and avoid dodgy short cuts. Make sure they know they must never deviate from the agreed route.

Be street savvy

Make sure kids know the rules of the road as soon as they are old enough to learn: show them how to use different types of crossings, and how to cross when there is no crossing available.

It’s also a good idea to teach them what to do if someone approaches them or follows them- going to the nearest house or shop is a good tactic. Also make sure they know never to walk with headphones in or with their attention on their phones. Lastly, teach them to never accept lifts off of strangers.

Cycling to school

If your child has passed their cycling proficiency they may prefer to cycle to school. Plan the route they will take and ensure they will avoid dangerous junctions and tricky roundabouts.

Check that their bike is in good working order and the brakes work well. They will need a helmet and lights for their bike. It is also a good idea to give them a reflective jacket or fluorescent item of clothing to wear so that they can be easily seen by drivers.

Public transport

If your child has to take a bus or train to school you can start preparing them for going it alone by doing practice journeys together. Remind them to always leave on time and have the right money or pass with them.

Talk with your child about what to do if they miss the bus or train- make a plan. Make sure they know never to run in front of the bus- better to miss it!

If possible, try to arrange for your child and their school friends to travel together every day.

To talk to other dads come and join our friendly forum.

Related entries

De-escalation: how to calm kids down before they explode!

De-escalation: how to calm kids down before they explode!

Did you think that tantrums and explosions would be left in toddlerhood? Sadly, they're not. While older kids and teens are less likely to throw themselves to the floor because you didn't buy them a lolly, they can still be just ask explosive. In a bid to quell those...

How to deal with tantrums

How to deal with tantrums

Tantrums are one of the most stressful parts of parenting. Even the calmest dad can be pushed to their limits by a screaming child in the middle of Asda! Here's some helpful information on how to deal with tantrums to help you manage those miserable meltdowns: Are...

Back to school anxiety: how to help

Back to school anxiety: how to help

It's that time again: up and down the country parents are ironing uniforms, sticking name tags on to blazers and packing pencil cases. But how are our kids feeling? For some, the return to school- or start of school- brings a heap of anxiety. Here' how to help a child...

Latest entries

Life after divorce: legal tips for men

Life after divorce: legal tips for men

A divorce is one of the most life-changing events most people will experience, and isaccompanied by a lot of emotional, financial, domestic and legal considerations. Thinkingabout life after divorce may be exciting, or daunting, or a combination of both, but it is...

De-escalation: how to calm kids down before they explode!

De-escalation: how to calm kids down before they explode!

Did you think that tantrums and explosions would be left in toddlerhood? Sadly, they're not. While older kids and teens are less likely to throw themselves to the floor because you didn't buy them a lolly, they can still be just ask explosive. In a bid to quell those...

How to deal with tantrums

How to deal with tantrums

Tantrums are one of the most stressful parts of parenting. Even the calmest dad can be pushed to their limits by a screaming child in the middle of Asda! Here's some helpful information on how to deal with tantrums to help you manage those miserable meltdowns: Are...

Pin It on Pinterest