As September rolls around, my kids are gearing up for the big adventure of walking to school independently. I believe they’re ready (I hope). I’ve taught them the basics of street safety—look both ways before crossing—but I’ve yet to witness them actually putting that advice into action. Luckily, the school is just a stone’s throw away from our front door, which gives me a bit of confidence that they’ll make it there and back.
We tried this last year, and it went surprisingly well until I received a call from my son’s teacher, who mentioned that Jordan (my son) was acting a bit wild on the way to school. With a heavy heart, I decided to end the experiment early.
However, it’s a new year, and maybe this time will be different. He’s three months older and, hopefully, three months wiser. He’ll be a second grader, while my daughter will be entering the fourth grade. If they can’t manage to walk to school by themselves now, then when will they? I definitely don’t want to be the parent who drives their kids to school until they can drive themselves. Many families do, but I find that quite perplexing.
When I first moved to this town years ago, I chose it for its walkability. Unlike the sprawling suburb where I grew up, this community allows residents to stroll to the park, the schools, and the quaint downtown area. Back then, my husband and I relied on one car, which suited our commuting needs perfectly.
Now, we’re a two-car, two-kid family, but I’m determined to stop driving them wherever they can walk as soon as they’re able. Until now, I’ve been hustling them the short distance to school, waiting for the bell to ring, and then heading back home to repeat the process six hours later. That’s 1,440 trips, and I’ve despised every single one of them. Not because I’m particularly lazy—I enjoy walking—but because I could gain precious time if I didn’t have to escort them. Imagine what I could achieve with an extra 45 minutes in my day!
The morning routine adds more work to my plate, and I dread the thought of fixing my hair and makeup just to return home, shower, and do it all over again. But I do it anyway, as I refuse to let anyone see me in my natural state. I at least want to maintain the illusion of grace and competence.
My frustration with this daily ritual even led me to consider relocating to another town based solely on their school bus system. However, that wasn’t enough to convince my husband, and I resigned myself to the belief that I’d be walking my kids to school forever.
Then it hit me—why not let them walk by themselves? I had completely overlooked the fact that kids grow up! This year, I’m ready to give it another go. I’m pretty sure they’ll be safe crossing the one neighborhood street without a crossing guard, but it’s a risk I’ll have to take.
Now, the question arises: when can they become latchkey kids?
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In summary, I’m excited to let my kids embark on their journey to school independently. It’s a significant step for them and a liberating one for me, as I finally embrace the fact that they’re growing up. Here’s to a fabulous new school year!