At some point, kids grow up and have to get around on their own without us following them. That time is coming very soon for me. For years, I would see middle-schoolers walking by themselves or standing at the bus stop and I would think, “how old are they?” but really I was thinking, “Yikes, what parent lets their child wander the streets of New York City at 11.”
Then last year during fourth grade, I noticed quite a few kids walking to school by themselves and yes, I did think again what kind of parents are these that let their child walk to school by themselves at 9-10 years old.
Maybe it’s because I grew up in the suburbs or military bases, maybe it’s because of high profile kidnappings or that I live in New York City with gazillions of people and the streets are scary to cross that makes me squeamish about letting her walk alone.
But while I am may be anxious about this milestone, at some point she must start walking by herself. So I have decided that in order to ease my stress level that that it will be a gradual process to get to the point where she can walk by herself.
As they say, my daughter has to crawl before she can walk. So this past weekend, my daughter started practicing walking across the street by herself.
Mind you, I am walking on the other side of the street so I can see her.
It’s funny to watch her just standing there waiting for the light to turn (let’s hope she does that when she’s by herself and doesn’t jay walk.)
Stay tuned as the year progresses…
At what age did your child start walking alone? And where was it?
I live on the Island & my son 17 took a class at FIT over the summer & it was hard! I had to send him alone on the train and he had to get to school by himself. Him being my only child I was a nervous wreck so I feel for you! He is taking another class this fall & hopes to go to college there. Sooooo. I won’t be sleeping for at least 4 yrs! LOL.
Crossing the street is one thing but the train into the city!! I agree would make me a nervous wreck too!
It’s embarrasing to say, but my daughter is 16 now and she has never walked to school alone. Well, it’s because school is very far and she would have to walk through the woods and that gives me the chills. But we do have to let go and let them learn to be more independent.
the woods give me the chills too, I don’t blame you, I wouldnt let my daughter go through the woods either.
I do not blame you people drive so wrecklessly and not to mention they are either on their phones or texing. Great job for teaching her the right way!
We have busy highways and no actual sidewalks but I’m nervous as well. That is so fun that you captured the moment!!
Thanks, totally momentous milestone!
I’ll admit it – I still make my 10 year old hold my hand when we cross the street – I think it’s just natural to worry about your child as they get older.
Me too, it will be a sad day when she doesn’t want to hold my hand anymore
Kids cross look both way walk think they no cars in road.
I can’t even imagine my daughter walking to school solo and we live one block from school!
I know it’s a scary thought.