Parenting Advice – Is Walking to School Alone Safe for Kids?

How far is too far? What is the traffic like? What age should I let them go? What will my neighbors think? These questions often run through the minds of anxious mothers facing the “Bus-Stop Conundrum”, as titled by Mommy blogger Denise Schipani.
I came across this New York Times article by chance- and found it completely appropriate. As the new school year starts, so many parents are faced with the touch question of “Should I let my child walk to school alone?” I mean, what age is really appropriate to let them walk alone? Of course, the answer depends of other variables besides a parent’s own anxiety, including distances, public transportation routes, and area of living. However, the question fundamentally is one that plagues us.
The article brought up two clear-cut arguments in my opinion: the ever-anxious “just in case” theory, and the argument of those who fight back. Really, I understand the “just-in-case” parents. The name Jaycee Dugard repeatedly comes to mind. With this, a growing sense of fear makes parents think, “it only takes one time”. I get it. We all do. But, at some point, I agree with the other side that says that our society is so caught up with episodes of “Law and Order: SVU” and the one story of a child abduction that plagues the news that we forget how we grew up, and what a sense of independence and responsibility taught us.
In the article, Schipani states that when she was growing up, there was no such response as “not until you’re 10 or 12”. But now, mothers are waiting in cars with their kids until the bus comes. Others are wondering where to draw the line. Lori Pierce of Columbus let her 10 year old walk from soccer practice because he wanted to, which was a distance of about a mile. On the walk, some called 911 and police drove him home. Lori Pierce was reprimanded by police but fought back. There are many examples of this all over the country. Public opinion is affecting simple parental allowances, and some feel it unnecessary. What do you think? Check out the full article at NY Times and let me know!