A Poll
Is 6 too young to walk home (in a gaggle of other elementary-aged kids) by oneself? It's 1/2 mile, 1 street to cross with a crossing guard, 1 side street without a guard. Caleb lit out by himself today (didn't even think to check to see if I was there to get him in the car, as I have been the last 2 days) and was almost home by the time I caught up with him.
So whaddaya think?
3 comments:
Yes, Caleb is too young. The fact that he went by himself shows that he isn't yet ready to make transportation decisions.
When he is ready, he needs one older student to walk with him who will be sure that he goes where he needs to go and that he doesn't make any bad decisions. This kid doesn't have to be the boss, but he/she needs to be able to report immediately if Caleb goes astray.
Better safe than sorry!
I walked home with a group of kids when I was that age, some were older. Only one street to cross though, and I still made some silly decisions- like bringing a kindergartner home with me to MY empty house because HER mom wasn't home. :) He might still be too young I think. (We left a note on her mom's door, I wonder what she must have thought when she got a note from a 6 year old saying "I took your kid home.")
I would agree that Caleb is on the young side for such a big responsibility. Also, it's good exercise for you to walk to get him and I'm sure Audrey and Julie love greeting him after being away from him almost all day.
If he asks why he isn't old enough yet, I might talk about that by the time Julie is big enough to walk to school (probably not Audrey) he needs to be sure to be ready to be the big brother and help her make good decisions. The best way to learn to make those choices is by discussing situations with you during your daily walks home from school. Just a thought...
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