I have an 8 yr old & a 10 yr old. We live 3 blocks from school, is it too young for them to walk home alone?

Question

My Mom is 65 and I would like them to walk to her house instead of paying a babysitter. I feel like the babysitter uses my kids to take care of the younger ones and it bothers me to pay her when my kids do a lot for her. I have used her services since they were babies, so I am torn on what to do.

Answer 1

I say its too risky.

Have your mom meet them at the school. My parents are 70+ and walk further than 3 blocks every day.
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Answer 2

As long as the neighborhood is safe and they walk together they should be fine. make sure they know the rules and walk the route with them a couple of times. If you know anyone along the route point out those homes as safe places if there is a problem. This is an excellent way for children to learn that they can be responsible and it will help them grow up a little more self confident.

Answer 3

Hi,
I don't think they are too young to walk home alone if it's that little of a distance. As long as you have explained the rules of not talking to strangers, or getting in cars, etc....

Just make sure that it won't be too much for your Mom. And please don't forget to pay your Mom for watching your children. If she doesn't want or need the extra money, pick up dinner at least once a week, or take her out for dinner and a movie once a month.

If you have an 8 and10 year old, you should be old enough to realize that your Mom is a person, not just a Mom. She needs to be appreciated.

Answer 4

as long as you live in a good area. when i lived on military bases at that age i walked/rode my bike home alone from school and it was more like 5 or 6 blocks. but being a military base it was fairly safe. if you're comfortable with the area it should be ok. just let them all the safety guidlines they need to know. i.e. go straight to grandma's no stops. stay on the sidewalk on this street where people can see you. dont go near anyone's car offering you a ride. etc...

Answer 5

3 blocks should be fine. But not if they will be at home alone afterward.

Does your mom live with you? If not, how far away is her house?

If you are not happy with your babysitter stop using her.

Answer 6

sorry. But i wouldn't let my kids walk...Maybe if they had a cell phone or maybe if they lived right next to the school and i was waiting for them, but that's it. I've lived in nice suburbs my whole life, my parents never let me walk to school.

All it takes is a single moment of opportunity for something to happen to them. I would feel horrible if something happened to my child and i knew it could have been prevented....

I could just be paranoid, but I would wait another few yrs maybe. Until then, maybe you could find a neighbor who picks up their kids at school that could carpool? That might work

Answer 7

I certainly walked more than 3 blocks to school when I was 10.
I think it should be fine , if they can walk home together .

Answer 8

definitely not too young. But it depends also on the type of neighborhoods they have to walk thru. My son is 8 and walks home. And perhaps grandma might meet him part way. If she is able it might be good for her to walk a bit.

Answer 9

You probably don't want to let your children walk home alone at that age. They can be tricked into somebody's car or house so easily, or they could be prey to bullies. If it's only three blocks away, maybe your mother could walk to school and meet them.

Answer 10

In today's world...I would say no. Go to your local police dept. website. They should have links to maps of the local REGISTERED sex offenders. Keep in mind these are ONLY the registered ones, and that they have cars and can drive anywhere. It doesn't matter if you are in a small town or big city, kids are not safe unsupervised anymore. You can also go to www.familywatchdog.us to view registered sex offenders in your neighborhood and get email alerts when one moves close to you.