Would you let a just-turned-12-YO walk over a mile to a friend's house alone?

[Anonymous]

In an ideal scenario, this should be ok, if your kids are aware, confident, sensible and cautious AND your neighborhood is secure AAANNNDDD you are pretty chilled out parents.

In our case, we would be nervous wrecks, because we are the most anxious parents. But that is just us! You should do what u think is right.

[Anonymous]

I would prefer it if we had already walked the route together before, or if he is an experienced pedestrian. I''m teaching my DS how to bike places and it's nerve wracking to say the least.

[Anonymous]

Heck yes!! Kudos for him for wanting to do it. Kids need exercise, fresh air, some independence. We ALL did it all the time when we were kids but for some reason we thing coddling them until they leave for college is "good" parenting.

I have a 13yr old and since she was 10yrs old she has had free range of our neighborhood and crosses a very busy 4 lane road to get to another neighborhood/pool. Compared to many of her coddled friends she just seems to have more common sense and street smarts.

That said, can't he ride his bike to save time?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In an ideal scenario, this should be ok, if your kids are aware, confident, sensible and cautious AND your neighborhood is secure AAANNNDDD you are pretty chilled out parents.

In our case, we would be nervous wrecks, because we are the most anxious parents. But that is just us! You should do what u think is right.

No offense but your kids will NEVER be confident, aware, cautious, sensible unless you LET THEM!! If you are anxious, expect the worst, hold on too tight, you are doing them more harm than good.

[Anonymous]

This summer I let my 11 yr old ride her bike a mile along the Embarcadero in SF by herself. She had to call when she got there. So yes, I would.

[Anonymous]

Starting when I was 9 or 10, I regularly used to walk a mile to the Metro, take one train, change trains at L'Enfant Plaza, ride several more stops, then walk a few blocks to meet my dad at his office. And my parents were considered overprotective.

[Anonymous]

He is 12. Absolutely yes. Of course only if he has proven to now the rules, doesn't cross the street on red etc. etc.

[Anonymous]

Yes. DD walked similar distance to an after school activity when she was 9, crossing one major street. Not that your worries are unfounded -- pedestrians do die in traffic accidents way too often. But crossing a street is something every child needs to learn, and ideally at a much earlier age than 12.

[Anonymous]

Um yes

[Anonymous]

A 12 year-old should be able to cross the street, even a major intersection.

I'm shocked as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A 12 year-old should be able to cross the street, even a major intersection.

I'm shocked as well.

Yes, a 12-year-old should be able to. But is this specific 12-year-old actually able to? That is the question.

[Anonymous]

For me, it would depend on the area/neighborhood and the kid but I am more inclined to say yes than no.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A 12 year-old should be able to cross the street, even a major intersection.

I'm shocked as well.

Yes, a 12-year-old should be able to. But is this specific 12-year-old actually able to? That is the question.

^^^Also the streets should be designed so that 12-year-olds (and 8-year-olds, and 6-year-olds, and anybody) can safely and conveniently cross them on foot. When I think of "major intersection", I think of something like crossing Rockville Pike on foot. I would not feel safe about a 12-year-old crossing Rockville Pike on foot by themselves, because I do not feel safe about myself crossing Rockville Pike on foot.

[Anonymous]

DS does this all the time, but on his bike.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A 12 year-old should be able to cross the street, even a major intersection.

I'm shocked as well.

Yes, a 12-year-old should be able to. But is this specific 12-year-old actually able to? That is the question.

^^^Also the streets should be designed so that 12-year-olds (and 8-year-olds, and 6-year-olds, and anybody) can safely and conveniently cross them on foot. When I think of "major intersection", I think of something like crossing Rockville Pike on foot. I would not feel safe about a 12-year-old crossing Rockville Pike on foot by themselves, because I do not feel safe about myself crossing Rockville Pike on foot.

I totally agree. We live near the intersection of Van Dorn and Franconia Rd (Alexandria). My kids have always walked to elementary school (oldest is 11) but there's no way I'd let them cross that intersection of Van Dorn/Franconia. It's horribly designed.