How old were your kids when they went into school on their own?

[tigwig]

Today my 6 and a half yr old said she could go in on her own but I was unsure. I don't mean walk or anything as we don't live close enough but she would be dropped off at the school gates and make her own way to the classroom. Being in Year 2 and still infants I think its a little young and maybe next year when she'd be classed as juniors would be better. What do you think?

[Francis Asis]

Well, I would escort her into the school grounds but if she feels ready to go into the school building by herself I think the time is probably right.

[carmalee]

you're the Mum, it's what you think Tigwig that matters and you say you think she's a little young. You know your daughter better than us - I'd go with what you think

[Francis Asis]

2 answers, 2 different opinions - but carmalee is right. You must do what YOU think is right.

[sherrardk]

My 6 year old would quite happily walk to school on his own (not that I would let him) but I have to take the 5 year old in so I am always there with him. Parents are supposed to stay at the gate anyway although I am 'allowed' onto the playground because my daughter is in reception. I think that you should let him go on his own if he is happy to do so.

[aliciamortimer]

If the walk from the gate to the building isn't too far, i'd let her go in on her own. You can stay and watch her walk in. But she will be proud to have that little bit of responsibility and i'msure it will do her good! She's been at school long enough to know her way round and to safely get to the classroom. But, as the others have said, you have to do what YOU think is best. Good luck! :)

xx

[karenmac60]

From day 1 my daughter made her own way from the gates as no parents were allowed into the school grounds. She was absolutely fine.

[Hopkirk]

At my children's primary they made a point of asking parents to say goodbye at the gate, as soon as the child was able to accept it.

They were trying to build the child's independance.

If the child feels ready, why say no? There is no danger.

[annie0000]

From the age of 6 and 7 my kids walked themselves to school and into breakfast club - it's only about 200 yards to the school gate - i watched them to the corner and then the lollypop man watched them to the gates. It depends on how safe you believe it to be, but I wouldn't say she was too young - are her friends in the playground at the time? I not, try and time it so she has friends there to go and play with.

[jaydah]

About 7-8 as they didn't want any kissing......they dont mind now, so long as its not me.

[pussnboots]

Escort her to the gate and then let her walk in by herself watching her discreetly. It's her first step to being independant ( a small one to us, a big one to her) this won't be your first tug at your heart strings, the next ones are even worse. Good luck.

[zzxxee]

about 9 or 10

[ummmm]

6 is fine if you're dropping them off.

[McMouse]

Times change. My son walked himself to school from the second day.

[LoftyLottie]

Seeing as mine went to a little village school with about 35 pupils, I dropped him and the gate after a couple of days. Depends on the size and location of the school I suppose.

[LoftyLottie]

dropped him AT the gate.

[ummmm]

I traveled 3 miles on my own from about 7.

[tigwig]

Oh god I suppose I was hoping you'd all advise against it lol! I will speak to her about it and her friend's mums too and see if they agree. I just imagine her stood alone in the playground, waiting for the bell to ring, then watching everyone else's mum kiss them goodbye and her not having anyone with her:( I am so soft. She'll probably have changed her mind now anyway (I hope hee hee)

[LoftyLottie]

To be honest, I think parents have got far too overprotective these days. I would worry about traffic in busy areas, but little else. Overprotection often means that kids can't learn to look after themselves.

[vulcan]

So did I ummmm, saved the penny bus fare to buy sweets.

[ummmm]

Tig...can you see the playground from the gates? If so...just watch her until one of her friends comes along..