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?

[China Doll]

I was 4 when I started school and I ran off without looking back as soon as my mum dropped me at the gate the first day, apparently it made her cry.... I think I vaguely recall thinking I could do it all by myself and not wanting to be treated like a baby but I doubt I could have phrased the feeling that well.

[LoftyLottie]

My son never waited around enough for me to kiss him goodbye and would haven't have been very impressed at being kissed goodbye at school anyway.

Why is it necessary for parents to take kids to their classroom? This never used to happen, it's a reasonably new idea.

Having worked in schools I can only say that some parents just get in the way when they insist on escorting their kids to the classroom and hanging about.

[ummmm]

I got the bus....

Lottie...very true. I let mt son walk the 2.5 miles to school on his own in the last year of primary. He knocked for his mate and they went together. They need to learn. I see some his age that can't even cross a road...

[LoftyLottie]

My son cycled to school in the good weather down the country lanes from about 10 years old along with his friend. He would have done it in the winter too, but that would have just been dangerous in half light and no street lighting.

[LoftyLottie]

(School was three miles away in another village)

[tiggerblue10]

As long as she's inside the gates she'll be fine. I guess she want's to go in alone because her friends are doing it.

[fredpuli47]

Six is old enough if the child is confident enough.

(Times have changed. I used to walk, without any adult, to the village school, a distance of just under a mile, when I was still 5.! But that was nearly 60 years ago.)

[Lisa_Louise]

If you are both comfortable dropping her off and she know's the school route (walking from the gate into class) well then I don't see much of a problem. She may change her mind after a day or two and want you with her!!

In my daughters class (she is 8) ALL the mums are still clucking over the kids, making sure they get into class ok. I must be the only mum in her class that sometimes drops her off at the zebra crossing (school gates are right in front of the crossing) I feel really guilty about it sometimes and feel like I'm a bad mum but it's to toughen her up and make her aware of the world. She knows I'm there waiting until the very last second that I can see her and Pussnboots is right, it really tugs on your heart!

You'll both find the right choice :)

[lorri24601]

could you ask a couple of her friends mums if they would be ok with you all meeting at the gate at the same time, then letting them walk in together, that way she would not be waiting in the playground alone.