What grade is too old to walk to class on the first day?

1. 93

   peeplesposted 8 years ago

   What grade is too old to walk to class on the first day?
   
   My son is going into 6th grade tomorrow. Today he casually said you don't have to walk me to class tomorrow. Then quickly followed it with "Just kidding". My husband also said he has reached the age not to walk him to class. So I need input, because I had totally planned on walking him to class! Is 6th grade too old for walking him to his class? Am I suppose to just drop him off and drive away? Is he officially no longer my baby!?!?! Lol!

   replyreport
2. 89

   Stacie Lposted 8 years ago

   Yes, he is no longer your baby. :-)
   
   6th graders are 11-12 years old and this is the time peer pressure is starting to become very important to pre teens.
   He is trying to look independent and not have is mommie walk him and risk getting ribbed or beat up by the other guys.
   Sorry....

   replyreport
3. 92

   Sherry Hewinsposted 8 years ago

   Totally, too old. It is time to let go mom.

   replyreport
4. 90

   Patty Inglish, MSposted 8 years ago

   If he is 11-12, then my view is that he needs to walk by himself to school in order to learn responsibility about getting to school/work on time, to cross streets carefully, to avoid distractions, and to watch out for dangers. If the neighborhood is high-crime, then I think parents should walk with the kids until high school. 
   
   I taught in the inner city and the Middle School kids had no problem with Mom and Dad accompanying them to be safe, but there were also a lot of fun things to do together at school - breakfast parties before school, exercise with families after school, etc. It worked together well.

   replyreport
5. 74

   brakel2posted 8 years ago

   My 12 year old was staying alone after school while I worked under the watchful eye of neighbors. At age 11, he had a lot of responsibility and took the bus to school. I understand how hard it is to let go, but his friends may tease him about his mom walking him to class. You are a kind mother, but it is probably time to let him grow his wings and be with his friends. You probably trust him. The only problem might be if you had other issues that made you feel more responsible to keep an eye on him. It doesn't sound like that is an problem. He sounds like a good kid. You are lucky.

   replyreport
6. 60

   fpherj48posted 8 years ago

   Oh my goodness....Stacie, Sherri, Patty & Audrey.......!!   You mean, I probably shouldn't be walking my 47 year old son to the boarding area when he goes on business trips??!!
   
   Oops...well, sorry peeples, I guess I better not chime in here!!

   replyreport
   1. 90

      Patty Inglish, MSposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      LOL. Any time a child any age wants or happily allows Mom to walk him to the plane or anywhere else is a nice thing to see, unless he is trying to overcome phobia of doing it alone. Those leaving for armed services duty? - Walk with those "kids."

      replyreport
7. 46

   Ericdierkerposted 8 years ago

   What a great question. Wow! Avoid trauma and drama, but don't let fear keep you from the good things in life. All my three older kids and I walked to school together when I could, right into senior in high school. Walking with somebody you love is just plain special. Checking out the neighborhood, seeing what neighbors are up to. Fresh air and privacy to talk about stuff. Free flow comments on the little things. Did I mention healthy and a great way to start a day?
   But unless you got business like, PTA, Site Council, paying a bill or an appointment just let go and turn around a good distance from school. That there is their space and not your place. And please no PDAs, that is private stuff. My young son gets to help me do manly man chores around the house, but not get into my domain when it has to be done by an adult. I suppose the same is true in the reverse, I can hang out with him but not when it just has to be done by a kid.

   replyreport
   1. 90

      Patty Inglish, MSposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      What a great answer! A blessed family, for sure.

      replyreport
8. 93

   peeplesposted 8 years ago

   Thanks all. I kept myself from walking him in today. Pulled in, dropped him off, drove away, felt horrible, but I did it for his sake. I guess I have held on too long! I did walk my middle child into school this morning. He is 9 and asked me for help finding his class, but I think this was my last year walking him in on the first day. Thankfully my baby girl starts school next year so my fun, is not quite done. I never kiss the boys goodbye at school anymore. Just a shoulder squeeze and a loving "mama loves ya" look. I hate it. They are getting older, but apparently I got to hold on a couple extra years so I am going to be thankful! Looking forward to next year when I can walk my baby girl to school and all the way to class on the first day, and even give her a big hug! Thanks for all the answers.

   replyreport
   1. 90

      Patty Inglish, MSposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Sounds like a wonderful family to me! Blessings to you!

      replyreport
   2. 74

      brakel2posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      So proud of you peeples.

      replyreport
   3. 60

      fpherj48posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      peeples....said it before and I'll say it again.  YOU are an "ACE" Mom!

      replyreport
9. 82

   peachpurpleposted 8 years ago

   My son takes bus to school from grade 1 so he doesn't need anyone to walk him to class

   replyreport
10. 39

    ChristinSposted 8 years ago

    My baby is in second grade and doesn't allow me to walk him to class.  Be glad yours was a baby this long! lol I have to drop mine off at the door.  The first day I was allowed to walk him into the building, where he then quickly blew me a kiss as he was running away.   He couldn't wait to get away lol.

    replyreport