Should I let my 11 year old daughter walk home by herself??

Question

My daughter's bus is always late and because of it, my daughter complains that she is old enough to walk home by herself. I would let her but the problem is that I am not at home when she comes home (I'm at work) and my hubby won't let her go home by herself. Also she would have to bring her little sister, who is 8.The school is about 5 blocks away. Also I (in this case my hubby) can let her walk with her friends. I live a very public city, so there are alot of people around.

I'm asking an Y!A because everyone else I ask are unsure (most likely because thier children are not 11) and I want to hear other people's ideas.

Answer 1

Well, im not sure if it would be a good idea if she went by herself,maybe she could have a group of friend walk with her,

or

you could just let her ride the bus for the rest of her life =]

Answer 2

Eh? Do you live in the city or Suburbs? You probably could if it's the city, 'cause alot of people are around. I wouldn't let her walk home in the Suburbs, there's lots of.. Not good people there.

Answer 3

I don't see anything wrong with it. Don't let yourself be caught up with news stories about pedophiles - it's less likely to happen now, because it's easier for people to get help. The reason it seems to be happening more and more is because of the internet.

Answer 4

Not in this day and age, unfortunately.  Not with all those pedophiles and bad people in this world nowadays.  You never know who will kidnap your daughters.  I also agree with the reply that said you shouldn't let your 11 year old be responsible for your 8 year old, and especially because they're both girls, it's more dangerous.

Answer 5

yes let her i am around her age and walk home if i think i THOUGHT I  was being stalked i just run as fast as i can with my siblings home

but i have never been stalked

dont worry it will teach her responsibility

Answer 6

I don't think I would let her walk home without someone being there to ensure she got their safely.  Also I wouldn't put the responsibility of making sure the 8 year old was safe on an 11 year old.

Answer 7

I might be paranoid, but there are too many weirdos in todays society to let her.  It's not about her maturity and ability to handle responsibilities...but it only takes moments.  Better to fear than to regret!

Answer 8

Most kids are allowed to these days, except me becase i have idiot parents.

Answer 9

I don't think so. :\ Although its only 5 blocks away its still very dangerous having other people around.

Answer 10

With lots of people? I don't think so. There are so many bad people- weirdos and perverts- to be letting an 11 year old be walking around with an 8 year old. Plus, just getting a go phone or a cell phone doesn't assure that your children will be safe. Someone could easily take the phone away, plus if someone's about to do something to you, your first instinct isn't to wait and tell someone, it's to run, make sure you're safe and then call someone!

Answer 11

my daughter is 11 and i tell her this wen she wants to walk home: bad people are out there that want beautiful girls like u and i dont want anything to happen to u

Answer 12

Not by herself, not with an 8yo, that is over $100,000. worth of slave trade walking the street, would u let her carry that amount of cash with all the gangsta's knowing she has it?

*

OH but I am sure it will never happen to you. *sigh*

*

Those who do not think there is a market in humans are very naive, how do u think those Saudi princes have a nice fresh virgin every day?

Answer 13

Sure, just make her call when she gets home.

Answer 14

I probably would... I started walking home when I was 11, but my school was only about 3 blocks away. Does she have a cell phone in case something happens? Because I think if shes walking home it's a good idea to have one.

Good Luck! =D

Answer 15

Where I live you are not supposed to leave children age 12 and under alone.

I personally would not let my daughteres walk home... I live in a small city that is very country. Lots of people know everyone type of place.

I guess you have to go on maturity.

How would she deal with someone trying to pick her up?

Would she try to help a complete stranger asking her to help with something?

Does she follow regular home rules, etc?

Maybe there is a highschool student that walks the same way... that can supervise the walk home.

Answer 16

i walk home all the time but i walk home with a grop of people

have a buddy to walk with her

give her a house key and a small pre paid phone to call since you do live in a busy city she may need help

Answer 17

get her a cell and tell her to call u when she gets home and she will probley be fine

btw does she know stanger danger

Answer 18

Why don't you find like a 7th or 8th grader who lives on your block and give them like $10 bucks a week to walk with them? But if she is going to have to stay at home alone you may want to check your state laws to see the legal age to be home alone - each state varies

Answer 19

You can probably let her walk home as long as it is not too far.  You  need to give her the "talk" about not going home with anyone or stuff like that.  The one thing that you can do is let her go home with her friends but when she goes home she has to get inside and close all the windows and lock the doors.

Answer 20

I think you should let them walk home by theirselves I mean I was walking a mile to go to friends house by the time I was seven so thats not realy that bad

Answer 21

well let her go but make sure friends are always with her.

also make sure shes safe by her having a cell phone that is always on . Tell her saftey rules.

Answer 22

I would.

Answer 23

there isn't anyone at home when they get there anyway so what difference is there if they walk home? Have them call you as soon as they get home either way, then you will know they are safe. In my opinion they are just as safe walking as riding the bus.

Answer 24

First I would make a small test for the child to take aboutwalking to school

Answer 25

of course!!! with a cell phone and some guidlines ur good 2 go...stop hovering, mom!

Answer 26

buy here a cell phone and let her-you've raised her well(I hope) And you probably taught her what to do in emergencies too. :-)

CHILL MOMMY

Answer 27

I'm going to say no. It seems like most girls kidnapped by s*x predators are about her age. Maybe I'm overprotective but I'm just not sure it would be safe, there are a lot of weirdos out there.

EDIT: You might want to go here and see what kind of people are living in your neighborhood before you make your decision. I hope this helps!

http://www.familywatchdog.us/

Answer 28

Maybe you can organize a carpool idea. Like with her friends parents, you might take them to school, while she drops them off at your house. You can make sure she is in the hands of the right people

Answer 29

well soon she is gonna start walking home by herself anyway, right?

i say go for it! just remind her about what to do if she is encountered with someone who wants to hurt her. and get her a cheap go phone or something from walmart just in case ANYTHING happens.

but make sure you feel combfortable with letting her walk by herself.

good luck :]

Answer 30

Could she walk home by herself one or two days and have her little sis ride the bus?Are there older kids or adults around that you trust whom she could go to if needed?Why is she bused if she is 5 blocks away? Around here the kids aren't bused unless they live more than 2 miles away from school.My daughter is that age and will be babysitting soon. she will take a class this summer.You have to start somewhere.If they can't be responsible for themselves how are they gonna be responsible for another kid?

Answer 31

Well theres 2 things to consider a) the risk of your daughters being raped and molested, possibly killed b) the length of the walk it's self. Do both your daughters know not to talk to strangers, and do they know what do in case someone is following them or trying to attack them? Also another thing to take into consideration is the lenght of the walk. I mean I would think the 11 year old could handle the long walk, but it would take her quite a while. I doubt the 8 year old could handle walking for 1-2 hours, and yes it would take her that long. Would the 11 year old be able to carry her sister? Also another thing is, if they do walk home every day, both will be very tired and take into consdieration they will have homework to do that same night. If you feel that they will be safe walking home, and both can handle themselves streetwise and also if the 8 year old can be ready to walk that distance, then I would say go for it. But if you have any issues with that, then chances are don't let them walk home.