I Will Escort You To School For Now

I see children walking and traveling by public transportation on their way to school. They are alone and sometimes they could be as young as 9 years. I think to myself, is it really necessary for them to travel alone?

I could never imagine my daughter, who is now 12 traveling alone. Just to think of not being able to accompany her or to not have an adult do it, would be enough to leave me out of breath.

I know that in today's era where moms work outside of the home, it isn't always possible for them to escort their kids. But I have also seen moms standing in their pajamas in the doorways, waving goodbye and sending the kids off to school.

My daughter started traveling alone this past year. We had different schedules so I didn't have much of a choice. Of course, being a preteen she loved this idea but it made me sick with worry. I then moved on, allowing her to travel alone at times because she had already done it on her own. And yes, it was convenient for me, but I was still always uneasy. I then started walking with her when our schedules allowed it, boy was she upset at that! She didn't want to be seen with mom because it wasn't cool. She felt that she was a big girl now and of course many of her friends go to school alone. Happily, her annoyance and distress ended quickly. You see, I enjoy walking with her. I'll admit that my feelings were hurt when she didn't want to walk with me or want to be seen being kissed by mommy. I also worried because it seemed to me that she might easily be influenced by her friends. If it started by being embarrassed by her mom walking her to school, what would be next? But, I fully explained to her why I thought it to be important for her not to travel alone, if it wasn't necessary.

Yes, she eventually has to learn and I have to let go, but not yet right? There isn't a set age for these milestones leading to independence. The milestones arise from need, perception, or convenience of children gaining independence.

I know that I can't hold on too tight, but for now at her ripe age of 12, I'll hold on to protect one of my precious gifts for as long as I can.