Crossing the road independently – it might seem such a small milestone in your child’s life. But that first small step on a quiet, residential street is one giant leap on their journey to full independence. This story happened a few years ago but I remember it like it was yesterday. Crossing the road for the first time – here is our story.
This story is part of our Milestones series
STOP: Before letting any child in your care start crossing the road independently – make sure you both know the relevant road safety rules and guidelines in your area.
Crossing the Road: Letting Your Child Take Their First Steps
Tomos (8 years old)
“Mum, can I run on home?”
I’m definitely old enough now to walk by myself. And I’m pretty sure I know the way all the way back to our house. So I won’t get lost. Mummy worries about stuff like that.
“I won’t get lost Mummy.” I tell her confidently.
She glances at me worriedly. Mummy worries a lot. About so many things. Daddy doesn’t. He would probably have already let me go. But alas, today I am stuck with Mummy.
She’s probably worrying about the roads. But I only have to cross one road to get back to our house. And it’s not a busy one.
We keep walking slowly but she doesn’t answer.
“So can I?” I ask again.
“What about the road?” She murmurs. Worriedly.
“It’s not a busy road Mum. Not like the ones by school.” I tell her. I have been asking and asking and asking to cross the road next to school by myself for ages.
But she still keeps saying no. I’m not in infants any more Mum.
But at least I don’t have to hold her hand now. That’s something I suppose.
I look back to Mum and she looks different.
It’s definitely not a ‘no’ look. But I’m not sure it’s a ‘yes’ look either. More like ‘I really don’t want to have to eat that giant piece of broccoli’ look.
We stop walking.
“So can I?” I ask again brightly.
It’s always worth asking again when you see a parent wavering. Push that weak spot until it breaks.
“I suppose it would be ok-”
She’s breaking. She’s actually breaking! Yes!
“As long as you are careful.” She gives me one of her ‘you better listen or else’ looks. “Be very careful to check the road before you cross.”
“I will. I know how to cross roads Mum.” I dash off before she can change her mind.
But wait. I turn back to her and yell. “Can I have the keys to the house?”
“NO!”
Oh well, it was worth a shot!
The Rules for Crossing the Road
Before you let any child in your care start crossing the road independently, make sure you both know the following safety rules and guidelines.
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