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My kid started going solo @ 12 -- after years of taking the same (bus to subway to walk) route accompanied. I kept the smart card at about $20-30, pointed out problem intersections and the best places/ways to cross streets, explained what to do if things went wrong (someone hassling you, missed a stop, train delayed). And provided $5 in cash and $1 in coins (for pay phones in Metro) and instructions to call in if you're going to be late.

No cellphone (and if you're going to give the kid a cell, make sure it's an obvious piece of crap -- one of my kid's fellow bus riders got mugged for his iphone and that was the end of his solo commute). No ipod/earbuds/games either. Nothing worth stealing and nothing that's a distraction.

For a school commute, parent also needs to trust that the kid (a) won't fall asleep while riding and (b) won't leave stuff (sports bag, musical instrument, backpack) behind.

by BTDT on Sep 15, 2012 7:07 am • link • report

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