[AAAAA]

We live a couple of blocks from the elementary school but live about 9 blocks from the high school. Usually my son likes to get to the high school very early, as soon as they open the doors. This morning he decided to sleep in and we left 45 minutes later when normal people start going to school. I noticed two little boys walking to the elementary school while I was driving to the high school. After dropping off my son, I noticed that they had not made much progress so I debated about offering them a ride. I did, but as I asked, being a mom I was praying that they'd say no. They accepted.

They were quite loaded down, both had backpacks, lunch boxes, boxes of gym shoes (cannot wear the same shoes in gym that you wear outside). The older (about 3rd grade) had a huge poster board project and the younger (about 1st grade) had an extra pair of winter boots and another school bag. It's relatively warm today 10F. I picked them up a good 5 blocks from their elementary school.

The more I think about it the more it bothers me. I know they were safe with me, but who knows who would come along next. The school used to have a system in place that the child walked to the school closest to their home and could ride a bus to the other school. But budget cuts and reasons I don't understand eliminated that a couple of years ago.

It's a very sad state of affairs when you feel like a criminal for giving a child a ride to school and then have to worry about them next time. I know they were uncomfortable and they knew that they shouldn't. I introduced myself, explained to them where I lived but they didn't say a word but thank you when I dropped them off. I'm sure my appearance did not help, my hair isn't brushed and I was in my bathrobe.

[seeker1950]

AAAA...I would have felt and done just as you did. I think those children are too young to have to walk so far to school, and with such loads as well. It makes me sad. You did a good thing, but one has to wonder where the parents are while the children are out walking such a distance. If they have no transportation for driving them to school, then someone should still be accompanying them...I think!
Patty

[AAAAA]

I would assume that the parents are working. I was frantically trying to think of kids I knew that age to put them at ease and my cousin has kids in that school that age. But then it occurred to me that I shouldn't really be making it comfortable for them. I drive that route every day in the winter, I wouldn't have my 15 year old walking to school in that weather. Granted these children where bundled up, snow suits, hats, gloves the whole nine yards (although younger one was wearing sneakers and carrying his winter boot lol).

I've thought about giving the kids a note to give to their parents letting them know that I would be happy to pick them up on my way back, but I don't want them getting into trouble either for getting into a stranger's vehicle, but then on the other hand it's not safe for them to get into just anyone's car.

[seeker1950]

Bless their little hearts. I can only imagine my twin grandsons having to walk such a long distance and it makes me ill just thinking about it. I agree, it's definitely not safe, and not to mention TOO far a distance for them to walk in bad weather.
Patty