[ThomasC]

Originally Posted by AnnieK

I know what a privilege children are. I spent years in a cycle of fertility treatments, failures, heartache before finally having my child after years of trying.

In an ideal world, I would wrap him up in cotton wool, hand deliver him to school and not let him out of my sight. I have an understanding employer, I have never missed a special assembly, sports day, performance etc but I also have to pay the mortgage, put food on the table, clothe him etc etc. During his primary years I have had to rely massively on my widowed dad to assist with school runs as as understanding as my employer is, its not feasible for me to be able to change my hours as there would have to be some kick back somewhere, less money, working in the evenings, weekend working.....and that's my "mum" time.

Yeah, but you've made it work and well done to you for it.

I just can't advocate young children walking alone unless measures are put in place and there would be an age I would say not at all.

There's a fine balance that needs to be struck.