Talking to your parents
Some kids want to walk or bike to school, but their parents won’t let them. Here are some things you can say to help your parents understand how important walking or biking to school is.
Parent: I don’t think it’s safe for you to be crossing streets.
You: Experts say that kids 10 and older are okay to cross streets without adults if they know the rules of the road, and I understand the rules of the road. Maybe we can walk or bike the route to school together so that you can see for yourself how safe it is and point out any things you want me to be careful of on the way.
Parent: I’m afraid you’ll get kidnapped.
You: I’ll be walking and biking with a group of friends. Maybe you and the other parents could take turns walking or biking with us? Plus, we can get to know the people who live along our route to school, so we’ll always have a place to go for help. And I know how to deal with strangers . . . don’t talk to them, yell for help if I need it, and run if I am approached.
Parent: We live too far away from the school.
You: Well, maybe you can drive me halfway, and I can get exercise by walking or biking the rest of the way. This would be great because you and I can work together to pick the route that I’ll use, and you can be sure it’s safe.
Parent: I just don’t think it’s a good idea.
You: Obesity is the biggest health problem among kids my age. It can cause deadly diseases like diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and cancer. Kids who don’t get enough exercise are the ones who become obese. I just want to make sure that I live a long, healthy, active life.
