THE FIRST WALK

Our kids have not had nearly the amount of freedom to roam around the neighborhood as I did when I was a kid, primarily because the places we've lived haven't been conducive to kids riding their bikes down the streets or we've been in the middle of big apartment complexes.  I don't like it, though, and one of our kids was finally granted a new freedom a couple days ago. 

Actually, a couple weeks ago I asked Silas and Devon if they wanted to walk to the library to pick up holds.  It would have been their first time going without a parent, but we walk to the library almost weekly and they usually run far enough ahead that they go both directions in less than half the time it takes me with the other two kids.  They've proven themselves to be responsible enough to be granted the privilege of going together without me, but Devon had been in the middle of something he didn't want to stop, so they ended up turning down my offer.

On Thursday, though, Silas went alone.  The library isn't far away, about half a mile, so he was there and back in twenty minutes, but it was a bit more of an adventure than either of us anticipated.

We had a quick chat before he left about what to do if anyone gave him any sort of problem along the way.  I hate it when parents instill unnecessary fear in their kids, but it's obviously unacceptable to completely ignore any possible risks that come with increased privileges or responsibilities.  So  I reminded him that it's very rare that a kid is in any sort of danger, but that the odds do increase when it's one kid walking alone and that it's important to be aware of your surroundings.  I reminded him of a few things - that it's fine to talk to people who ask questions from their car, but just make sure to stand at a distance; that he needed to run the opposite direction if he felt threatened by someone, as it's easier for him to turn and burn than for them to flip their car around; who to go to for help and what to say if he felt he was in danger; to be aware of any cars that may be following him; to keep his eyes up so that he knows what's going on around him and so other people know he's paying attention.  This sounds like a lecture, but it was only about a 90 second talk about stuff he already knew.  Not a big deal.

Anyway, he left with his backpack.  Then he returned.  And he told me a story.

He was in the last stretch of the walk, on the last street, and a truck passed him in the same direction he was walking.  Then it slowed way down.  So he slowed down.  And it slowed down more.  So he slowed down almost to a stop and thought about crossing the street.  Then the truck pulled partially into a driveway on his side of the street, blocking the sidewalk that he was walking on.

Seriously?!  On his first walk ever?!  He wasn't panicked or anything, but he was paying attention and quickly considering his options.

So, the truck blocked his way and the driver got out.  She came around the truck in his direction and he noticed she had an ID tag around her neck, which he recognized as being similar to what Tim wears as a teacher and/or practicum student. 

"Hey, hon, where do you go to school?" 

Now, this could be a sweet lady trying to not intimidate him with a legitimate question.  Or it could be a psycho lady who's trying to sweet talk him. 

He kept his distance and said he's homeschooled.  She chuckled and said that's good, that she was concerned he was a kid who had run off from school.  He said that he was going to the library, she wished him well, and then she left.  And he finished his walk to the library.

I think he handled it perfectly!  I'm proud of him.

We talked about how based on his age and size, the fact he had a backpack, the direction he was headed, and the time of day, it was probably wise that she stopped to make sure everything was ok.  We have no idea if she was a school employee or just a random adult who was concerned for the safety of a kid in her community.  Either way, she didn't do anything wrong and would have been a real blessing if Silas had been a kid in trouble. We also talked about how he, not knowing who the lady was or why she was following (for lack of a better word) him, did a great job of staying as safe as possible.

I love watching our kids grow up, take on more responsibilities, earn more privileges, and prove themselves to be wise and responsible.  It makes the times of being discouraged about battling the same issues day after day after day or wondering if the things you teach will ever sink in totally worthwhile.