May 21-25 is National Walk to School Week, when children will be celebrating the benefits of walking to school or nursery and encouraging the car users to give it a go by foot.
In recent years there has been a steady increase in the number of childcare establishments getting involved. Their reasons vary from 'saving the world'
and reducing air pollution, to the very practical aims of increasing the fitness of the children (and parents!) and reducing congestion around the setting's entrance.
Many people don't appreciate the particular benefits for young children of walking to school or nursery. As well as the physical advantages, there is a suggestion that walking could aid mental development. Just compare the boredom of the backseat with the stimulating hustle and bustle of the changing street scene.
It also helps to develop children's independence. Studies show that children who walk to school with their parents or carers are more confident around roads and traffic and have better spatial awareness, than those who travel every day in the car.
There is some evidence that the quality time walking to school with a parent,can help with separation issues. The walk gives a sense of a journey, which is less obvious in a car, so the child has time to prepare for the day ahead.
So how can you encourage walking? Start by promoting Walk to School Week! You could even provide a free coffee for every parent walking in on a particular day. Use this opportunity to ask parents what would encourage them to walk more often - would a buggy park help? What about a safe car park ten minutes away where parents can meet and walk to the setting together?
Walk to School Week is a fun celebration, but it is also an opportunity to challenge people to think differently about how they get around, and to embrace the many benefits of walking.
