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International Walk to School Month is in October each year.
I’m a big believer in walking to school.
Here’s why:
- It’s healthy. It gets kids and parents moving, and we’re all aware by now that Americans have a lifestyle that is too sedentary. Too many kids are overweight and obese.
- It puts exercise into the everyday routine. This is a key to creating an active lifestyle.
- It’s a great way to start the day. Exposure to light in the morning helps set your internal clock, and tells your brain that it’s time to wake up. An awakened brain is a brain ready to learn. And getting that blood pumping a little doesn’t hurt either!
- It improves sleep. Exercise and morning light exposure also help with falling asleep at night. So kids who walk to school have an easier time going to bed on time and avoiding sleep deprivation.
- It builds community. On the way to school you pass houses, apartment buildings, businesses, people and pets in your neighborhood. You might run into someone else walking to school and strike up a conversation. You meet your kids’ friends. You get to know your neighborhood better.
- It forms a connection to the natural world. When you dress for the weather and take in the sights, you learn that every day is beautiful in its own way. Walking through rain or snow is not unpleasant if you are dressed for it and keep an open mind.
- It’s time for parents and kids to connect. My son doesn’t talk to us much, but when we’re moving, like on a bike ride or walk, he tends to open up. Time spent walking with your child is quality time.
- It’s a chance to teach pedestrian safety. The best way for kids to learn how to safely cross the street is to do it repeatedly with adults modeling and explaining.
- It increases safety around the school. At our school there are an awful lot of cars pulling in and out, and dropping off kids. In the rush and confusion, the chance of a tragic accident is always present. Fewer cars around the school creates a safer area.
- It saves gas, and does not cause air pollution. These are worthwhile legacies to leave to our children and can stimulate discussion about the environment and demonstrate our values to them. All those cars, making even that short trip, every day, create a lot of automobile emissions. With asthma rates on the rise, that’s enough to give us pause.
This is the time to start healthy habits for the new school year. Make a commitment to walk to school at least one day a week. You might have to get up a little earlier, but it’s worth it!
Here are some organizations and resources to help you get going and keep going:
Walk on!
~Kyla Boyse, R.N.
September 2005
Reviewed by faculty and staff at the University of Michigan
Updated June 2007
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