The Tortoise Walks the Hares Around the City

We walk a lot of places with our children because we live downtown.  But children don't walk the way adults do!  They run or suddenly stop to inspect something for five minutes.  They want to stand on tiptoes on the curb or climb up every set of steps.  They tend to stop and ponder directly in front of the plodding adult.

I realize I have begun to teach my children city walking manners - not just important safety rules, but also pleasantries of the walk.

For safety:

Stop well back from the street corners - don't make the drivers nervous!


Stop, look and listen at every driveway and cross street; hold an adult's hand while crossing.

No fancy hopping or running while we're crossing a street - just walking like adults.

(Ben must look down at the red light under the sewer grates every time; this can take five minutes and attracts attention - I've gotten used to it).

For walking pleasantry:

Stay to one side.

Don't walk in front of someone.  And do your stopping and pondering to the side.

If someone says hello, say hello back, but children do not start conversations with unknown adults.

I've found on days that we aren't walking somewhere, the children need a run at the park because they have become accustomed to the exercise and fresh air.  I do still take a stroller on market days, but I should really just take a cart; in fact, I sold my double stroller last week as both children are definitely too big for it.  I love taking walks with my big kids. . . .even in the role of tortoise.