With the restrictions of lockdown, lots of families have recently turned to walking as a shared activity and a chance to escape the confines of the house together! I'm sure there are lots of people who previously would never have considered themselves a walker that because of lockdown have now embraced getting their boots on and striding out the front door on a regular (if not daily!) basis.
When lockdown lifts, why not consider incorporating this new found love of walking into your daily routine? With spring around the corner and mornings and evenings already feeling lighter and warmer than before, the walk to school could become an enjoyable part of the day where you walk as you talk and digest the day's events together.
Walking brings a whole host of benefits including improving circulation, strengthening bones, boosting your mental health, and creating a better connection with nature. At this time of year, there are so many little changes to notice around you and each week there will be something new to see from the early spring crocuses and snowdrops to the slightly later daffodils to tulips.
It needn't be every day, but even choosing perhaps once a week to walk to and from school will bring benefits. You could even pick your day dependent on how good the weather is going to be! Combine with other families to take it in turns to walk and collect children. Some schools even have walking buses where children can join the line as it goes by their house. Park & Stride is another initiative where if you must drive, park a little further away than you absolutely need to and walk the rest of the way to get some exercise and fresh air.
For more information about how to teach your child to be road safe, visit think.gov.uk for more ideas and resources
