At what age?

[Joanna]

At what age should a child be able to walk to School alone and be a bit more independent?

The reason that I ask is because, my daughter is 7 and is nowhere near ready to walk to School alone or with friends, she will walk with friends if I am there with her to hold her hand, which I do anytime that we walk anywhere. She is not very independent either, she will not dress herself; wash herself; brush her teeth/hair; make breakfast for herself; put on shoes/tie shoelaces or put on/do up her jacket. Most of these things are ones which she should do by herself imo so, should I insist that she do them because, I don't want to force her but also want her to be more independent, I have a dilemma ?

[fairylover]

I think it depends on a child's maturity level, how far the walk is, what the neighborhood is like. As the parent, you know your child best.

[Joanna]

What about her wanting me to tie her shoelaces and do up her coat? If I say no then she would trip over her own laces and be wet/cold due to an undone coat. I have had a lot of stares when I do up her coat ?

[fairylover]

It sounds like these may be questions for your family doctor or school psychologist.