Safety

Last Thursday, my 9-year-old noticed I was reading the label on a bottle of children’s medicine. “Can I read it too?” she asked, studying the dosage instructions. Instead of automatically taking over, I remembered our family’s commitment to the Life-Ready approach. I handed her the bottle and said, “Let’s see if you can figure out the right dose for your little brother.” The look of concentration and careful attention on her face told me we had a perfect opportunity to practice medical literacy in a low-stakes environment. ...

That first walk to school alone is a major milestone in a child’s life—a small step for them, but a giant leap in independence. For parents, however, it’s a moment fraught with anxiety. Are they old enough? Is it safe? What if something happens? This article explores the question of when children should start going to school alone, looking at global perspectives, the benefits of this practice, and a checklist to help you decide if your child is ready. ...