I just got back from the supermarket this evening and on the way back I saw at least some school buses entering our building compound. It was almost 7 pm. Kids trooped out of the buses, bearing a heavy school bag on their backs. They had a sullen look on their face.
This got me thinking about school and what I wanted for babyT. As any other parent would, we too want our son to study in a top-notch school and get a good education – academics as well as extracurricular activities. But there was a dearth of such schools in the suburb we lived in. He would have to travel by school bus.
In a metro city like Bombay, this is a common sight, yellow school buses stuck in traffic on the highway along with trucks, buses and endless cars all running the same race in peak hour traffic. Being exposed to pollution and getting tired when they actually could have spent that travel time playing, reading or even just bonding with their parents.
It sounds like you’re reflecting on an important aspect of children’s daily routines, especially regarding transportation to school. Walking to school has its benefits, from physical activity to reducing exposure to pollution and fostering a sense of independence. Have you considered exploring options closer to home or advocating for safer walking routes?