Two Steps Towards Green

When driving my children back from school, I would watch the children from government schools walk back, chatting, playing, enjoying themselves. I used the school bus till the eighth, from 9th to 12th, and I traveled by the public transport with my friends and remember the long chats, the jokes, the general fun. I started feeling sorry for my children. Though we do have our laugh sessions and jokes, I felt that that moment of childhood when they are on their own, without adult supervision, and enjoying their surroundings is an integral part of growing up that they seemed to be missing.

But to make them walk that distance is impossible. It is not the distance, in fact, as it takes just about 15 minutes one way. Rather, the daunting burden of the school bag that they carry automatically makes this an impossible option.

The thought of their cycling to school was also intimidating. To reach the school, they would have to cross two main roads. With insensitive, rash and undisciplined driving by even the educated, there were enough reasons to skip that option. But every time I drove down to drop and pick my children up from school, my heart pricked guiltily. Every time I watched the other youngsters jaywalk down the bye-lanes, I realised that they had no choice, and that made their life simpler. I, on the contrary, had a choice. And I was taking the easier way out.

I shared my thoughts with my children and was pleased to see them enthusiastically jump at the idea. But they need practice, I dithered. The lunch bag is uncomfortable when riding, I complained.

Even as I delayed the actual day they could start, I was startled to see other classmates of my older one cycling to school. Still I waited.

No more, screamed my two. We are starting today, they insisted. And they did one day. Still the (surprisingly) protective mother, I walk down and am left way behind. I check the school cycle stand to make sure their cycles have reached.

I hope to let them be independent soon. However, I may not. I enjoy the walk down the avenues and finish a part of my exercise too!