Dear Shayna,

I feel like I am old enough to walk to my friends’ houses by myself. My parents disagree. They want to walk me everywhere and I’m embarrassed. My friends go by themselves. Why can’t I? Please help me handle my extremely unreasonable parents!

Embarrassed Ezra

Dear Embarrassed Ezra,

Your parents probably just want the best for you. If you really feel down in the dumps about being on such a short leash, you can ask your parents if you can go for a short walk down the block. I’m sure they’d be OK with that. Then the next day you can ask them if you can walk around the block. Tell them it’s just a little more. The next day, ask them if you can walk two blocks. How can they argue walking an extra block? Parents just need a little hand-holding. Baby steps. If you continue going a little further every time, then finally you may find yourself walking all the way to your friend’s house. Just like all your buds.

Another, maybe quicker, option is you can invite your friend to your house. Then there is no problem with walking and you can still have fun.

If all else fails grab the car and start driving. I’m sure your parents won’t have a problem with that. It’s probably just the walking alone they are uneasy with. You do know how to drive, right? Well, that might be a different issue.

Best of luck,

Shayna B.

Shayna is a fifth grader and understands what kids in elementary school are going through. She is happy to help others navigate this tricky time. She can be reached at [email protected]. She is looking forward to hearing from you soon.