On another thread I mentioned:
I was about 9y old when I read ‘Alice in Wonderland’ at home, in bed, getting over ? chickenpox. Was in my mum’s bed (a treat cos I wasn’t well) on my own. Mum had gone to work - I must have been over the worst - but still ... ? No telephone in the house. Just told ‘stay in bed till I get back’. Needs must I suppose - no grandparents.
Then when I was just 11y and 1mth (late Aug birthday) I went to the grammar school. I was so scared as I had to get a train from Old Trafford station on my own. 3 stops. Separate carriageways in those days & big leather straps to secure an open window - remember them? No mobile phone for this new 11y old. Mum went with me ONCE to show me how to buy my ticket and which side of the station to get the steps down to the platform. ‘Count the stops and when the train starts to slow get up to the door. DON’T open it till it has fully stopped’.
Phew! I was so scared the first few times. Then confident and proud of myself.
But thinking back ... ?
No mobile
I didn’t have the telephone number for mum at work (shop, part time)
We didn’t have a landline at home.
Sorry this is a long post.
My point - is independence good for character building? Or do I remember all this so vividly from more than 50y ago because it traumatised me? I was really frightened to do this.
What are your thoughts? Any similar experiences? How are we different with grandchildren today?
To think that London, or anywhere else for that matter, does not belong to any one demographic
Prayer ban at Katharine Birbalsingh’s school is lawful, High Court rules .