So had an argument with the Mrs.
My kid school is located in a secluded suburb, all the streets around the school are very quiet except from the school hours.
When I do the school runs and when I see kids trying to cross the street (not zebra crossing), I drive at a reduced speed (and do fully expect to stop should they walk out) BUT I do not stop for them to cross. I do this because I believe this helps them not to expect drivers to give way to them.
My wife always stops the car in the middle of the road and let them cross which drives me mad. Yes, the road is very quiet and yes there’s no car behind but that’s like teaching them kids to expect drivers to stop. She asks me “Would you stop for your own kid?” to which I replied “no, I’ll do the same thing. Don’t want her to cross the road when there’s a car coming”. To which she replies “you’re such an a**”
So am I an ahole or not? (=
update:
Without a word of a lie, today 6/8/2020, was putting my daughter in the car and saw a boy trying to zoom across the road 1 car ahead. He didn't see the Ford mondeo coming from the right. I shouted "stop" which he did. The Ford zoomed past and he said "thanks, they usually stop". oh well. Can't wait to tell the Mrs when she gets home. Lolz.
The kids should be crossing at a zebra, traffic lights or a traffic island.
Stopping for them will make them expect that cars will stop for them in the future, which will not be the case.
You are right in slowing down but not stopping.Your wife is teaching them the wrong lessons.