Unlike some here I have actually looked at this bike. Wal*Mart issues aside, it appears to be an OK bike.

I think it would work fine for your one mile commute and short rides with little kids. I would even consider it OK for longer commutes of 5-10 miles. I like that it doesn't have 27 speeds, a crappy front suspension or mountain bike pretensions. It is just a straight forward commuter bike.

The handlebar is different than any stock bicycle I have ever seen and the plastic pedals are quite cheap. But if you take it to a local bike shop or to your friend to inspect, tune, and adjust it for you it should be fine for your stated use.

If you ride it a lot be prepared to do some tinkering on it to keep it in tune. The inexpensive brakes are known to require some maintenance.