Would you let your child hang out at a friend’s house if…

[Anonymous]

My 8 year old DD and her friend have been planning to hang out during the break since early November. The friend wants DD to go to her house. DD asked me if it was okay and I told her, I just need to talk to her mom first since I’ve never met the mom. I find out the girl’s parents don’t speak English at all so now I’m a little hesitant to let DD go over there. Am I in the wrong for this?

[Anonymous]

The kid speaks English and presumably can translate. How long were you planning to let your kid stay there? A few hours isn’t bad especially if you will be there. Bring a laptop I guess

[Anonymous]

I mean the daughter can translate if your daughter needs something right?

[Anonymous]

Not a concern since friend can translate..

[Anonymous]

Friend can translate. This is fine.

[Anonymous]

In what way will your child be harmed by spending a couple hours with people who don't speak English?

[Anonymous]

Yes, I would. This is fine.

[Anonymous]

I would be so psyched for my kid to learn about another language and culture. What a great life learning experience for he.

[Anonymous]

Foreigner here. The lack of English isn't as much of a problem as the fact that we've never met. I would first want to meet the parents for kids that age.

[Anonymous]

My best friend growing up was Vietnamese. Her parents did not speak English. We hung out at her house all the time. It's fine.

[Anonymous]

Yes you’re being insane.

[Anonymous]

Oh no, I can't believe you are even considering letting your child go over to a poor person's house!!!

[Anonymous]

Why do the parents need to speak English? The child can translate if necessary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Foreigner here. The lack of English isn't as much of a problem as the fact that we've never met. I would first want to meet the parents for kids that age.

I would also want to meet the parents. There are a ton of apps that will translate in real time from Voice, like iTranslate. So that you can have a chat. Then for texting you can use DeepL. It’s very reasonable to want to get to know the parents a little bit at this age. Fortunately we have technology that can help you communicate!

[Anonymous]

I thought this was going to be something about sex abuse. I don't understand the concern with the parents not speaking English. Are you worried there might be a medical emergency and they can't call 911, maybe? (But of course they can call 911, so I don't know the problem, that's just the only thing I can think of.)