14yo’s hanging out alone?

[Anonymous]

Are you kidding???

Kids that age can babysit. My teens make plans by themselves. Kids come and go. Parents don’t really text one another besides for ride coordinating.

I think when my kids were in elementary (5th or 6th), I may have said that I have to leave for a bit to pick up another kid. I would not tell the parents of teens I had to leave the house.

[Anonymous]

By the time kids are in 7th grade or so, kids generally make their own plans & I assume parents are enforcing their own rules/boundaries with their kids on day to day things. I’m always happy to talk to any parents who have questions and I might occasionally call another parent as well.

I would never assume parents of a 14yo will be home the whole time unless they tell me so, or I ask.

So IMO it is fine. If the friend’s parents care if you were going to be home they need to enforce that with their kid “yes you can go to Larla’s as long as a parent is home. Please check” or “yes you can go to Larla’s but I need to speak with her parent first”

[Anonymous]

I think most parents would be fine with it but no harm in texting. For a longer period of time, definitely text.

[Anonymous]

If I know the friend, it’s no big deal and I do let the other parents know.

I don’t let larger groups hang out at my house without us around.

[Anonymous]

It depends on the kids and the situation. Unmonitored alcohol is a big temptation to some adolescents, so I would definitely give a heads up to the other parents in case that’s a concern to them. I worry more about 14 year olds alone than I did 11 year olds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’d stay if the other parent is not there, or bring them to my house. Too many weirdos out there

You are joking?
13/14 should be babysitting, dog walking for others, etc. Please let your child have some independence.

Agree. This generation of coddling parents just destroying youth

[Anonymous]

Ask the parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This may sound crazy but I have to ask, because I’m not sure!

If your DD13-almost-14 went to a (girl) friend’s house to hang out, how would you feel if the parents weren’t home for part of the visit? DD is having a friend over, sort of last minute, and I was already planning on doing some shopping (<20 minutes away) but didn’t want to prevent her having a friend over. Back in the 90s I hung out alone with my girlfriends after school all the time, but I don’t know how parents feel about this today. I wouldn’t care, but I just want to be sure.

Of course. Why wouldn't you allow that? Do they hang out and go to places like the mall or movies unchaperoned or is there an adult following them? Anyway, the only time I would be concerned is if the friend was spending the night and I was out of town. Also, make sure they don't have easy access to alcohol. Other than that, I think it's all good.

[Anonymous]

You daughter and friend will appreciate it if you leave. These kids are 13! Why would you need to supervise? At that age, I didn’t know many of my kid’s friends parents since it was middle school. I would go grocery shopping without thinking twice.

[Anonymous]

I think you should let the parents know that if your plan before hand. Most would be fine with it. Will they be responsible for watching younger siblings? Are older siblings (with their own friends) also going to be there?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’d stay if the other parent is not there, or bring them to my house. Too many weirdos out there

Would you not leave a child that age home alone either?!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’d stay if the other parent is not there, or bring them to my house. Too many weirdos out there

Case in point. You’re going to stay at a random friend’s house while the parents are gone?? WTF is wrong with you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’d stay if the other parent is not there, or bring them to my house. Too many weirdos out there

Case in point. You’re going to stay at a random friend’s house while the parents are gone?? WTF is wrong with you?

I can’t tell if this is a serious comment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’d stay if the other parent is not there, or bring them to my house. Too many weirdos out there

Case in point. You’re going to stay at a random friend’s house while the parents are gone?? WTF is wrong with you?

I can’t tell if this is a serious comment.

Well you’re an idiot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’d stay if the other parent is not there, or bring them to my house. Too many weirdos out there

Case in point. You’re going to stay at a random friend’s house while the parents are gone?? WTF is wrong with you?

I can’t tell if this is a serious comment.

Well you’re an idiot.

Says the dipshit.