Would you let a 16yo stay alone in an apartment for an internship

[Anonymous]

I can’t imagine doing this. In a strange city? Like what are they gonna do for fun? Door dash food will quickly figure kid is alone.

16 year olds can make stupid mistakes when bored.

Do you know anyone in the city that they can stay with?

[Anonymous]

How independent is your kid, generally?

My husband did something very similar at 17 one summer for an internship at a museum, but was attending a boarding school (albeit across the country) so was pretty independent to begin with. His grandmother's friend happened to live in the next town and two aunts were a few hours away. The museum happened to be in a college town (internship not affiliated) and he found a group house with some college students to stay in.

It really depends on the kid, and the level of supervision they have performed under. That summer was a lot more freedom than he had had before, but not a dramatic jump, and a good trial before college.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I will. But I am an immigrant and not American where 16 year olds are treated like 12 year old children. Your son will be fine.

[Anonymous]

No. The child is a minor.

[Anonymous]

We let our 17 year old live across the country alone for a tech internship for a Summer.

We coordinated with the CEO of the company to arrange for housing near the office in a group home with other employees (own room with lock).

I won’t lie…kid was likely snuck into places not allowed for a 17 year old, but has a good head on his shoulders and it was a great experience.

[Anonymous]

No.

[Anonymous]

Do you know nobody at all in this city?
What kind of social life would you expect him to have?
What kind of internship is this that takes a 16 yr/old?

[Anonymous]

No

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think this is a very good idea.

Does he have a driver's license?

Does he know how to use his medical benefits and your insurance?

Does he know how to cook safely and use items such as a fire extinguisher?

I would feel better about an apartment with maintenance and a security desk than home alone.

Also I think males are less likely to be targeted by creeps.

Does he look tall and old for his age?

Yes. I’d be ok with that

My kids knew how to do all that at 16.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A girl, yes. But not a boy.

For me the other way around.

Why?!?!

Safety.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I lived in another city when I was 16 (Female). No issues. I was responsible and knew where to go if I needed something.
But we had been raised with independence and responsibility so this wasn't a leap from life at home. I had an old car I bought and got myself around. This was before cellphones.

[Anonymous]

My main concern would be how will he spend his time outside of work? If he knows no one I wouldn’t be comfortable. What type of summer will he have sitting alone in a random apartment?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes. We let our 16 year old spend 3-4 nights alone every week last summer as she was working at the beach and we were back in DC. She was comfortable with it which was key. She biked to work each day, biked for groceries, cooked for herself, etc.

This sounds like the beginning of a human trafficking movie. Thank God your daughter is safe.

[Anonymous]

No

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is that legal?

Exactly... I'm sure it's not. There would have to be an over 18yo supervisor like an RA in college for it to be legal. If there's an emergency (not even life threatening) they will need adult guardian.