Am I a Helicopter Mom?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is OP. My son and his friend are 11. His friend’s dad did come down after a bit, but once he saw me he waved and went back upstairs (which was fine). The other kids seemed to be a similar age, maybe a bit older (12-13).

As far as the other kids, I never saw anyone come check on them in the time we were there. I was more concerned about someone getting hurt and the kids panicking/not knowing what to do. I tried to melt in the background as much as I possibly could - I wasn’t trying to curb the play/fun in any way.

Thanks for the responses - I know age is relevant here.

11 you are correct. I would check in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is OP. My son and his friend are 11. His friend’s dad did come down after a bit, but once he saw me he waved and went back upstairs (which was fine). The other kids seemed to be a similar age, maybe a bit older (12-13).

As far as the other kids, I never saw anyone come check on them in the time we were there. I was more concerned about someone getting hurt and the kids panicking/not knowing what to do. I tried to melt in the background as much as I possibly could - I wasn’t trying to curb the play/fun in any way.

Thanks for the responses - I know age is relevant here.

You’re not helicoptering. I’d say 13/14 I’d let them go alone, but honestly I’d be more likely to a big group like that because they are loud and would disturb other guests. If it was a 13yo and two buddies they could go unsupervised. 11, no way.

[Anonymous]

Nope. I declined to watch other people’s kids at the pool this summer. We’re pretty free range but I have a hard line for water safety. Accidents happen.

[Anonymous]

I'm fine supervising a group of 10 kids age 5-9 if they're decent swimmers. I'm NOT supervising a roughhousing group of preteen/teen boys who won't hear anything over their caterwauling.