Would you have waited around?

[Anonymous]

I dropped DD (7th grade but not 13 until June) at the movies to see Cinderella with a friend. I made sure they hooked up before I drove away.
I was in the parking lot reading when the movie let out but was reading a book. When I looked at the theater, DD was standing there by herself looking at her phone. Her friend had already been picked up as they probably parked at the curb instead of in a spot like me, and they drove away.

I was kind of surprised that they (the parents) didn't make sure my DD was picked up or at least confirmed I was on my way.

Miss-communication happens at this age when young teens are starting to plan going out only with friends.

I would have waited until the friend (even though she had a phone) touched base with her parents before driving away.... or am I too much of a helicopter?

[Anonymous]

If she had her phone with her, presumably they knew she'd be able to reach you, and if there was a problem with that, she'd be able to reach them again. I don't think its a huge deal.

[Anonymous]

I would have had her call and I would have waited but most probably would not.

[Anonymous]

I'm 42 now. One thing that has always stuck with me was when I was in middle school at a school dance. My mom arrived to pick me up but I was with my friend and her mom wasn't there yet. My mom waited with us for her mom. I guess that ingrained upon me that is what you're supposed to do. So yes, I would have waited with your daughter.

Phones are great but it doesn't always mean that the receiving end picks up or if something should happen to the child that she would be able to make the call.

[Anonymous]

I would have waited a few minutes - no big deal.

[Anonymous]

I also would have waited. But I'm also a person who would've walked the child to the door in that other thread.

[Anonymous]

I would have waited until her ride got there or she confirmed someone was about to pick her up.

[Anonymous]

Absolutely would have waited. If I drove away and something happened to that child, I could never forgive myself.

--mom of a 13 year boy

[Anonymous]

I would have waited.

[Anonymous]

I probably would not have if she had a phone on her and she was in a safe, well-lit area.

[Anonymous]

Definitely would have parked and waited. I would have thought it was rude to leave her on the curb.

[Anonymous]

Definitely waited.

[Anonymous]

Absolutely

[Anonymous]

I probably would have waited, but I also don't think it's wrong that they didn't wait.

[Anonymous]

I would have waited. A phone doesn't prevent kidnapping or some other bad things from happening.