Uber account for Christmas?

[Anonymous]

My very responsible and very social eighth grade DS wants an uber account. We're thinking of giving him one for Christmas and giving him a monthly limit of a couple hundred dollars. I told a co-worker who saidthat's irresponsible. I don't want to say no to my son, and want to cut back on being his limo driver, but don't want to be judged either. How have others handled it? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

That's a lot of money for Uber use every month. Where the hell is he going and how often? It seems pretty incredible that a child would need several hundred dollars a month.

[Anonymous]

My kids get one in 9th.

They probably use no more than $25/month.

It usually I drive them to their location but I don't pickup because it is too late.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That's a lot of money for Uber use every month. Where the hell is he going and how often? It seems pretty incredible that a child would need several hundred dollars a month.

More like 200. Travel too soccer practice. Weekend parties. Sunday school. It adds up quickly! Allah when we can't make it in time for school pick up.

[Anonymous]

* also

[Anonymous]

Is it really a Christmas present though if it's just replacing you as the driver? That doesn't seem fair to him. Transportation is a necessity that you would provide and you don't count that as a Christmas present, so why should this be a Christmas present?

[Anonymous]

I was just having a conversation with an Uber driver the other day about kids riding in Uber. If she can tell they are under 18, she refuses them. She was saying it's kind of hard to tell with the high school kids, but I can imagine your 8th grader would be obviously under 18 and may get refused rides, not to mention the safety issue.

We use Hop, Skip, Drive in Nor Cal, where we live. It's designed for kids and all of the drivers are fingerprinted and vetted. Do they have any similar kids ride services in DC?

Also, TBH, giving your kids rides for Christmas is an odd gift.

[Anonymous]

Or you could just add the uber app to his phone and then add him as a family member under your account. That way any rides he takes are paid through your account and you can see when he's requesting a ride.

[Anonymous]

Uber isn't as safe as I wish it were. Not comfortable turning a 13 year old loose with it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Or you could just add the uber app to his phone and then add him as a family member under your account. That way any rides he takes are paid through your account and you can see when he's requesting a ride.

+1. That's what we did for our kids in middle and high school. Despite the claimed 18+ policy, they never had a problem. I wouldn't consider providing access to rides a gift, since I think getting kids around town when they need it is just part of my job as a parent.

[Anonymous]

Honestly, I cant believe you would consider this a gift when its just replacing what you, as his parent are supposed to do. Yes, I understand you get tired of driving your kid everywhere. I do too. My kids have lots of activities too and I have to drive them or find them rides. I work full time and sometimes feel like the weekend is more demadning that my job (ha ha). That said, I knew when I became a parnet this is what it entails. My kids are 15 and 13. The 15 has an Uber account on his phone. He uses it for weekend nights if he is going to a dance or party or other times for an emergency. Its attached to my credit card. This benefits ME more than HIM so I, in no way, see it as a gift to him. The 13 year old isnt yet going to parties or dances so doesnt have an Uber account on her phone.

[Anonymous]

My son (almost 15) had taken Uber a few times when rides fell through to get to practice and all of his backup ride options were already at practice and couldn't swing by to get him. I hate to say it, but I'm more comfortable letting my teen son do it than I am my 17 year old daughter. I use Uber very often (at least once, if not more a day) to navigate DC and I've never had a female driver.

[Anonymous]

Can't he use public transit?

[Anonymous]

Some Uber drivers won't take kids of either sex. Makes the driver too vulnerable being alone with a kid.

[Anonymous]

My 14 year old freshman (who is a 5'10'' DS and looks like a junior) got added to our account when he started high school. But it is not for ordinary use. Unlike his middle school with is right down the street, his high school about 45 minutes away, so it is a backup in case he misses the bus and we can't get there, or there is ever a last minute activity or an emergency we can't cover. But we are clear it is a last resort, and only to be used if a parent signs off. And certainly not because it is late, or we are tired. You know, parenting. I don't love the idea, but I like it more than him sitting alone for an hour or more if everyone has left for the day.

Now, my 12 year old DD is tiny (4'o'm/65 lbs), and showing no sign or growing. I would never tell her this, but I would not feel comfortable with her using Uber until she is a lot bigger and a lot older. 16 minimum-- if she has a growth spurt.

I feel very strongly we should treat sons and daughters equally. But in this case, I just don't see it.