Nd advice-would you allow your 12 year old DD to walk around a huge mall alone or with a friend?
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Anonymous
| Can’t sleep. All night I had a fight with my daughter. I currently live in Minnesota, my 12 year old wants to go with her friend (13) to walk around alone in the Mall of America. This mall is the largest in the country. When I was young I use to walk to town and around town by myself at this age; but times are different. I told her no. I’ve read a lot about sex trafficking stories lately. My DD is very pretty and so is her friend. Am I being too paranoid? I allow her to walk alone in a smaller mall but MOA? What would you do? |
Anonymous
| Is she familiar with it? |
Anonymous
|
Mom of a 13 year old dd here:
No. You’re the mom. You get to make these calls. Yes, there are places where she can have independence. This isn’t one of them. She doesn’t have to agree with you, so don’t feel like you have to spend hours trying to convince her with the perfect argument. |
Anonymous
| I would allow some freedom but probably not totally a drop off situation. For example, I would agree to periodic meet ups and freedom to walk around in a section of the mall. I’d require that she answer her phone if I call. And if they wanted to change plans and move on to another section, I’d require her to call and let me know. |
Anonymous
| Definitely yes for a 12 year old with a friend. |
Anonymous
|
I trailed along with DD and her friend at that age, but didn't interact too much with them. A year or so later I sat down in the mall with a book to read and had her text every 20 minutes or so and also come in person. She thought that was draconian but them's the rules.
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Anonymous
| I let my 12 yo ride Metro and walk a mile each way through DC every day with a 12 yo friend. My parents were overprotective but they still let me walk around a mall with friends at that age. This is an important part of growing up and becoming independent. Also, sex trafficking??? No one is picking up well adjusted 12 year olds at MOA and sex trafficking them. |
Anonymous
| At that age I would usually stay in the mall but them go to stores alone. |
Anonymous
|
I might allow it with hourly check ins or so.
That was basically all I did during my tween years. |
Anonymous
+1 |
Anonymous
| Yes, of course. I would and I have. |
Anonymous
With a friend. |
Anonymous
| With a friend yes. |
Anonymous
| Every 12 year old is different; mine is very “young” and so I would say no, but others can totally handle it. |
Anonymous
| With a friend, yes. What is the answer among local peers? Do that. |