I'd let my child, but he doesn't have any siblings.

OP, you don't want to, so don't.

Anonymous wrote:OP I don't know the friend very well. Nice kid, but I am a bit of a loner so I think I would feel like I was entertaining the whole time. And not very relaxing.

I would feel the exact same way, and would likely say no. Family trips are supposed to be relaxing and about family bonding. Plus, the brothers should be bonding as well, and will likely not with the friend there.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:.... but he really wants me to. He gets bored with his brother and wants to have a friend with him. WWYD?

I am an introvert. A vacation with additional children is not a vacation. I limit my children to inviting friends along on short trips, and try to keep the family vacation family only.

I'm an introvert too, and I'm 14:21 above who said I would let my teen bring a friend along. They dont want to do activites with you, they dont want to spend time with you. sounds harsh but it's a reality. I'd definitely have an organized activity or two for everyone, maybe a dinner or put put golf or something (depends on where you are) but mostly they will do their own thing.

As far as the younger kid, I say heck no. And my explanation to the younger kid, you dont always get to do things that your older brother does. He doesent get to bring a friend along until he's x amount of years old and the same is true for you (this is the same conversation we have about a lot of things; bedtime, bigger portion at dinner, having a cell phone, etc). My reason, younger than teens and it becomes more work and I actually do have to find ways to entertain them.

Anonymous wrote:.... but he really wants me to. He gets bored with his brother and wants to have a friend with him. WWYD?

I am an introvert. A vacation with additional children is not a vacation. I limit my children to inviting friends along on short trips, and try to keep the family vacation family only.

You're the parent. It's your call, not your kid's.

That said, I'd definitely do it!

Having the friend along means that your younger child should also be allowed to bring a friend and then the kids will mostly entertain themselves and you & DH will get more uninterrupted time. If that's what you want, plan for it.

If you allow the teenager to bring a friend, does your other child get to bring a friend? And if not, is it fair for your other child to be "the odd man out" during the vacation?

I would love if my teens friend came along. They entertain each other and that actually gives me a vacation. Imagine how much fun your child would have.

Anonymous wrote:I would absolutely let him come. OP, I don't think you have to worry about entertaining your kids friend. I'm sure your kid and his friend will want to be away from parents doing their own thing as much as possible.

I actually like the idea and will probably let my teen bring a friend along if/when he asks.

+1
If the friend comes, he is your child's guest and primary responsibility. Agree with PP that they will entertain each other, and probably make things less stressful for you!

I would absolutely let him come. OP, I don't think you have to worry about entertaining your kids friend. I'm sure your kid and his friend will want to be away from parents doing their own thing as much as possible.

I actually like the idea and will probably let my teen bring a friend along if/when he asks.

OP I don't know the friend very well. Nice kid, but I am a bit of a loner so I think I would feel like I was entertaining the whole time. And not very relaxing.

Your choice. Teenager who is going to be more focused on his friend generally than family, but who is in a good mood.

Or

Surly teenager who let's you know constantly how much they resent being dragged along!


OP, is your objection that you don't like the friend, or that you want this vacation to be family-only. Maybe if this vacation is family-only, the next trip can include a friend?

Why don't you want to, specifically?

Generally I agree that family vacations are just for family, but if it's a really good friend...

.... but he really wants me to. He gets bored with his brother and wants to have a friend with him. WWYD?