I have veto power over the friends so the OCD helicopter parented kid wouldn’t even be an option. We have one friend whose family is more observant of our shared religion so I include plans for attendance of required religious services when I extend an invitation. Other than that, most of the parents whose kids would be invited know that we are planners and that things will be taken care of and organized. No family makes the invite list of the parent(s) or kid is a pill.

Make sure you have a notarized letter giving you in your full legal name appropriate powers and decision making capability. May not carry weight with other country but will with ICE and US Emabassy.

I'm really surprised an OCD helicopter parent would even agree to this, but while I would totally take my kid's friend with us overseas, I would only do so if that friend's parents weren't going to try to run the trip from afar.

My kids can go with school trips where there a many more kids per grown-up; those grown-ups are just teachers and parents, too. I don't see a big difference.

Anonymous wrote:We take friends with us, it's NBD. Just bring a copy of their medical card, and have an emergency # for the parents. It makes for a better trip for all...

Where have you taken such trips? Overseas?

No, no, no.

We take friends with us, it's NBD. Just bring a copy of their medical card, and have an emergency # for the parents. It makes for a better trip for all...

How old are these kids? I'd have to know them really really really well to even consider this.

Why are you bringing your kids' friends along on a trip ...a 9 day European vacation no less?


You win for the biggest 1st World Problem.

I would never do this. I'd be frustrated my husband offered this up without my approval too.

If you do, be sure to travel with a notarized power of attorney, all the applicable health insurance information etc.

Anonymous wrote:I take kids away with us all the time. I agree that you should have a discussion with the parents. It doesn’t happen often but occasionally while on a trip I’ll get a call from a parent over something I think is dumb - like we didn’t stay long enough at a souvenir shop. Better to try to avoid such things.

Out of the country?

Why on earth would your hus and agree to them bringing friends to Europe?

This is in a completely different league than bringing friends to your lake house

I wojld have to say no to that.

Who cares about being the bad guy?

I take kids away with us all the time. I agree that you should have a discussion with the parents. It doesn’t happen often but occasionally while on a trip I’ll get a call from a parent over something I think is dumb - like we didn’t stay long enough at a souvenir shop. Better to try to avoid such things.

I don't think I would let my child go. Are you paying for all the costs? That would be more than I could accept from a friend. What if my child got sick and ruined your vacation?

You are not over thinking it! How are you arranging the hotel rooms? I went with my high school and we used to sneak out at night and be back by 3-4am. The chaperones were clueless. Now I think how dangerous that was!!!

I am nervous about doing this, my husband told both our kids still at home they could each bring a friend when we go to Europe in June. While I think it will be very nice FOR THEM, its a big responsibility for us. One of their friends has an insanely OCD helicopter parent and I am already having anxiety over being in charge of her kid for 9 days.
I wish I could have her sign a disclaimer...haha.

As we have never done this before (weekend trips but not a major trip) any advice? I do plan on laying down the law about certain things. Both are teenagers but I feel like I should also have a discussion with the parents about my expectations or is that wrong? My husband says I am overthinking this.