Anonymous wrote:My DD and her best friend went to NYC by themselves for their 16th birthday. They wandered around the village, saw a couple of shows, skated, got matcha, etc. had a great time!

Did they stay by themselves in a hotel?

Anonymous wrote:NP.

While I may be in agreement with lots of you saying to "let her go", you all need to turn that judgmental finger inward. There is ZERO need for the snark, judgment and just plain bi---iness seen in some of your posts. Not sure why many of you on this board feel that sort of thing is necessary. Just gross.

Yeah, it’s over the top. NYC is undergoing some changes that aren’t great. My dd used to walk through Times Square to get the train and she can’t do it anymore. It’s always been crowded but it’s become nastier. Men harassing her which has increased. It just wears you down when you have to walk through that every day.

Where are they staying? Because I mentioned on the other NYC post about Hudson Yards and how beautiful it is and not nearly as crowded as touristy areas. They could take a cab there and it’s like going to your local mall.

Greenwich Village is still nice to walk around and safe.

You are right to be nervous but don’t worry, she’ll be fine.

Anonymous wrote:OP, you are entitled to parent based on a preference, and that doesn't need to be defended. You don't need to categorize this as your anxiety. That just ups the drama. Might there be a reasonable person, a parent, who would not want their 16 year old on this trip ... yes. You don't have some malady.

Either decision is fine. Yes she goes, no she doesn't. Decide and own it. You probably cause your DD more harm - not re: going or not going - but having her think you have a mental condition that needs fixing.

+1

When my sister was 16 she and her best friend went to the Bahamas for 4 days. Born in the 60s.

What has happened to the current younger generations? Babied by their parents as is they were toddlers at 16.

BTDT we were the other family and DD brought a friend from HS.
She will be fine. Let her go. It’ll be an awesome experience for her

I wouldn’t let mine go. We don’t have much experience in urban settings and there’s a lot of riff raff in NYC. I wouldn’t send my child on a trip to NYC with another family without me.

Definitely let her go.

She’s 16!!!!

Cut the umbilical cord my God

OP, you are entitled to parent based on a preference, and that doesn't need to be defended. You don't need to categorize this as your anxiety. That just ups the drama. Might there be a reasonable person, a parent, who would not want their 16 year old on this trip ... yes. You don't have some malady.

Either decision is fine. Yes she goes, no she doesn't. Decide and own it. You probably cause your DD more harm - not re: going or not going - but having her think you have a mental condition that needs fixing.

They have cell phones? I can think of nothing les scary than navigating a giant city WITH A CELL PHONE. it’s so easy.

If the friend is comfortable, even better.

I would let my child know but I think the feelings of anxiety are completely understandable and if you didn't have any you'd be a bad parent. Some 16 year olds would be fine but others would take a lot of risks without parental supervision. Do they have a curfew?

Let her go. Do you live here in the DC area? Also time to let her go into town by herself etc.

Anonymous wrote:Scary thought is in two years this girl will be an adult and hopefully in college out of your sight. You can’t protect them forever you have to let them go fly sometimes. I’d let her go.

And you need to get her ready to go away to college. This is a good first step. My parents own a place in NY and the last couple of times were were there I let my 11 and 13 year old go to Starbucks by themselves during the day. I'd be especially comforted by the fact that the friend is used to wandering around NYC and is likely quite city smart.

NP.

While I may be in agreement with lots of you saying to "let her go", you all need to turn that judgmental finger inward. There is ZERO need for the snark, judgment and just plain bi---iness seen in some of your posts. Not sure why many of you on this board feel that sort of thing is necessary. Just gross.

Scary thought is in two years this girl will be an adult and hopefully in college out of your sight. You can’t protect them forever you have to let them go fly sometimes. I’d let her go.