Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
We never shop at malls, and I hope that my kids never ask for this. What a stupid way to spend one's time. To answer your question, OP, it would depend on the child. Middle school, at some point, for my DD. High school for my very ADHD DS.

"...we NEVER shop at malls..."

I mean - THE HORROR!!

And everyone that does is “stupid”. Even better.

I personally don’t like malls. But I also remember the thrill of going with a friend at age 11 or 12 with a few bucks in my pocket and making choices about how to spend my money (a mall pretzel? Fancy lilac soap? A funny sticker for my locker?). For tweens, it’s an exercise in independence. That’s a good thing, not a stupid thing. My 12 year old goes occasionally with a friend. They like the soap store and Jamba Juice.

7th grade for us and we even let them take the metro alone (with friends but no parents) GASP!

Anonymous wrote:
We never shop at malls, and I hope that my kids never ask for this. What a stupid way to spend one's time. To answer your question, OP, it would depend on the child. Middle school, at some point, for my DD. High school for my very ADHD DS.

Why not next time just skip replying if you have nothing helpful to contribute?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
We never shop at malls, and I hope that my kids never ask for this. What a stupid way to spend one's time. To answer your question, OP, it would depend on the child. Middle school, at some point, for my DD. High school for my very ADHD DS.

"...we NEVER shop at malls..."

I mean - THE HORROR!!

And everyone that does is “stupid”. Even better.

Anonymous wrote:
We never shop at malls, and I hope that my kids never ask for this. What a stupid way to spend one's time. To answer your question, OP, it would depend on the child. Middle school, at some point, for my DD. High school for my very ADHD DS.

"...we NEVER shop at malls..."

I mean - THE HORROR!!

Anonymous wrote:I never understood teenager's fascination with malls but after watching Pretty Little Liars, no mall hanging out for my dds.

Yeah me neither, but my friends and I were more outdoorsy kids anyway, and according to probably most a bit immature. We did hang at the mall a few times to see movies, and occasionally they'd put on pro wrestling shows in an abandoned department store, but that was it.

I never understood teenager's fascination with malls but after watching Pretty Little Liars, no mall hanging out for my dds.

We allowed it at 12. They seem to be spending most of their time looking for places to snap pictures of one another/themselves.

Just did this with DD for the first time at 13. Although she went to the mall to see a movie with a couple of friends and got dinner at the food court beforehand, so there was a "plan" of sorts. DD is not the type to just rattle around a mall aimlessly, and she hates to shop. But it worked out fine, we dropped her off, and then picked her up a few hours later. Did not stick around at the mall.

I first allowed this in 8th grade. Younger than that, I'd suggest a parent be at least nearby in the mall if not directly supervising.

In 7th grade I would bring a pack of them and let them loose while I did my own thing for a couple of hours. Other moms in her social circle did the same. Now that they are in 8th, we drop them.

For the person who said they think this is a waste of time, I disagree. My daughter and her friends love to buy their own clothes and accessories, and they have all kinds of conversations about what’s worth their money and what’s a waste. They comparison-shop, they wait for sales, and they help each other make choices. I think those are really valuable lessons to learn and it’s fun to do it with your friends.

We never shop at malls, and I hope that my kids never ask for this. What a stupid way to spend one's time. To answer your question, OP, it would depend on the child. Middle school, at some point, for my DD. High school for my very ADHD DS.

I let my 6th grader go with friends. She just turned 12.