This is definitely a cultural disconnect. OP is from overseas. OP, your son will be one of the only kids without a parent attending. Parents attend these events with their kids. Pack up mom and get two hotel rooms. Make a trip out of it. Mom can hang out in the room while you attend the opening events. Good luck.

It’s fine for your son to go alone, especially so you can take care of your elderly mother. A lot of insane helicopter parents on here.

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would let my kid go alone if they were comfortable with the drive. It sounds like they’ll be apart from parents most of the time anyway. I would just book a hotel that has app checkin and digital key!

Do these always work though? I am really only worried about this part of the trip. Another option is I go with him and take a bus back so it’s just one night away. I wish they offered two nights in dorm since they start at 8am.

Just call the hotel and ask. A credit/debit card in his name will work. He needs that for college so you need to get him one if he doesn’t already have it.

No I meant the keyless entry. He has had a debit card for years. I called the hotel i had booked and it’s a no due to age.

I apologize, I missed the part about his age. Mobile check-ins are hit-or-miss. I wouldn’t risk it.

He is 18 and our state is normally 18 to check in BUT I have called and several said no. I found one which is a yes but booked, and another which is much more than I was hoping to spend and a yes so I might have to do that. Just too bad it doesn't start a bit later in the am or they can't do two dorm nights.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would let my kid go alone if they were comfortable with the drive. It sounds like they’ll be apart from parents most of the time anyway. I would just book a hotel that has app checkin and digital key!

Do these always work though? I am really only worried about this part of the trip. Another option is I go with him and take a bus back so it’s just one night away. I wish they offered two nights in dorm since they start at 8am.

Just call the hotel and ask. A credit/debit card in his name will work. He needs that for college so you need to get him one if he doesn’t already have it.

No I meant the keyless entry. He has had a debit card for years. I called the hotel i had booked and it’s a no due to age.

I apologize, I missed the part about his age. Mobile check-ins are hit-or-miss. I wouldn’t risk it.

If it’s a 4 hour drive, maybe have him drive really early the first day and skip spending the night before at the hotel. Not ideal but he can drive at 5:00am if it starts at 9:00am.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would let my kid go alone if they were comfortable with the drive. It sounds like they’ll be apart from parents most of the time anyway. I would just book a hotel that has app checkin and digital key!

Do these always work though? I am really only worried about this part of the trip. Another option is I go with him and take a bus back so it’s just one night away. I wish they offered two nights in dorm since they start at 8am.

Just call the hotel and ask. A credit/debit card in his name will work. He needs that for college so you need to get him one if he doesn’t already have it.

No I meant the keyless entry. He has had a debit card for years. I called the hotel i had booked and it’s a no due to age.

I wouldn't risk having my elderly mother visit Trump's America and potentially deal with ICE/TSA thugs.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would let my kid go alone if they were comfortable with the drive. It sounds like they’ll be apart from parents most of the time anyway. I would just book a hotel that has app checkin and digital key!

Do these always work though? I am really only worried about this part of the trip. Another option is I go with him and take a bus back so it’s just one night away. I wish they offered two nights in dorm since they start at 8am.

Just call the hotel and ask. A credit/debit card in his name will work. He needs that for college so you need to get him one if he doesn’t already have it.

OP, don’t let some of these parents guilt trip or judge your decision. You’ve raised your son for the past 18 years, helped him get into college, and will support him while he’s there. Missing an orientation to be with your mother is fine.

Like another poster stated, if your son can’t attend a two-day orientation by himself, you have a bigger problem.

Anonymous wrote:I would let my kid go alone if they were comfortable with the drive. It sounds like they’ll be apart from parents most of the time anyway. I would just book a hotel that has app checkin and digital key!

Do these always work though? I am really only worried about this part of the trip. Another option is I go with him and take a bus back so it’s just one night away. I wish they offered two nights in dorm since they start at 8am.

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:The only concern I have would be if your child can check into the hotel given their age.

Some hotels do not allow that.

Even at 18?

If 18, he just needs a credit card in his name. He can even pay cash but would need like $800 for a security deposit.

Even if prepaid and my card on file?

Some hotels, like Marriott, can be strict with that policy. The credit/debit card is for the incidentals or damages to the room. You should call the hotel and ask. He could also use his debit card but would have to have enough money in his account for them to hold.

Anonymous wrote:Please prioritize your child over your mom.

No prioritize you sick, non-English speaking mom over your man child.

I would let my kid go alone if they were comfortable with the drive. It sounds like they’ll be apart from parents most of the time anyway. I would just book a hotel that has app checkin and digital key!

Anonymous wrote:It wouldn’t occur to me to go with my kid. In fact, my DS’s orientation will be in CA and I don’t plan to fly there with him, then doit again a month later for move in.

Maybe people are confused bc the reactions are so strong!

It wouldn’t occur to me to go with my kid. In fact, my DS’s orientation will be in CA and I don’t plan to fly there with him, then doit again a month later for move in.