He and his friends want to take part of the Halo 2 Championship In Cinni, Oh, tournment. I'm a single Mom with an ex who really doesn't care. This trip is with boys he met in school, but its so far away and no adults are going. I scares me to death to think of something happening to them/him while they are so far away. I offered to go, but they are 17.... any suggestions?
snowborder8888
Favorite Answer
I am a 19 year old boy.
As long as he isn't horribly irresponsible he should be okay.
I would hope him and his friends would have enough money to live on for the days they are up there... but not enough to get into any trouble... they are 17 year old boys after all. Lol.
But I'm sure as long as you trust your child, and you let him know that your trust is riding on this, and if he messes up it will mess up future trips, outings, etc... then he should be alright.
It could be a huge milestone... it could prepare him for being away when he is at college if he chooses to go to college... or moving out if he chooses to join the job force after high school...
It could be a really great thing. I would let him go.. and see how it goes.
Anonymous
My first concern is where they would be staying the night, since this is a 650 mile trip. Hotels aren't going to rent a room to a bunch of kids under 18. Even if one of the parents makes the reservation in advance, the key won't be turned over without an adult there to sign and provide a c/c (with id). Obviously, driving to the tournament and back in the same say isn't a good idea, especially for inexperienced drivers. Which brings up the second concern...
Who will be driving, and which car are they taking? Teens don't always have the most reliable cars. Will they be taking turns driving? On one hand, you don't want the driver to be tired. On the other, driving an unfamiliar car when you don't have a lot of experience isn't a good idea... every car has different angles and handles differently. There are three more issues that come from this, the first being auto-insurance. If there's an accident, will the other drivers be covered? Next, do any of them have AAA? And third, some places have restricted hours for drivers under 18. In some states, minors are not allowed to drive between the hours of midnight and 5am. If he'll be going out of state, check into their laws.
What if you went with them to the city, but stayed in another room on the same floor? They can spend the day at the tournament, and you can go shopping, relax by the indoor pool, or take your other kid/s ice skating.
Lone Wolf
Answer these questions in this order...
Has your son ever gotten into much trouble?
Would you trust him to behave himself?
Do you really know the friends he is going with?
Do you trust THEM to behave themselves?
Do they have a solid plan they can share with you for "we're going here by this way, and here by this road" etc, and have a cell phone or calling card to contact you and let you know things are going fine?
If you answer those questions, I'm sure you will find your answer. Some 17 year olds are actually mature enough to do something like this, but definitely not all of them... I know you'll make the best decision for you, and he will understand eventually if you say "not without a parent"
Anonymous
Okay hopefully you raised your son up good so he knows how to behave himself. Going away even that far is scary but if he's mature and responsible then I'd say let him. Just make it clear that you expect him to check in with you and see about getting him a cell phone or borrowing one for that reason. The cost for the phone will more than ease your mind and if there are any problems then he can call you right away.
Anonymous
is it a road trip or a plane trip? try talking to the other boys parents and get there opinions. i know my mom wouldnt let me go that far without a parent. but contact the other parents and see what they feel about it. maybe one of them will be willing to take your son and his friends down to Cinni.