I let my son go hang out up the street w/friends, finally, but I cannot break my fear of what could happen to them "out there". Especially with my daughter, she rarely goes to a friends house, & never walks anywhere. I know I need to let go a little--soon. They ask to go to the movies w/friends- to get dropped off & picked up. ..
Someone help! Are my kids still little & better off when I know their safe? Or do I need to "cut the umbilical cord"?
2006-08-02 22:55:55 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Grade-Schooler
Instil in them a sense of awareness and responsibility - let them know that telling you where they are going is not a bad thing. There are places you are right to not let your children go, but don't restrict them for the sake of it. I am now thankful to my mum for not letting me go to these 'underage dance parties' in my youth, but she still let me go to friends and the movies. Develop mutual respect and they won't do anything you don't want to. And remember not everyone is a bad person, they exist and all you can do is teach your kids to be aware of abnormal things. Then they can make their own decisions.
2006-08-02 23:11:12 · answer #1 · answered by AnswerP 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to teach them about safety first.. then you need to give them room to breathe. If you don't, when they get older you are only asking for trouble. My daughter is 12. I have two way radios we purchased at Walmart. When she goes down the street or to the park 3 blocks away, she has to take a radio with her. That way I can call her and she can call me if there is a problem. The radios aren't very expensive, but they do drain on the batteries a lot. So get plenty of batteries and the walkie talkies.. and start giving her space. As for going to the movies.. that was a hard one for me.. you could try taking them there, let them go to a movie with friends while you go to a different movie in the same theatre. That way they have their space and you get some time to yourself as well. After a few times of realizing it's okay, you will eventually enjoy dropping them off and getting somethings done at home or just have peace and quiet for a little while.
2006-08-03 03:42:41 · answer #2 · answered by Mary J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know you want to protect them, but you're not doing them a favor, believe me. I was overprotected all my life and I can barely function on my own. They need to learn how to be indenpendent. At their ages, they shouldn't just be let loose with no control, but they are at an age where they need to start branching out a little into the world. They're going to grow up whether you like it or not and no matter how close you try to keep them. They are going to be better off if they grow up to be independent. Letting go a little will actually help them because otherwise, they will go buck wild when they're older and finally do get freedom.
2006-08-02 23:02:27 · answer #3 · answered by First Lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know how you feel. I used to worry about my son like that. Now he is 17 and I still worry but not as much anymore because I trust him and I know who he hangs with. Give your kids a curfew and know where they are at all times. In time you will let them have there freedom once you get used to them hanging with friends. Nowadays this world is so scary but have faith in your kids. They will do just find! Good luck!
2006-08-03 19:42:13 · answer #4 · answered by Humming Bird 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a very hard decision to consider, i think u should give them a little freedom, knowing that you have raised them, to make the correct choices and friends. That's great the your daughter is asking you to drop her off and pick her up,and If she late meeting you, wen it's pick up time,take something good of her, and keep trying. I also think that their ages are i guess young to be wanting alot of freedom,It's a scary world, but you know how you've raised them and they'll make the proper decisions.. Gud Luck..
2006-08-03 00:53:02 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you think you are worrying without reason? Or are you afraid to just 'let go' , which every mother has to go through at some time or the other?
Do you know your son's friends? Why don't you call them over and decide what they are like and get a sort of 'update' on their activities, by just staying within reach of their conversation?
2006-08-03 03:41:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ahhh let loose a little. I am a 13 year old and my mom lets me walk anywhere before dark as long as I have my cell phone with me. I dont really hang out with my friends much, but if I did that would be okay with them too. just make sure you talk to your kids about what is and isnt okay for them to be doing. dont let them go anywhere by themselves either. I strongly suggest getting them prepaid cell phones. they can be as cheap as $25 per phone and virginmobile and t mobile get great service and minutes are cheap too. good luck and its great that you are a protective parent... I wish I had one.
2006-08-05 01:02:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its normal. With the people in the world these days. I suggest a cell phone. Like I have seen this ad for a cell phone and you can keep track of what street ur kids are on. So you dont have to call and you can keep track of them from a comp or phone (i 4get) and i think the brand is cingular
RAISING THE BAR!
2006-08-03 07:25:12 · answer #8 · answered by Jenny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well being on yahoo answers kinda helps add fuel to the fire of fear . seeing young kids on here asking quetions and telling their lives story or wanting to get pregnant or looking to meet someone their own age here . seeing this all on here has made me really avoid allowing my kids online at all !
can you trust your kids? are they sneaky ? i would give them a little freedom , but the minute they do something that is not responsible take it away . do you know their friends? do you know the friends parents ? i would become active in your kids lives and really get to know them , their friends and friends parents . find out what type of kids they are wanting to hang out with . kep yourself involved . . there is nothing wrong with you dropping your kids off and picking them up at the movies . to me that is what a responsible parents does .
2006-08-03 01:39:24 · answer #9 · answered by mick 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its better if you let go a little at a time....my kids are the same age as yours.....it was harder for my wife to let them start hanging out with friends...i just make sure i know their friends and to the parents.....im not saying let them go completely, but let them experience life on their on.....one thing i can say is be open with them....dont make them feel like they can't open up to you about anything...my kids aren't afraid to speak their mind to us and we are able to sit and listen....and carry a conversation with them.....you never have to fully cut the umbilical cord...just dont hold on so tight to it...your a great mom for being so concerned about your kids....hope things work out
2006-08-03 07:12:28 · answer #10 · answered by sgtrlopez 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋