Help my 16 year old daughter wants to go on holiday abroad?

Question

She is mature but as a parent I feel I would be irresponsible if I let her go.

Answer 1

I would definately say no, she is not old enough until she is 18. I have 3 sons and a daughter and I wouldnot let them go alone till they are 18.And especially not my daughter, I suppose everyone is different, but I care about what happens to mine.

Answer 2

Well, who is she going with? A group of friends? If so, do you know all the friends, and if you don't would you feel better if you did meet them?
Or is it with a boyfriend?
Who is paying for it? If it's you, then you have the right to say no; I think you should wait another year.
I personally think 16 is a bit young to be going abroad without parents; but a lot depends on where the holiday is, how mature she really is, and what safeguards are in place should anything go wrong.
Having said that, my 2nd daughter joined an Everton fan club here in Ireland, and travelled to many of their away matches with a friend from the age of 16. she had a part time job at weekends, and used to pay her own way.
I myself had my first sunshine holiday at 18; but the world was a different place then.
Trust your instinct as a parent; if it doesnt feel right then hold out for another year. She is young yet, and if she is as mature as you say, she will accept your judgement.

Answer 3

I felt the same way as you when my daughter was 16. I personally wouldn't have let her go, (thankfully, she didn't ask!), My daughter was also mature but there is so much abroad, sun sea drink and you know the rest!

I think I would have told my daughter my reasons and then perhaps the following year I'd let her go, then at least I'd have time to do a bit more parental preparation on her!

She may be mad at you, but that's a small price to pay.

Answer 4

Is there no way she could go to the same complex at the same time as you, but her her own apartment?
You know your daughter best and if you dont think she would be safe, then sit her down and explain it. A lot of places wont allow 16 year olds to rent without an 18 year old to be the named adult and fully responsible for the accommodation and the rest of the group.

Answer 5

Yes you will feel irresponsible if you allow are to go,but first she is your daughter you know her best ,you know how to talk to her,if you have the money ,and know the groups she is going with is responsible and she can take good care of herself , then she should wait for the next 2 year for such opportunity .but first sit down with her and explain to her ,she should see your reason and understand you love her.

Answer 6

I went overseas when I was that age but I went with a small school group. I went to Germany with my german teacher and a few more students as a exchange student for a month...it was so much fun and I learned so much...I say let her go if she is going with a responsible chapperone and a good group of kids....you need to trust the people she is going with..that is a hard decision and I wish you luck

Answer 7

I went on holiday as a 16 year old with friends, and I liked it, let her go!

Answer 8

If she's prettty I'll chaperone if it makes you feel any better.

Seriously though, what do you think she'll get up to there that
she can't do just as easily here? I went when I was 16 with
a group of friends from school and had a great time.
Try treating her like an adult and she might just act like one.

Answer 9

hey , u gotta let go at some time. She has to take some reponsibity for her own life At that age she should know whats expected of her.

I went abroad at about that age and had a great time, it depends if you think she is sensible enough.

Answer 10

thought you had to be eighteen to go alone could be wrong don't let her go without an adult she couldn't jump on a bus if something went wrong and things are so different abroad there are lots of nice people out there but nasty ones too stick to your guns mine went when 18 in a mixed party