Do you think I'm just being over protective? My mother in law wants us to allow my 7 and 5 year old boys to fly ALONE from Indiana to Florida. She said she'd pay for a flight attendant to watch them during the flight.
I'm terrified of them going without my husband or I and I'd never forgive myself if something happend to them! I'd never keep her from seeing my sons but while she is in town but she moved to Florida after my kids were born (after saying she'd never move away from her grandkids like her mother did) so it's her own fault she doesn't see them so much!
When she did live her she watched my oldest son when he was a few months old while I was at work and was gone for hours after I got home from work without leaving a note or phone # or anything... we had no idea where they were.. I just don't think she knows them well enough to keep them that long and wouldn't keep a good enough eye on them while they were there... Am I in the wrong?
2007-07-12 09:09:30 · 28 answers · asked by Heather 4 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
Elaine p.
I love my mother in law and have no problemwith her except every month she ask us to send them to her after just telling her they are too young... My 7 yr/ old son was in the hospital for a month in feb so i don't have money or time off work to take a vacation and go see her.
2007-07-12 09:28:19 · update #1
and she does come to indy to see them about three times a year so it's not like we keep them from her!
2007-07-12 09:30:25 · update #2
So just say no. Whats the problem? You arent required to answer to her or anyone but your husband where it concerns where you let your children go or not go.
Just tell her no and that it isnt open for discussion. Then let her reaction be her problem not yours. Its as simple as that so quit making life so hard.
2007-07-12 09:14:43 · answer #1 · answered by Dovahkiin 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Kids Fly alone all the time, most airports offer a service where Someone will fly with them (like a flight attendant or something) Usually the person will meet you at the boarding gate, you can request to meet them early so you can ask questions and discuss any concerns you might have, or any health issues the kids have.. this person is ment to stay with the kids until they are with who ever they are to meet on the other end... it would be just the same as the bus driver taking your kids to school or something.. so If that was the only reason you didn't want them to go, then you maybe you should consider it.. call the airport and ask some questions..
. HOWEVER. If you are not comfortable with them staying with your MIL to begin with, then i would follow your gut and say they are too young.. remember they are you children and no one else can tell you what to do.
2007-07-12 16:24:31 · answer #2 · answered by Angel 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Based on your past experience, do you have reason to believe she will not take care of them as you would like? Its great being able to go to Grandma's for a while because you get to be a little spoiled and such, but what happens when they do something wrong and she loses her temper? Punishment coming form parents is expected and reasserts a parents authority of the kid...but from grandma? I dunno. They are YOUR children, and it is YOUR responisbility to raise them as YOU see fit, not as she sees fit. If you are uncomfortable letting them go then I would say that is a huge red flag.
I think they are too young to fly alone and "paying a flight attendant to watch over them" just doesn't cut it. What about when they land and have to find their way to baggage claim? Too many risks there. No to that. On top of it all, think of this. What if one of them accidentally falls and hurts himself? Like breaks a bone? Time to go to the hospital, but wait, the lady with them isn't there mother, doesn't' have their insurance cards, isn't their legal guardian...you get the idea.
From the very fact that you are posting this question here shows you are not comfortable with the idea and if you feel she won't keep a good enough eye on them then don't let them go. It is different if you and your husband where going away for a weekend and she was in town watching them. Traveling to Florida is way different.
Explain your concerns to your husband and see what he says. Explain that you are scared to let them go and are scared that something will happen to them. Its not that you don't necessarily trust your mother in law, but that there is a lot that can happen and they are still young. There is plenty of time for travel later. Keep them at home this time though. Make sure you have your husbands support on this before you tell her no though. You don't want her to try and weasel her way past you through her son.
Good luck!
2007-07-12 16:23:16 · answer #3 · answered by Fstop11 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm a mother of two young ones and I wouldn't be able to. My hub left with my son once and I balled my eyes out. If your heart can handle it go right ahead. But if you have any doubts about it, you will regret it! I personally think it's mean that a Grandma would be o.k regardless of "how safe" it is for kids now. It's NEVER safe enough, especially when it comes to your flesh and blood. Forget what Grandma thinks, she's an adult and if she wants to see your young ones, let HER pay her way to YOUR house. Why make little ones suffer? Airports are hectic and crazy more than ever, adults don't even like to travel. These are your babies, who cares what others think how these airports are supposedly "safe."
2007-07-13 01:08:36 · answer #4 · answered by Honeybee 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are the mother, and you decide what's good for your kids. Let her make it into an issue. If you are scared of putting them on a plan, tell her that regardless of how practical your decision may sound like to her, you are afraid for your kids and maybe next year will be a better time to reevaluate if they can travel alone. She must remember what it was like to have little kids.
Tell her you are grateful and lucky to have her for a mother in law, someone who is so generous and loving and that in order to make sure your kids get the full benefit of her love, you'd welcome her to visit for a few days and take them back. A good friend of mine does it this way - the MIL comes to visit son and family for a week, takes the granddaughter back for the summer, dad or mom go back to bring the girl back home after summer. It's pricier but safer for the kid - who is 11 by the way.
2007-07-12 16:16:40 · answer #5 · answered by Maya's Angel 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was 8 the first time I flew alone. It was a non stop flight from MI to KY, my parents put me on the plane and my friends parents got me off the plane. I was an accomplished flyer by that point, so it was fine. After that I flew several times over the years alone.
5 is definately too young IMO. 7 would depend on the child and the circumstances.
2007-07-12 16:28:28 · answer #6 · answered by Stephanie J 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just to let you know, my 8 year old niece did this last summer from North Carolina to Chicago. There were several children on this flight alone. They are SO strict and DO NOT let the kids out of their sight.
She wore instructions (official forms from the airline) around her neck. I picked her up and even tho other family members went with I was the only one allowed thru security and right up to where she got off the plane. You have to show proof of who you are biased on the instructions for the child to be released into your custody. They had an attendant whose job it was just to watch the kids.
As a mother I would be worried to but after seeing this first hand the attendants and airline did an awesome job.
2007-07-12 16:25:07 · answer #7 · answered by proud grandma 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
you are absolutely correct. your 5 and 7 yearold children should not under any circumstances fly alone! even if a flight attendant watched them. so this flight attendant lady has to go help another person, meanwhile the children go get lost on the plain, the "f.a" probably wouldnt even notice! theyre not her kids, so who cares! if the grandmother wants so see them that bad, you can pack up the family and fly down together.
2007-07-12 16:14:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anon omus 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would not put my 7 & 5 year old on a plain alone. That is the end of that. This is not about you being mean or proventing your mother in law from seeing her grandchildren. since she has the money why can't see pack and get her self on a plane and come visit her grandchildren and stay with you. I do not believe that she is not welcome in your home. The issue it the distance and there age. I agree with you. I would have her come and visit.
To add with security now she could not even meet them at the gate (thanks to 911) so who are they with from the plane to the other end of the air port. She is not thinking of the children's well being.
2007-07-12 16:59:59 · answer #9 · answered by Kat G 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you don't feel comfortable with it, DON'T let it happen. I flew alone when I was that age, but a lot has happened since then. I know I wouldn't let my kids fly alone when they were that age. If she can afford tickets for both of them and pay extra for the special attention, she can afford to make the trip to see them.
2007-07-12 16:16:43 · answer #10 · answered by Mom of 4 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are your kids. If you are uncomfortable with them flying alone (which is understandable) don't send them. You are going to be worried the hold time. Tell her they are too young and you will send them when they are teenagers or when ever you are more comfortable. I also think she would take it better if your husband told her they are too young. She would probably respect his wishes more.
2007-07-12 17:29:12 · answer #11 · answered by BB 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋