with her friend and friend's parents for a week. They will be staying in the Avon Park area with the friend's grandmother. Our first instinct was to say "NO" because it's WAY easier and a lot less worrying and planning on our part. But I swore to myself I would not be that kind of mother...( I don't like to say "NO" unless I have a really good reason, and our kids have always respected it when we DO say it. I try not to say it just because it would make things easier for me) The other family is paying for the trip (airfare, park admissions, etc.) and said DD only needs to bring whatever she wants for spending money. They are a nice family, very protective parents as well (as well as both being EMTs) I have no reason not to trust them (or DD for that matter). Would you let your DD travel with someone else's family? What things do I need to consider (I know I need to give them a medical consent note, insurance info., etc. in case of illness/injury)? Am I crazy for letting her go? The family wants to bring one of their DDs friends so that she will have someone to go on rides with, etc. and keep her company while hanging out with the "old folks" I guess I just am wondering what other moms would do in this situation?

By Melissa on Sunday, June 25, 2006 - 02:35 pm:

At 15, I would if I knew the family well and felt they had the same level of supervision and values I did. My dd was invited to go skiing for 5 days in Vermont when she was 7, with her best friend and their family- I said no to that! They are good people but more relaxed than me-dd's friend is the youngest of 4 so they have older kids and I guess that makes them more relaxed. When she is 15 and can take care of herself more I'd let her go on a trip with them. I'm sure your dd will be fine. I understand your worry, if it was me I'd send a cell phone with a nationwide plan so I'd know she could check in with me easily and save me worry- but that is just me I don't think that is necessary it would just make me feel better.

By Juli4 on Sunday, June 25, 2006 - 04:05 pm:

absolutely It sounds like a fun time and a good experience for her. If you trust the family and they are the kind that will keep a close eye on and such then why not. Besides it is paid for.

By Cybermommyx4 on Sunday, June 25, 2006 - 06:58 pm:

She does have a cell phone, and can call home (for a fee -- it worked when we went to North Carolina, but we had to pay something like 50 cents per minute because it was "out of our coverage area) I keep telling myself that in a little over 2 years she will be able to go anywhere/do anything she wants to. I don't think kids "magically" become adult at 18..I think it's a gradual process, and things like this are one of those steps. My 18 year old DS is going off to college in a few months, and I think I am just having an emotional time anyway because of all the changes. If DD survives the trip to Florida, then I get to teach her how to drive, lol! Talk about danger......;)

By Tripletmom on Sunday, June 25, 2006 - 08:00 pm:

I think it would be a great experience for her.I use to go everywhere with my friend's family when I was younger.As long as you trust the other parents and you're DD, why not?She will probably have a great time.BTW, I can't wait to hear all the driving stories!!LOL

By Dawnk777 on Sunday, June 25, 2006 - 08:35 pm:

I think she will have a great time and I think I would let my daughter go! My daughter went to Florida, with the band, when she was 15. She had to spend 48 hours on a bus, round trip, to get there and back!

By Debbie on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 10:44 am:

If I knew the family well, and was comfortable with them, then yes I would. When I was in 8th grade, I went with my good friend/neighbor on a trip. I had a great time! My parents knew the family well, since they lived next door. I was also pretty responsible. When we were in high school, my parents always rented a condo on the beach for vacation. My brother and I each got to bring a friend. We always had a great time!

By Cat on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 11:16 am:

I went to Indiana with a friend and her parents when I was about 13yo (we went to clown camp--that's where I learned to juggle!). I think the only thing my parents gave them was our phone number! lol Boy have times changed. If I knew the family and trusted them, I'd let her go. You're right--she will be on her own and a legal adult in just a few short years. I would definitely give them all emergency numbers, any info they may need (allergies, etc) and maybe a notarized authorization for emergency medical care. I have a couple friends here I'd trust my kids with (that really says a lot considering the issues Robin has) and I know they'd trust me with their kids. I'm sure your dd will have a blast.

By Vicki on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 11:32 am:

I haven't has time to read all the responses, but you should check with the airline to see if/what they require for her to be able to fly. I am thinking you will need some kind of notorized form so they know she isn't being kidnapped or anything. LOL

By Lorebunde on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 11:54 am:

Thanks Vicki. We are taking my sons friend w/us to fla. this august and I never thought about having to bring a form. My son is 15 and the last couple of trips did NOT want to go! My mom always brought one of my friends when I was a kid so we decided to try it. Believe it or not the first friend we asked didn't want to go. He said he hates florida, hates the water, the people> If I was a kid I would of loved it!

By Bellajoe on Monday, June 26, 2006 - 01:35 pm:

Yes, if i knew the family well and was comfortable with them and if my dd/ds knew them well and spent a lot of time with the famiy.

When i was probably 14-17 I went on several vacations with my best friend and her mom. That friend also went on vacations with my family. They are great great memories for us.

I think my parents gave her parents money, phone numbers and perhaps the health insurance card or something like that. I don't know, i was a kid and all cared about is whether or not i was allowed to go! LOL