As a parent of an 8 yo....what would think?

[Mermaid02]

Without reading the other replies- I would have to say that I would say "No" it's just too far and 8 is too young. It would be different if it were family, but a friend, no.

 

[Nite0wl71]

I let my DD do this when she was 12. We are very close to the family and there wasn't a problem, in fact I let her go the following year also. I know I wouldn't have let her go at 8 that is just a little to young.

 

[minkydog]

In a sort of related way, my 9 yr old called a classmate Saturday afternoon and asked if he could come over for a few hours to play as it was unseasonably warm. The friend put his mom on the phone who said "I'm sorry, but I don't know you from Adam; I can't possibly let my son go to your home." We opted to meet at the park and the kids shot baskets and skateboarded for a bit. Now that we've at least met, maybe the kids can get together but I find most people are pretty protective (and rightly so).

this sounds like a smart mom. We need more parents like this

 

[Puffy2]

This will completely depend on the parents. If it were me, absolutely NOT.

 

[golfgal]

I really don't see why having an only child is "different". A child is exactly the same, regardless of how many siblings s/he had.

No, I would not let my 8 yo go on a trip that long and that far from home.

Yes, an only child is the same as any other child but typically, in my experience, PARENTS of only children tend to be a little more protective of that only child and the OP is thinking along those lines.


I am not sure if I would have let my DD go when she was 8 or not. I think it would really depend on who she went with. I can think of a few of her friends that I wouldn't have had a problem with. She is 10, almost 11 and I wouldn't think twice about letting her go now with most of her friends.

We stop parties at age 10 too but I think that if I offered ANY of my kids a chance to take a friend to Disney vs having a party, they would take the Disney route ANYTIME. Is is possible that you take a friend for your older child and then go back to Disney when your DD is 10 and she can take a friend then?

 

[Nancy]

I let my kids go on a plane to disney with my Mom and my sister met them there (it was their Christmas present from both of them) My youngest was maybe 6 or 7 at the time. I was ok with it because it was family. BUT when it was time for them to get on the plane panic set in. I had tears in my eyes, because I kept thinking "what if something happens and I can't get to them" we are a 18 hour trip by car..it was horrible for me the whole week. In hind site, I wish I hadn't let them. (although they did have a great time and all was fine)

 

[Spinning]

Nope wouldn't allow it at all. I don't understand the need to take someone else kid at that age on vacation for a week. I am also very selfish about out vacations anyway. I want that time for our family so I couldn't imagine bring extra people. Maybe when they are older in their teens but not at that age.
It is very nice of you to want to do this but.......

 

[christinou]

I am paranoid about my kids in cars with people others than her father and I, so a 24 hour drive is an automatic no for me. I have an 8 year old, and I just feel that she is too young to go with another family for 1 week. A sleepover is OK, this is too long. But I would really appreciate the fact that you wanted to invite her.

 

[Longsx3]

Yes, an only child is the same as any other child but typically, in my experience, PARENTS of only children tend to be a little more protective of that only child and the OP is thinking along those lines.


I am not sure if I would have let my DD go when she was 8 or not. I think it would really depend on who she went with. I can think of a few of her friends that I wouldn't have had a problem with. She is 10, almost 11 and I wouldn't think twice about letting her go now with most of her friends.

We stop parties at age 10 too but I think that if I offered ANY of my kids a chance to take a friend to Disney vs having a party, they would take the Disney route ANYTIME. Is is possible that you take a friend for your older child and then go back to Disney when your DD is 10 and she can take a friend then?

Whether or not I would let my DD(9) go would depend on the relationship I have with the other parents. We have some close friends that I would let DD go with, on the same note we hope to be able to take her friends with us sometimes.

DD went to 3 weeks (non concurrent) of camp last summer. Did I miss her sure I did, but me missing her doesn't even figure into the equation when deciding whether or not to let her do something. It is all based on her safety, security and happiness. What is best for her is not always what is best for me!

 

[SGB13]

DD7 just had her first went to her first overnight birthday party this weekend. We were called to pick her up at 9:30 pm. She doesn't even want to stay overnight at her Grandparents away from me and DH. (Although she has.) So, she would never want to go. No matter how good the friend.

 

[disney50fam]

Ok maybe I am the weird one here, But If I have knowen you forever and you are a good friend of mine. I honsetly would probally let my child go with you.
But my 8year old DS is very Mature for his age.
As long as I could reach you on your cell at anytime And I knew what hotel you were staying in ect.
I wouldnt have a problem with it. I guess its because one time when I was 9 my mom let me go with My best freind and her family to Universal studios for 3 days and 2 nights and I had SUCH a blast I still remmber it to this day!!!

 

[ChrisnSteph]

If I was really good friends with the parents and trusted them completely with my children, I would let my 8 year old dd go. As long as I had all the info about where they were staying and contact numbers, I would be ok with it. Again, I'd have to be REALLY good friends with the parents.

 

[MamaLema]

Generous offer. I personally wouldn't feel comfortable sending my 8 year old

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

I would not let my 8yo go away for a week. I would consider a weekend trip with some really close freinds, but not a 24hour car ride.