Letting 14-year olds do their own thing

[lkg61]

We are thinking about taking another trip to WDW this spring. It will be me and my DH plus two 14 year olds. Would you trust them to do some things on their own? We would definitely be in the same park, but maybe not at the same attraction. Has anyone done this before? Let me know how it went. Thanks!!!

 

[stacy6552]

I grew up relitively close to disneyland. I can remember having run of the park on school trips and things in 6th or 7th grade. I say absolutely you can send your kids off to have their own fun.

set limits that make you feel good about it. everyone has to hook back up for lunch at such and such. if they are late, then they will loose the priviledge and have to stay with you the rest of the trip.

oh i am so jealous! i havent riden a ride with my husband in so long! much less enjoy his witty charm while standing in line for something.

 

[kendall]

I don't have 14 year old kids, but I do teach high school....!

If you are in the same park, I think they would enjoy the trust and the freedom to go off and ride (and ride, and ride) as well as people-watch (giggle, laugh..). Some possible suggestions:

1. plan to meet for meals - that way they will have 3-5 hours of time together and you can check in with them. That way they don't have to carry lots of money around, either.

2. use 2 way radios - they will just be a click of a button away

3. plan to meet at certain rides between certain times (give 20-30 minute windows for meeting times because one never knows the length of lines)

Those are ideas that immediately pop into my head. And you and your DH enjoy some time together too!

 

[pnelson]

Did you see the thread about this on this board? Page down and you will find it. There are many different opinions regarding this. I know some people (including me) got a little heated.

 

[bexareaglecheryl]

On our trip in December we let our 13 year old daughter and our 10 year old son go off in the MK by themselves for an entire afternoon. My daughter had a room charge card. They did exceptionally well, except they went wild souvenir shopping for family members and bought every burger and ice cream they came across. They really bonded well during this time. The next day we let them stay at the MK and ride Space Mountain and Splash Mountain the entire morning while we went to visit World Showcase at Epcot. Then they caught the monorail over and we had lunch together.

I think you will get opinions as varied as there are teenagers. Use your best judgement.

On our first trip a couple of years ago my kids fought the entire week. When we let them have a little controlled freedom together on the next trip they really enjoyed each other's company.

 

[Kermit]

I went to WDW with my best friend when I was 14 and we went off by ourselves a lot. As long as you can depend on them to use common sense and not be annoying to the people around them, it should be fine.

 

[Eeyore2U]

As pnelson said there is a thread out on this and yes it was heated. My advice would be to judge your child. Would you let them out at the mall by themself? Do they miss a normal curfew? We let my son go to DQ at 12 with friend an at 13 by himself. He's responsible and knows WDW better than most. We had no problems. When we go in Feb. he will be bringing a 16 yr old friend and he will be 15. We will do somethings together but they will have a lot of EARNED freedom. As I said in the previous thread I think we may be lucky to see them. Some thought that was pathetic but I think it's the reality of boys that age (ever see how late a 15 y/o xan sleep) and I won't let that ruin the trip.

 

[korzmom]

i have a 10 year old a 13 year old and a 18 year old. they never even asked if they could go their own way, thats okay for some but i enjoy spending time together with all..as far as giving them a credit card , if only i had that much money! NO WAY!

 

[cboudre1]

I have a 13 son who goes to the movie and the mall at home with friends. I wouldn't let him go off at WDW with a friend. It is a family vacation time. I know a lot of people do it but I wouldn't.