Letting my 18 year old use my time share

[stc1223]

I do appreciate your opinions. More than anything I was hoping to hear that there were rules against 18 year olds using our time shares. Ultimately this is MY time share and I'm sure I'll be getting a two bedroom. He and his friends will be free to enjoy the studeo and come and go as they please. I'll enjoy the rest of the place and be able to sleep nights, once they're all tucked away. I'm also feeling much better that the kids are looking to vacation at Disney rather than out of the country where they will be drinking.

God Bless all of you who gave me your time and opinions.

Susan

 

[dis-happy]

Hi Susan,

We're doing the same thing for my dd's hs graduation next spring---booking a 2 b/r lock off and letting the 4 girls stay together in the studio portion. I figure if they want to pretend the rest of the family is not there they can lock the door, but overall they are great kids who always give a hug when they see me so I'm not too worried! They are so excited to be going to WDW together---2 of the girls have never been before, the and third was much younger when she went. To tell you the truth, letting them go by themselves never even crossed my mind (or that of the other parents either I venture to guess). They can choose to do a park on their own (staying at BCV so easy access to 2 parks right there). I also plan to book HoopDeDoo for a surprise one night.

After they finished school this spring we did a long weekend at the beach in Charleston---my dh dropped them off in the historic district one day on their own, that worked out well, the other days were spent on the beach (in front of the house) and hanging out there. I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if I didn't know they were home safe, no matter where they were staying---and definitely the feeling of responsibility is higher when other kids are along too.

Maybe we'll see you and your gang next spring!

 

[kathleena]

I do appreciate your opinions. More than anything I was hoping to hear that there were rules against 18 year olds using our time shares. Ultimately this is MY time share and I'm sure I'll be getting a two bedroom. He and his friends will be free to enjoy the studeo and come and go as they please. I'll enjoy the rest of the place and be able to sleep nights, once they're all tucked away. I'm also feeling much better that the kids are looking to vacation at Disney rather than out of the country where they will be drinking.

God Bless all of you who gave me your time and opinions.

Susan

I think this is one of those win-win plans. You can rest assured, and son with his friends can have a place of their own - and share the kitchen with you as they wish.

Very nice indeed for him and the others that they have this opportunity!

Have fun and hope your son has a great last year in high school!

 

[Sammie]

18 year olds unsupervised is never a good idea regardless of the kids involved. Things can and do happen. Just ask Natalie Holloway's parents if that trip was a good idea. Aruba is the safest place in the world from a crime statistic standpoint and it happened there. It could happen at the "world" also.

Lets take the liability thing into account: what if some one gets hurt or killed while staying on your points at WDW? Who's liable? YOU. Also, could you sleep knowing you allowed this unsupervised trip? Probably not.

25 really should be the legal age. Just ask the rental car companies. They seemed to have figured it out. Only Enterprise still rents under 25, I believe, and there is huge surcharges added on top of the rental for 21-25 year olds.

Please think this thorugh. I remember being 18 and I know what I would have done and it wouldn't have been pretty.

If this is true, then how do 18 years olds go off to college.

Not all 18 year olds are irresponsible. Some 25 year olds are and even older. It truly depends on the individual.

Poor judgement can affect anyone regardless of age. The parent will have to decide if their 18 year old can go and be responsible. I certainly do not think any of us are qualified to judge.

 

[Sammie]

I didn't let mine go alone until they were college grads. I did take them all for high school graduation but I was there! I think 18 is a little young to be alone that far from home. Anything could happen. At least at college there is adult supervisors and rules. They may be considered adults but lets face it, they are not! I agree with others that the 4 years in college makes a big difference and even then I don't think some of them are ADULTS. Maybe you could just be there in another room.

Where is there a college with adult supervisors and rules.

 

[Cruelladeville]

It's called a convent!

Seriously, freedom is what college is all about. In theory, at least, college is a "safe" environment in which to spread one's wings.

Several years ago while in college, both DDs went to Florida for spring break with some friends. They were intelligent enough to know when to call home to say "I need help". They arrived at their accommodations, only to find out that about 15 people were stuffed into one room--a not-very-clean room--with virtual strangers in Daytona. They were supposed to sleep on the dirty floor. I got a studio for them at Disney, but most of the kids actually remained at the digs in Daytona. My kids had a great time with their 3 friends, and didn't embarass me. Actually, I was happy that they called--and that they couldn't handle the living conditions in Daytona.

 

[spiceycat]

hey my nephew is trying to get me to pay for a place for them to stay on the strip at PCB, FL next spring break. No parents. He will be 18 this August (next month)

I have to kept telling him not without his father permission.

He really wants to go to Cancun, Mexico but that got shot down. He also wanted to take a cruise.

Disney allows 18 years to stay onsite without adults. It is one of the few places in Florida that does.

I already send my cousin - but her step-mother is a smart lady - she talked her out of taking her boy friend, instead her elder sister (by several years) who was married and had kids.... they had a wonderful time.

 

[salmoneous]

18 year olds unsupervised is never a good idea regardless of the kids involved. Things can and do happen. Just ask Natalie Holloway's parents if that trip was a good idea.

I had some of the best trips of my life going away as an 18-year old with other 18-year olds on vacation. Just can't agree with the "never a good idea" thoughts.

Remember, for every Natalie Holloway, there are thousands of kids back home getting killed in car accidents. Just because the cable-news shows like to blow something out of proportion, doesn't mean we should let it rule our lives.

 

[Doctor P]

Where is there a college with adult supervisors and rules.

Most colleges have both. Most colleges and universities that are residential require freshman to live on-campus or with their parent or guardian. They are not allowed to live in an independent living setting. And, yes, there are rules of conduct and decorum that apply in residence halls and there is adult supervision though not overly parental in bearing.

 

[Fitswimmer]

Thanks for this thread! I was thinking about giving my niece 4 days at SSR next year for her 21st and now I'm thinking again. I know and trust her, but I don't know her friends. I think if she took 1 friend and I stayed at the same resort I might be ok with it. I also have to really consider the liability issue, which really hadn't occured to me. Even if I'm on property with her, something could still happen and I'd be responsible.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I do appreciate your opinions. More than anything I was hoping to hear that there were rules against 18 year olds using our time shares. Ultimately this is MY time share and I'm sure I'll be getting a two bedroom. He and his friends will be free to enjoy the studeo and come and go as they please. I'll enjoy the rest of the place and be able to sleep nights, once they're all tucked away. I'm also feeling much better that the kids are looking to vacation at Disney rather than out of the country where they will be drinking.

God Bless all of you who gave me your time and opinions.

Susan

That is exactly the best way to handle the situation! Good for you! Four years from now, when he wants to celebrate his college graduation with friends, you'll know how responsible he will be, and you can let him go it alone, but 18 is probably too young for that.

 

[BeccaG]

Most colleges have both. Most colleges and universities that are residential require freshman to live on-campus or with their parent or guardian. They are not allowed to live in an independent living setting. And, yes, there are rules of conduct and decorum that apply in residence halls and there is adult supervision though not overly parental in bearing.

By "adult supervision" do you mean the 21 year old RAs (resident assitants)?

So much of me wants to turn this into an argument (because I am good at that) but really for everyone, its your points and your kid, who you know better than the rest of us, so you can make the most educated call.

 

[eliza61]

just remember if somehting does go wrong and say damage occurs I believe you will be responsible for it for you are the contract owner.

If you trust your son you also have to trust the other people with him.

good luck with your decision

I faced the same dilemma last year. We let our sons, their cousin and 2 friends use a 2 br villa at the BCV's and then my husband & I booked a stay at the Yacht club. Close enough in case they needed help (which ended up being close enough to bum so extra cash ) but far away enough to have their independance. For me it wasn't an issue of trust, just the fact that there were other teenagers going with him.

P.S. added bonus, DH & I had a great time without the kids

 

[Doctor P]

By "adult supervision" do you mean the 21 year old RAs (resident assitants)?

No, as a matter of fact I don't. I mean true adults. Not even to be overbearing or even that visible, but they are there.

 

[BeccaG]

No, as a matter of fact I don't. I mean true adults. Not even to be overbearing or even that visible, but they are there.

That's interesting. I have never expereince that. There weren't any "true adults" (and by that I guess you mean old enough to be their parents? ? ?) in my dorm or any of the schools I visited. Maybe where you or your student went, but not in my experience. What school(s) were you refering to out of curiosity?

 

[BCVOwner2002]

When DS graduated HS in 2004, we reserved a 2-BR lock-off. DS took 3 friends with us. We hardly ever saw them. We would leave in the morning and everyone would be asleep and when we got back around noon-time for lunch they were usually gone or getting ready to head out the door.

I trust all of these young men but didn't feel comfortable letting them go to WDW alone. Next year, all of them will be 21 and they are debating whether or not they want to go back to WDW or somewhere else. The funny thing is we were actually asked if we would want to go with them! DH thinks it could be the big breakfast I made one morning or the snacks they had available when they got back at night.

Annmarie

 

[Doctor P]

That's interesting. I have never expereince that. There weren't any "true adults" (and by that I guess you mean old enough to be their parents? ? ?) in my dorm or any of the schools I visited. Maybe where you or your student went, but not in my experience. What school(s) were you refering to out of curiosity?

No, I don't mean senior citizens. I mean people older than traditional college age, though. I have been directly associated with residential colleges and universities for over 30 years, and there is not a single one that I can recall that this is not/was not the case. Don't get me wrong, it's not 24 hour personal supervision, but there is a responsible adult or adults for every one of the living spaces. Indeed, at many schools, faculty and staff live in the residence halls with the students (not as common today or not typical at most schools). At other schools, the students live in buildings that also house classrooms and professor's offices. This does a great deal to temper and keep an eye on behavior (this is actually increasingly common). My point is that it is not the free for all independent living environment that many people perceive.

 

[BeccaG]

Indeed, at many schools, faculty and staff live in the residence halls with the students (not as common today or not typical at most schools). At other schools, the students live in buildings that also house classrooms and professor's offices.

Interesting! I kind of thought that was a thing of bygone eras! There was no one over 25 in my dorm, including the resident director, and definitely no professors!!

 

[jodifla]

No, I don't mean senior citizens. I mean people older than traditional college age, though. I have been directly associated with residential colleges and universities for over 30 years, and there is not a single one that I can recall that this is not/was not the case. Don't get me wrong, it's not 24 hour personal supervision, but there is a responsible adult or adults for every one of the living spaces. Indeed, at many schools, faculty and staff live in the residence halls with the students (not as common today or not typical at most schools). At other schools, the students live in buildings that also house classrooms and professor's offices. This does a great deal to temper and keep an eye on behavior (this is actually increasingly common). My point is that it is not the free for all independent living environment that many people perceive.

When I was in college at UF way back in the 70s, I lived in an apartment and was completely on my own. No adult supervision. So were many kids at UF.

I also started traveling when I was 18, staying in hotels, etc.

"Kids" are ADULTS when they are 18 legally.

 

[Doctor P]

When I was in college at UF way back in the 70s, I lived in an apartment and was completely on my own. No adult supervision. So were many kids at UF.

As an 18 year old freshman? Possible, but I doubt it, especially in the early 70's.