Son wants to take friend.... help!

[CrAzY4DL]

We took DD10 and one of her BFF's to Disneyland last August and it was amazing. Like, A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. DD10 is NOT a huge DL fan (whaaaa?!?!?!) and it was soooo nice for her to have someone her age that we all knew REALLY well. Especially when it was time for her 2nd ever ride on Tower of Terror! The girls had a blast, friend is a complete doll, so quiet and polite but a load of fun as well. Now, I don't think our trip would have gone as well if it had been a different friend, the dynamic would have been different but this was by far my favorite trip with my oldest child (out of 10+ trips).

I think if your daughter would be ok with it and that the 3 kids would get along and do the same things then yes, it would be great and in no way do I think it would detract from family time. You and everyone going have to be 100% in or 100% out tho, no wishy-washy! And yeah, definitely need some ground rules about not splitting up, no hormone infested drama, leaving sister out, etc.

Hope that helps! Let us know what you guys decide to do and how it all turns out, I am VERY interested!!!

 

[Hannathy]

Because no doubt the girl's parents are going to have many questions & they won't have them all at once.

And FWIW, your DD throwing her stuff in a bag for a weekend with a friend hardly compares to a WDW trip. The OP is traveling from NY to FLA.

I was pointing out how quick kids can get ready. Of course going for a week would take a bit more time. I still don't know why they would need more than a weeks notice?
What questions are they going to have? How much should we send? Where are you staying, How long? Are you sure you want her? It isn't too much bother? What size bag should she bring?

I seriously don't know why they need more time. With teens you rarely get that much notice because they don't plan things out that far in advance.

 

[Cooky]

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[Hannathy]

To OP,

What if it turns out your daughter is uncomfortable sharing her bed with someone she does not know well? How will you handle it?

What about the friend's expenses other than food and admissions? Will she have enought extra money or will you feel obligated to pay?


What if the friend isn't used to doing things the same as your family, such as getting up at a certain time, has any special food needs, either goes at a slower or faster pace than your family? Are you going to want to have the extra responsibility of considering her needs and wants with that of you and your family?

I picked out a few to address the first one about sharing a bed. Well she better not go on any overnight trips with school causes she will be sharing her bed. They put 4 at least in a room.

She is 16 for the money. She is old enough to have brought enough money or do with out she isn't 5. No one will give her extra money when she goes with school if she spends it all. These aren't little kids.

She has already been told the rules of the trip and how the family vacations. She will go along with the family because I have yet to meet a kid who when with another family wasn't good as gold and willingly done it however the family does it. (notice I said friend not family member!)

I still haven't seen a reason listed I wouldn't take a friend on a trip. Like I said some of our best trips were when we took a friend both when I was a kid and with my own kids.

 

[Hannathy]

Forgot to add I would bet you $100 there will be a lot less bickering and brother sister sniping on this trip IF you bring said friend with you!! Guarantee.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Talk to the girl's parents. Talk to your son and his friend together. Talk to your daughter. I'm willing to be your son and his friend are just friends and they just might have a great time together, including your younger daughter like Hannathy says. If the three of them walk around the parks together, that leaves the two of you with a little time just for you.

If you decide to bring the friend, get her parents to give her a copy of their insurance card and a power of attorney to get her medical treatment in an emergency.

Have a great trip.

 

[klacey1]

When I saw how short of notice this would be, I went . However, that's simply because I'm a planner and the idea of a week's notice to go on a trip would be overwhelming.
However, I think this is a great idea. As long as both she and your son COMPLETELY understand your touring style and that they are to stay with you at the parks, I think you could be providing her with a terrific time. I bet your 11 year old would love it, too-- girls that age love teens. I say call her parents IMMEDIATELY and talk it through with them.