Maybe I'm overprotective

[diannescruffy]

Hi,
My 13yr old DS has made a new friend who lives a block away from us. Last weekend he came to our house, seems a very nice, polite young boy. DS and his friend then went to his friends house and after a while DS rang me and asked if he could sleep over at his friends house. I asked DS if it was ok with his friends mum and if I could speak to her on the phone. DS replied that she wasn't home but his friend had rang her and she said it was ok. After a few hours I drove around with DS things for the sleepover and asked to see the mum, (still hadn't returned). DS had his mobile and I told him if there are any probs he can ring me even in the middle of the night and I will go and get him. I just like to know the parents of DS friends or at least to have spoken over the phone. Anyway the next day when DS returns home I ask him what time did the mum come home, he replies 11.00p.m. OMG the alarm bells ring. I just don't understad how she could leave two 13yr old boys home alone all afternoon and nearly half of the night. They got themselves fish and chips for dinner.
Last night DS went to a blue light disco and he said his friend would be there too. I asked if his friend needed a lift and he said no he is walking. Again OMG, it is at least a 3/4hr walk at 7.30 and then walks home at 10.30 p.m.
Is it just me or would you let your 13yr walk in the dark at that hour. I would be freaking out, no way.
Maybe I am being overprotective but while I can be I will.

Thanks for reading,
Dianne

[[M]umma[M]ia]

your not over protective at all. ur a great mum you know whats right from wrong and obviously this other mother doesnt. I hope your son continues to be friends with this boy so that atleast i know someone will be looking out for him. mwah xxoxo

[Doing my best]

Hi,

I don't think you are being overprotective, and I just hope that when my kids are 13, I can can still keep them safe. I am a big believer of letting them have independence, as I was always allowed to do (ie letting them sleep at a friends house), but walking at night for that distance at night isn't safe for anyone in today's society.

Hope your DS's friend manages to keep himself safe. Not sure what his parents must be thinking..

[Lisa]

OMG Dianne... if you're over protective then so am I!
I really hope the friend of your DS stays safe and out of trouble.

[~Jo~]

OMG i think thats terribly dangerous for your son's friend. You are definately not being overprotective...very calm in fact. I think i would have freaked out knowing that the boys had been home alone for so long..and the walking..wow!!!

Jo

[sweetpea678]

THats not being over protective, we don't even let my 16yr old step son walk around afterdark for any lenght of time and during the day if he wants to go for a walk we set a time limmit of how long he is aloud to be gone for so we know when to worry.

[tiggerandpooh]

not overprotective - sensible! I'm exactly the same!