I have two teenage girls who are 20 months apart in age.. My oldest is 15 and a sophomore in high school and my youngest is 13 and in the 8th grade.... Because they are close in age - they have shared many of the same activities growing up... But I believe that because my oldest is older she should be allowed certain privileges that the younger one does not have yet....
This weekend my oldest was invited to go to an amusement park for their Halloween "scary-fun"... I am allowing her to go because 1) she is 15 - 2) she is in high school and 3) I personally know the girls that are going and they are sweet kids...
The dilemma is this...
My youngest has been invited to go as well - (she was invited after my oldest had made plans) . When my oldest was this age - I would not allow her to go to night amusement parks without a parent.. I have told my 13 year old "no".. My reason is this: 1) she is 13 and I do not believe she is old enough to go someplace like this without an adult present.. 2) I know her and she will terrorize her older sister.. 3) I believe my oldest should have some "high school" fun without her kid sister hanging around.... My youngest assures me that she would not be with her sister but the fact that that her friends are mingled with my oldest daughter's friends - I find that assurance highly unlikely.....
My question is this... Am I being unreasonable????
Sounds like you know in your heart she/your youngest needs to sit this one out. I agree!! By allowing her to go at 13 you diminish the honor and privilege of waiting. Hang in there! It is tough being a mom!
ReplyDeleteHugs and prayers,
andrea
What does your older daughter think?
ReplyDeleteYou know, not being able to do everything that the older kids do can give the younger ones something to look forward to...
Will I be attacked if I admit that I'm not a mother but would still like to throw my two cents in? lol I'll speak as the person put into situations like this with my younger sister who 20 months apart from me....Let the older go with her friends and keep the 13 at home. You are right that she (the older) needs time to do the "high school thing"...besides as close as I was to my younger sister (and even closer now that we are older) she was still my LITTLE sister. As a compromise you can organize an event for her....how bout inviting some of her friends over for movies or take them to the movies or do something else....go with your gut mom....I think your intuition is telling you the right move...good luck :)
ReplyDeleteI think you're being totally reasonable, and you're doing what you feel is age appropriate for the kids. Stick to your guns!
ReplyDelete