I know parents have to work but is it ok to let kids do anything they want while you are away?

Question

My son went to a birthday party on Sunday and then stayed over night. The parents went to work in the morning leaving their boys 13, and 11 home alone with my 12 year old son and another 11 year old boy. I didn't mind, because they seem responsible, but I didn't feel that the parents were acting responsible. I would have liked to know that my son would not be supervised that day. Also the kids go everywhere with their bikes and sometimes ATVs. I feel like that is probably normal now a days and I am the abnormal. I feel I love my kids and I want to make sure that they are safe and that is one reason that I am a stay at home Mom. I understand mothers have to work, but is there another option then to not know what your kids are doing all day. Especially at that age when they are naive and when older kids can be offering drugs and alcohol to them. I watched my nephew come home to an empty house and could do anything he wanted to do and he made some really bad decisions and he says if he would have being supervised he wouldn't have made them. I don't know what the answer is anymore, do you?

Answer 1

i think there should always be a responsible adult handy

Answer 2

I think that it was inconsiderate of the other parents to not let you know that there wouldn't be adult supervision.  You have every right as a parent, to know the situation that your child is in.

Answer 3

Keep in mind that the friend's parents may have been under the impression that your son told you they werent going to be home.  I remember lieing about things like that because I knew my mom wouldnt let me go if she knew a parent wasnt home.

And yes, the kids are going to make bad decisions, its a given.  But it is better that they make bad decisions when they are younger and you are able to guide them through and advise them than when they are 19 and you have no reign whatsoever.  Trust me.

Answer 4

First of all talk to the parent ask: what, when and why. Do not ever go through kids, because will tell you anything just to get their way, just remember when you were a kid (yea, I know times have changed but kids haven't-kid are kids), same old games more technology. Make a rule that they can not go their friends house until you have talked to one of the parents. Get parents phone numbers. I think that is one of the problem the world has today, parents aren't doing their jobs

Answer 5

I would be upset. First of all next time you need to tell her he is only allowed over there with supervision. You are so right about the drugs and the alcohol-and what about girls. I think you are totally right-you can't take back the past but you can change the future:)

Answer 6

I am a mother of two teenagers myself.  I would never allow them to do any type of ATV's without supervision.  It is a very dangerous sport and has been ((personal experience ) very dangerous.   If the parents are allowing the children to do anything, imagine what they are doing with your child.  Be careful!  

Answer 7

I was sitting for a 5 year old at 11, and I mean sitting until 4 or 5 in the morning.  Granted that was in a different time, but some 11-12 year olds are very reliable!