A little independence

Well today was quite a milestone in our house. Our oldest just got his own set of keys  :-/

He'll need them as of next year with going further away to school. He'll be 12.

Strangest thing. When I was ten I was a latch-key kid in Manhattan , travelling across town on buses by myself or escorted my little sister. How do parents do it? How do they give kids a little independence without a massive heart attack  

It is to be expected that a little independence will be  accompanied by little palpitations.  But wait til he wants a car and driving license, then have the heart attack!

You will get through it, though.  We all do.  And it sounds like you have more on the way up?  Try to think of your eldest as on the job training.  By the time you get to the youngest, you'll be an old pro.

Oh the youngest won't be a bother at all as she's going straight into a convent.

The oldest went missing today. That was fun.  

All is well now. God help us - everyone!

Perhaps a mobile for emergencies might be a consideration? Then if he goes missing or you're worried you can text or ring him.

How was the weekend game?

No game this weekend but a two this coming weekend  

We're torn onthe mobile. On the one hand it would be good for emergencies, on the other mobile theft is the number one cause of violence against children in this country. Tough one. Thanks for the advice

That is very true, and something all parents moving here should be aware of.  

When my husband started school, he took the train by himself. Five years old/London. amazes me! And I see all these kids travelling on their own. I guess if you grow up with it, you get to know your way around. My son? HE is going into a convent.  

here is a suggestion about the phone....


why dont you get one that has a vibration setting...that way it dont ring....and he can call you back when he is in a safe area.....but be sure to explain to him that he doesnt want to show off his phone because of all the thefts....im sure he has seen it on the news and all...

but i dont blame you for being cincerned....how about a pager...then he can call you collect fromthe nearest pay phone....they have ones that have vibrate modes...

just dont give him the number to the pager so his friends dont page him...or the phone if you decide to give that a try...

might be best if its a phone that only you can call so he knows its you he has to contact

dont know if that helps...