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AIBU?

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How late to let a 12 year old stay out

87 replies

DoodleDragonD · 08/07/2024 20:55

DS (12) just had a friend call for him to come out to play (8.45pm) It’s pouring down and his friend was soaked. AIBU to think that it’s too late for DS to go out and for his friend to be out? DS had just had a bath and was in his PJs. He’s in year 7 in comp and quite a few of his new friends seem to be out all hours and left to their own devices a lot. What’s a normal curfew for a 12 year old? Is going out to play at nearly 9pm way too late?

OP posts:
Figgygal · 08/07/2024 21:06

My 12 year old is in bed already so I'd say it was too late 😀

Legogirl48 · 08/07/2024 21:05

I wouldn’t let them head out at 9pm on a school night.

DoodleDragonD · 08/07/2024 21:03

CrikeyDozes · 08/07/2024 21:01

If it were a lovely light summer evening, the rare kind we have to treasure, I’d say it’s fine. But that would be a special day and on a non special day where there is no need to seize the moment, I wouldn’t want a 12 year old out on a school night just hanging around and starting just before 9pm so presumably continuing for at least an hour.

I wouldn’t mind him staying out later, say til 8/8.30 but actually heading out at 9pm on a school night in the pouring rain seems a bit much.

OP posts:
2dogsandabudgie · 08/07/2024 21:02

CrikeyDozes · 08/07/2024 21:01

If it were a lovely light summer evening, the rare kind we have to treasure, I’d say it’s fine. But that would be a special day and on a non special day where there is no need to seize the moment, I wouldn’t want a 12 year old out on a school night just hanging around and starting just before 9pm so presumably continuing for at least an hour.

I agree with this.

PickledMumion · 08/07/2024 21:02

My year 7 12yo is in bed by 9 on a school night. There are so many things in life I can't give him, but a good night's sleep is free and easy (and vital for good learning and good mental health).

TheBottomsOfMyTrousersAreRolled · 08/07/2024 21:02

Depends on the time of year, who they are with and what they are doing. It is still really light right now so id be fine with my 12 year old playing out with his friends on his bike.

Whattodo121 · 08/07/2024 21:02

DS aged 12 is usually in PJs by about now on a school night. If it’s sunny I am happy for him to go out on his bike with a friend until about 8.30ish but not really any later than that.

CrikeyDozes · 08/07/2024 21:01

If it were a lovely light summer evening, the rare kind we have to treasure, I’d say it’s fine. But that would be a special day and on a non special day where there is no need to seize the moment, I wouldn’t want a 12 year old out on a school night just hanging around and starting just before 9pm so presumably continuing for at least an hour.

Onabench · 08/07/2024 21:01

I let my ten year old out until 8pm, 8:30 on a weekend. Id definitely be saying no in the pouring rain on an evening

PollencaCalling · 08/07/2024 20:58

You’re are being completely ridiculous. A 12 year old ‘having a bath and in PJs’ by 9pm on a light, summer’s evening sounds more like the way a 5 year old should be treated. The rest of his friends will still be out playing/hanging around, and rightfully so.

User79853257976 · 08/07/2024 20:58

Yes it’s too late. Mine are younger though so I haven’t got to this stage yet.

stayathomer · 08/07/2024 20:57

Personally I’d think that was too late yes, I’d invite to come in or say during the day instead

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