AIBU?
to ask how you cope with teens in a city ? schools ...gangs etc ?
doley · 26/04/2011 15:33
We left SW London 5 years ago .
Now we live in a very rural area in the states ,but ,will be returning to the UK (country this time ) later in the year :)
How do your teens cope /and enjoy life ? ~what do they get up to ?
I couldn't see my boys fitting in /coping with London life again after a much gentler slower place of life .(they are not un-streetwise btw, just now 'from here ' )
AIBU to think I would be a nervous wreck each time they left the house for fun, or just a daily journey to school ? Male gangs particularly concern and frighten me .
I do not read the Daily Mail that much 
bruffin · 26/04/2011 15:45
We live in Herts within walking distance of London and gangs are not really a problem here, although we do have a bit of a problem with kids coming out on the trains from london, mugging and then going straight back on the train.
DS 15 does hang out with a group on friday night which are mostly girls, will spend saturday afternoon having a picnic by the river etc
The best thing is to get them lots to do ie join scouts/adventure scouts, cadets etc and keep them busy.
doley · 26/04/2011 15:46
My concerns are even visiting( to be honest )still have a lot of family there ~I am not a helicopter parent and would like the boys (when older to have freedom )
My sons are striking (sorry a brag ) they look like pretty boys ...they could be a target .:(
A pacifist myself ,I am looking in to self -defense for them ~that is how it plays on my mind .
I know things can kick off in the country ,but not on the way to school or researching a school project in an unfamiliar area at the W/end ?
doley · 26/04/2011 16:05
Worra ha ha ~ We still have family and friends there ...they will want to visit ~I said as much in second post .
It is not unheard of for any youngster to run in to trouble ,and yes,even when they are visiting Auntie Violet .
I was raised in London , I am very familiar with how things can take off (and that was in the 80's )
I am really suspecting/hoping that I am being over -cautious ,and wanted feedback from those living and coping with teens in a city these days !
Ephiny · 26/04/2011 16:17
I would think 'gangs' are mostly dangerous for those who choose to be involved in that sort of lifestyle. Yes there are occasional tragic stories where someone inadvertently gets caught up in violence while going about their ordinary business, but it is rare, really wouldn't be top of my list of things to worry about (and I live in a 'rough' area of London).
The most dangerous thing in London will probably be the traffic, if you're used to (a) a quiet rural area and (b) cars driving on the other side!
Firawla · 26/04/2011 16:20
I don't think its an issue at all for visiting...
gang problems seem to be mainly between people who are actually affiliated to gangs don't they?? soo if your ds does not even live in the area and is not involved at all it should hopefully just pass him by?
we are in London and not noticed any effect of gang issues, my dc are young still so not relevant for them but dh also grew up here as a teenager and never had any gang related problems. i think you are overly worrying about it tbh
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