To be planning an expensive, luxurious weekend away all by myself to celebrate my DS's 16th birthday?

[CrikeyOHare]

He's my only child and I've been a single parent from day dot - so it's been hard. Very hard at times - which I'm sure most of you will understand without me elaborating.

So, he's nearly 16 (4 weeks to go) and I'm obviously planning the usual fun for him.

But I've also been thinking that I haven't been completely, blissfully ALONE for 16 whole years. Losing my freedom has always been the most difficult aspect of parenting for me - not that I begrudged him a second of my time, but there's always been a small part of me that longed to have my pre-mum freedom back.

Well, I'm pretty much there now. Given that he's old enough to run off and join the army if he wants (he won't!) I think there's no reason why I can't leave him for a weekend while I go off and completely please myself somewhere lovely.

As a sort of "phew, we made it" present for myself.

I told him and he was very and I got one of those "Okkkkkaaaaaaayyyy"s.

So, is this weird? I'm doing it anyway - but just want to see if other people think it's a really strange thing to do.

Oh - I wouldn't be going ON his birthday, in case that wasn't clear. I'm not that 'orrible.

YANBU. I think you need to handle the PR surrounding the event with delicacy, but I don't think that your hopes dreams and feelings about this are strange at all.

Congratulations!

Not weird, a wonderful way to celebrate the milestone. You have my full permission to go, nay I demand you enjoy yourself.

Where are you going/what are you doing?

Sounds like a lovely idea!

I'm with TheSurgeonsMate (are you Diana Villiers, by any chance?) and while I think you are not at all U to want a lovely weekend on your own, you should be tactful about how you spin this to your son and to the world in general. And if I were you, I would not leave him at home on his own while you have your lovely weekend ...

You only got the because he is a teenager and you are his mum!

But sixteen years without a relationship for you??? Get out there and start living YOUR life you daft woman!!

As a single mum I would wait until he is older to celebrate that you have succeeded as a parent.With my daughters 18 seemed a real time mark,got them to adulthood on my own.
How about celebrating his birthday then later on going away for your break whilst he stays with a mate ?

Here's where I'm thinking of going. It's very gorgeous and about 45 mins from home, just in case......

www.amberleycastle.co.uk/

Bluestocking, I@m not sure! I might be, but he had another mate in that book too...

Sorry to drip feed (unintentional).

I should add that it would coincide with my birthday. Which isn't a milestone or anything, but adds to the "treat for me" aspect.

And I didn't say "I'm celebrating you being off my hands...." or anything a) because he isn't and b) because that's not what I mean and c) because that would sound awful.

I said I would love to go and stay at Amberley Castle, now you're older I could treat myself without worrying. His was that anyone would enjoy something like that on their own!

Do some of you think 16 is to young to be left for a weekend?

Course not, go enjoy yourself! That castle looks lovely, I'm

No, 16 it's too young to be left for a weekend, however, make it clear that neighbours have been warned to call the police at the first sign of a party and you will be marking the levels of all spirits in the house before going and will be checking they haven't been watered down when you get back...

Stock the fridge with food he likes/can cook (a couple of ready meals in the freezer).

Go and enjoy yourself!

make sure he doesn't wreck the house

Its a lovely idea ...its the house parties in your absence that would worry me :)

If he is a sensible kid of course he isnt too young to be left. If he has a girlfriend or a mate that you know wouldnt turn it into a house party, he can enjoy a bit of peace too without you there.

If you do mark the level on booze bottles, turn the bottle upside down before making the mark. Stops him re-marking.

Go and enjoy yourself have some you time

He's amazingly sensible - but yes, all due warnings will be issued .

I have to say I really don't agree that 16 is automatically too young to be left alone - although it depends on the young person in question, of course.

He is old enough to a) leave home & be independent b) get married c) join the army etc. I can't see how on earth leaving him for one night in his own home is unacceptable - although happy to take on board all views.

Love all the warnings about marking booze bottles - sounds like you all have some experience .

It's not how sensible he is that matters, it matters how sensible his least sensible mate is...

Go and enjoy yourself.

Actually, can you just put all the booze in the boot of your car?

OP, get him into the festivals next summer - while he's there (5 days or so) then you can have more time alone!

I wasn't implying that 16 is too young to be left alone, but his peer group may see this as a golden opportunity, and I'm sure you don't want to have to spend any of your weekend worrying about what might be going at home. But you know your son and if he isn't the house-party-organising, drinks-cabinet-raiding type, then you have nothing to worry about!