to be worried about my children going in someone else's car?

[nvj]

my children (twins aged 7) are going out for the day with another parent from school which is fantastic and they are super excited. They are going about 30 minutes drive from home. They are absolutely fine at going without me and have been counting the sleeps!
But I on the otherhand, am extremely anxious and keep thinking of ridiculous scenarios and what ifs. Does anyone else get anxious about their children going in other peoples' cars?? I have been up half the night worrying about it, my husband thinks I am completely bonkers.
I have offered to go with the other parent but she said not to be silly and that she will be fine as she knows I have to go into work (I'm a teacher and really need to go in and sort my classroom out!)
Why am I being such a bloody drama queen? I am just going to worry all day, I know I am!!!

Irrational worries are a permanent feature of parenthood I think. The trick is to keep it reasonable, take sensible precautions (like car-seats) and not spoil either your or their lives by turning normal worries into a serious anxiety/cotton-wool problem. Breathe lots...

I'm the same. I fret about things like that too. I usually find once they've actually gone with the other person I'm fine.

yes I know you're right.. I think I just need people like you to talk some sense into me! My husband, it appears is unable to do that without making me feel like some paranoid, anxious stressed out woman!!

which of course I am! but I don't need him to tell me that!!

Unless

1. the car is a rustbucket held together with gaffer tape; or
2. you have reason to question the driving skills of the adult taking them

YABU.

I remember my DS going off, age 8, for a weekend cub-camp. He'd been away for weekends before but always on the end of a phone. With my 'Bag of Nerves Bonkers Mum' hat on I'd have been calling the coach company asking if the driver had any convictions, following them in the car and fitting the poor kid with a tracking device!! Instead, it was all big smiles, 'have a good time', waving at the coach and drive off quick before doing anything embarrassing. :) I think I'm normal.

YABU.......
But I'd be exactly the same!

It is good that the other person driving is a parent and their own child will be in the car, so it is very likely that they will drive as carefully as you would :)

I get a bit stressed too. Very normal. It's very good for the twins...to be with another family out and about. Don't fret...remember that when we're in charge of other people's DC we all get even more careful than usual. They will be fine!

To reassure you, I am even more conscious of driving safely with other people in the car!

YANBU to worry. I still worry every time my teenager heads off on her school bus. What the children need to see is the image of a cheerful chilled parent waving them on their way.

Nope I worry when dd goes anywhere, ever.

You are still letting them go that is the main thing.

I think you are being a bit irrational. I thought I was a worrier with my DD but would not be up half the night worrying about that.

well to be fair, I suffer with insomnia anyway but it probably didn't help that I was worrying about it.
I always think the worst, which is not a very nice quality to possess!!
definitely something I need to work on!

Definately as it's not a trait you want to pass on to your children and make them nervous types. However, overworrying is far better than not caring at all so don't be too hard on yourself :)

YABU
I agree with your dh.
Are you seriously telling me you have never let your children, at 7, go in another persons car?
You admit your fear is irrational. Oh that's o.k. then. Errrrr actually its not.

yes of course they have gone in other peoples' cars, but usually not that far and not involving motorways and usually with family or friends I know very well. This friend I do not know that well but she seems like a nice person, but I have no idea what her driving is like!

I was extremely cheerful and happy when I waved them off this morning and my worries are not something I would share with them.
Thanks to those who have posted helpful comments

as long as they're not being driven by teenagers!

what happens when they ARE teens and you dont even know if they're in cars or not?

well I guess I'll deal with that then.. I'll still worry of course I'm sure as I'm a worrier by nature!!