Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To book a table for four 15 yo boys to eat without parental supervision?

50 replies

shrimponastick · 06/01/2013 17:00

DS is 15 today. He wanted to go for a meal with his mates. He didn't want me or SF to go with them. Another of his friends did similar a year or so ago.

I plan to drive them down there, give them cash for the bill, pick them up after and drive home.

All are (relatively) intelligent and sensible boys.

I told a family member who expressed surprise that we weren't eating with them?

If I am BU, then at what age is it acceptable?

OP posts:
RyleDup · 06/01/2013 17:01

Not unreasonable. They are nearly adults.

hellhasnofurylikeahungrywoman · 06/01/2013 17:01

YANBU-my kids used to go to Chillis or some such without supervision at 15, why would they need an adult to remind them how to eat and behave well at 15?

TheVermiciousKnid · 06/01/2013 17:01

We did a similar thing a few weeks ago for our daughter's 13th birthday - no problem at all. :)

CruCru · 06/01/2013 17:02

At 15 they should be able to eat unsupervised. I'd think it weird if they wanted an adult to be there.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 06/01/2013 17:02

YANBU. It's absolutely fine.

Theas18 · 06/01/2013 17:02

that sounds fine to me. 4 is a good number and they are likely to be on best behaviour. Hope they have a great time!

crashdoll · 06/01/2013 17:02

Your relative is weird. It's absolutely fine!

Original poster
shrimponastick · 06/01/2013 17:02

Thanks. I knew in my heart it would be okay. It isn't as if they haven't ever eaten out before.

Will make sure I give them a stern word in the car before I let them out though :)

OP posts:
TheOneWithTheHair · 06/01/2013 17:02

YANBU absolutely no reason why not.

AmberLeaf · 06/01/2013 17:03

Nothing wrong with that at all.

My son has done similar by his choice since he was about 14.

GrimmaTheNome · 06/01/2013 17:03

YANBU, why on earth was your relative suprised?

Hope they have fun! Smile

StepAwayFromTheEcclesCakes · 06/01/2013 17:04

yeh, they want to feel grown up, just check with restaurant first as sometimes they can be a bit arsy with kids alone, seem to stereotype them as trouble sometimes. DS2 is 16 and they often go out to eat, usually nandos, but last week went to a pub Shock booked a table and all had bar food, (a couple were 18 though)

EllenParsons · 06/01/2013 17:04

Yanbu. I often used to go out to eat with my friends at that age and younger. It was never a problem!

deleted203 · 06/01/2013 17:04

YANBU.....but I'd have carefully picked the venue, I think. I wouldn't be comfortable with posh restaurant in case 15 yos were a little loud and chirpy for other diners. Table for 4 in Nandos or Deep Pan Pizza I'd be completely unworried.

exexpat · 06/01/2013 17:04

Sounds perfectly fine to me. DS is 14, and I wouldn't think twice about letting him do that with his friends if he wanted.

When he was 10 he went to Pizza Express with his friends for his birthday , and I took a discreet table for one a few metres away, but there is no way I would insist on sitting in/supervising teenagers.

Original poster
shrimponastick · 06/01/2013 17:05

There is no alcohol served - it's abring your own place - so they will all be on cans of coke/lemonade - if they are smart table water and use the extra money for more food :)

OP posts:
TinyDancingHoofer · 06/01/2013 17:05

YABU for even asking. At 12 me and my friends were eating out together. They are 15 years old not months old, no need for adult supervision.

manicinsomniac · 06/01/2013 17:07

YANBU. My children are younger but I did this all the time when I was 13+

I work in a boarding school and, on residentials, our children sit in restaurants at their own tables right from age 7/8 ( we are in the restaurant though so a bit different)

I can't imagine anyone having a problem with this?!

Aniseeda · 06/01/2013 17:08

YANBU, it's perfectly fine.

DD is 13 and has been out for a few meals with a group of friends aged 12-16ish. I have a little word with her beforehand about being aware of other diners and not shouting etc. But they are a nice bunch and behave themselves. Lets face it a big rowdy group of adults could be far more annoying!

Hope they have a good night Grin

cardibach · 06/01/2013 17:09

DD(16) went to a 16 year old boy's birthday meal the other week. THere were 8 of them, mostly 15 years old. THe meal was at one of the smarter (but relaxed smart) places in town. THey sorted the bill themselves too. No problems whatsoever - I think it is nice your DS wants to do something so civilised, OP!

thebody · 06/01/2013 17:10

Good god!!my dss were eating with friends in restaurants at 11.. He's 15!! Jesus if he can't behave at that age then you would be worried.

How wierd of your relative.

thebody · 06/01/2013 17:11

Good god!!my dss were eating with friends in restaurants at 11.. He's 15!! Jesus if he can't behave at that age then you would be worried.

How wierd of your relative.

HollyBerryBush · 06/01/2013 17:11

My son goes to do's like this - and he's 12.

No parental supervision in Nandos or Pizza Hut I'm afraid. parents lurking in the shopping centre, ready to p[ay the bill at the end though

Floggingmolly · 06/01/2013 17:16

They'll be absolutely fine Smile

Remotecontrolduck · 06/01/2013 17:19

Oh dear, I'm 99% sure that relative doesn't have teens or kids older than about 5?

Unless they wanted parents to sit with them, secondary school age is fine to eat on their own.

A lot of the staff in these places are 16....

Swipe left for the next trending thread