Should I let 17yr old DS go? AIBU?

[potbellyroast]

DS 17 asked if he could go on holiday with a friend and his parents. 2 other friends his age will be going and they are following the parents there (300 miles) in one of the lads (also 17) car. I agreed as I am happy that friends parents will ensure as much as possible their safety. Will still be a nervous wreck until he gets home safely though.

He's now asked if he could go wild camping with these 3 lads plus another friend. The journey will be about 100 miles (no parents). I have no issue with the camping - I would say yes if it was more local or if i could take him there myself. My difficulty is 4 lads all 17 in a car knowing how they can wind each other up and the situation may become dangerous.

I would genuinely like to know if I am BU. DS think I am. Do you? Should I change my mind and let him go? Is this double standards as I've already said yes to the other holiday?

It's right to let him go, but it's ok to be worried! Hope he has a great time.

Of course you worry- it is part of being a parent!

No way.

Let him go.

Isn't it great that he wants to do something wholesome
like wild camping?

I went to a festival age 17. Six of us and camping gear in a car the size of a ford fiesta. The driver had just passed his test and it was 250 miles away. We hitch hiked back because the engine died when we got there.

It was a great adventure.

Mine passed his test at 17, was bought a car by both sets of Grandparents and buggered off to Leeds fest with mates a few weeks later. To say I was all weekend is an understatement.
Of course he was fine. I was a similar wreck a few weeks later when he decided out of the blue that Blackpool Illuminations seemed a good idea.

He's 21 now and actually a really good, safe driver. I think you just have to sit back and (nervously) let them get on with it.

I really can't understand 'no way'. If they have passed their driving test they must be merely a few months from being an adult and able to do it by just announcing they are doing it. Some of them are going to have to be tough at 18yrs if parents think they are still children!

Of course 17y have more accidents.

If the driving age was 21 or 31 would have more accidents too.

Instead of being distracted by their mates, the'd be chatting up a prospective new DP, worrying about a stressful new job or hit the gate due to piercing scream from the back seat.

Thank you DD

Christ, that's a long drive for anyone, never mind a new driver.

Don't those boxes place a curfew on the car as well? Just in case something happened at night while they're away on their own.