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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To refuse to "Just put her in a taxi and send her home" DSD, aged 11

149 replies

SilenceOfTheSAHMs · 13/09/2014 19:17

Is DP being unreasonable to not allow his DD, aged 11 to travel home from weekend contact in a taxi? DP's XP wanted him to, but he refused and safer transport was arranged. We currently have no car.

It just didn't feel "right" to put her in a taxi alone. Are we being unreasonable?

OP posts:
gamerchick · 13/09/2014 19:18

Safer?

gordyslovesheep · 13/09/2014 19:18

not seeing the issue at all - sorry

she didn't actually go in a taxi so no worries

3littlefrogs · 13/09/2014 19:18

YANBU.
No way on earth would I put an 11 year old in a taxi alone.

hollie84 · 13/09/2014 19:18

How long is the journey?

So long as it is a licensed taxi from a company I don't see that problem really. Children take taxis alone to school from 4.

RabbitSaysWoof · 13/09/2014 19:22

I would from a company (not a rank obviously).

SauvignonBlanche · 13/09/2014 19:24

DS travelled in a taxi from the age of 7, using a pre-booked service obviously so I can't see the issue.

Pico2 · 13/09/2014 19:24

Is it clear whose responsibility transport to and from contact it?

ilovepowerhoop · 13/09/2014 19:45

I dont see the issue tbh. How long was the journey?

ilovesooty · 13/09/2014 19:48

What was the safer transport?

TravellingToad · 13/09/2014 19:49

What's the problem? Were you worried the driver might crash? Bit OTT...

Cheeky76890 · 13/09/2014 19:49

The taxi drivers used to transport school children are all CRB checked.

Can you find a female taxi driver or use a firm that the county council use to transport school kids.

backbystealth · 13/09/2014 19:49

I'm actually too laid back generally but no I wouldn't want my 11 year old to go in a taxi alone. Partly because my daughters would hate it and feel awkward and partly because there is a small risk of inappropriate behaviour. Yes, yes there's a tiny risk of that anywhere, anytime... but in a car with a stranger, locked doors... just don't like it.

NeedsAsockamnesty · 13/09/2014 19:50

Assuming its a licensed taxi driver what's the problem

gentlehoney · 13/09/2014 19:50

While his daughter is in her father's care it is for him to decide what is best for her.
What was the problem?

needaholidaynow · 13/09/2014 19:51

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Letthemtalk · 13/09/2014 19:52

Just saying, of you're worried about Traci driver being a potential risk then asking for a female driver doesnt decrease that risk.

I can't see the problem. Don't think I've ever heard of a child being hurt by a taxi driver.,.

NeedsAsockamnesty · 13/09/2014 19:52

As far as i recall The enhanced drb check is part of the requirement for the hackney license

ButtonBoo · 13/09/2014 19:53

No way. I wouldn't. And children aged 4 going in taxis on their own??! Seriously? Taxis from a taxi company can still be driven by an opportunist (although I know this is rare etc) but why risk it. Nope. Not for me.

Branleuse · 13/09/2014 19:59

i dont see the problem if its a licenced taxi. How long is the journey.

If you dont drive, then surely a taxi is a reasonable idea?

My ds1 was using a taxi for school at 11. If you have booked the journey via a reputable company and there is someone waiting for her the other end, I think its pretty safe.

Primaryteach87 · 13/09/2014 20:03

Depends...
If it involved extra time/money from your DP's ex then yes you were because it is a matter of opinion and her returning parent was happy with this arrangement.

On other hand, if you/DP bore the cost/time/effort then that's totally your prerogative.

Explored · 13/09/2014 20:06

At 11 they're out and about on their own all the time, surely?

Provided it was a properly licenced taxi and the child was comfortable with the arrangement I don't see a problem.

How far was it and what was the safer alternative? Did DP arrange the alternative or did it involve Ex's time?

Fattyfattyyumyum · 13/09/2014 20:08

You could always get in the taxi with her (& make it a return trip obviously)

SoonToBeSix · 13/09/2014 20:11

Yes he is being unreasonable , 11 is not a small child.

Purplepoodle · 13/09/2014 20:23

Depends if it's a taxi firm that been approved to transport children

HumblePieMonster · 13/09/2014 20:26

Travelling with her is much more appropriate at eleven years old.