To not let my 16 year old go on a weekend away with 2 mates?

[Awks]

My daughter is 16 and her and 2 of her friends want to go to Edinburgh for the weekend on their own. They all went to a festival this summer (but were loosely supervised by an adult). Now they want a bit more freedom.

She is pretty sensible but is just so young (her mates are 17, she's a younger one in the school year).

Letting go is so bleedin hard. I sort of know that I am BU but would you let her go?

My DS went to Poland with 4 mates just after his GCSEs. They showed us their plans, how they were going to get to and from the airport etc and were fine.

I'd let her go.

If she is usually sensible and responsible, then I would let her go. I had a week in Newquay with my mates after our GCSEs. Then during 6th form had weekends away and holidays abroad with mates or my boyfriend. We were growing up and looking after ourselves- I think it's a good thing!

Yes let her go

I think, actually, a weekend is Edinburgh is a good 'starter' trip away. Same country, not too far, safe, no language barrier, couple of nights. Ideal really.

noeffin even in the 70's a 16 year old was a child.

As places go I would say Edinburgh is a very safe bet for 16/17 year olds to visit. It is very tourist orientated and loads to do. Plenty of places to eat etc and unlikely they would be served in bars or be able to buy alcohol (if that is a worry). It's also a student town so plenty of youngish people milling about. I am sure they will have a blast.

I went to France for 2 weeks on my own at that age. Shes sensible, she will be fine, as I was. I understand your nervousness about it, I would be the same with mine, but shes growing up & we all need to let them

I went to Ibiza at that age for 2 weeks with 3 girlfriends.
However I don't know I'd let my daughter knowing what we got up to. Looking back was good fun.
It's a difficult one

I love the contrast on mumsnet. Here we have plenty people saying let her go, which I totally agree with btw. Last week we had 'midnight is too late for a 16yo to go to bed' and 'check their phones until they are 18'

OP it depends how streetwise she is. I would have no problem with mine having a weekend away but she is well travelled and for the most part keeps me right.

I think I would let her go, but make sure she has a good plan as to where to stay and access to some spare money in case things go wrong (e.g. takes a debit card not just cash).

When I was 15 nearly 16 I went on a weeks cycling holiday in the Highlands with my friend.

I would let her go.

e.g. takes a debit card not just cash. My teens all do this even if they are just going into town. Keep cash and card separate and never be stuck.

When I was 15 nearly 16 I went on a walking youth hostelling trip with seven mates - great fun and learning experience. You have to let her go - she will be fine.

I went to Suffolk at 16 for the weekend, pretty sure I only told my mum when she saw me packing a bag 😂 😂

I let dd go from Edinburgh to Oldham this weekend. They were supervised and it was fine as she kept in contact.

How far is Edinburgh from you? There are plenty restaurants etc. Where would she be be staying?

Same as PP I went to Ibiza for 2 weeks when I was 16. Can't say I'd allow my DD to go at that age though

Edinburgh is lovely, there is so much to do and they'll have a ball.

Yes you should let her go, assuming she's reasonably sensible

I am in my thirties but even now when I visit London and I walk past the kings x youth hostel I have a fond smile to myself thinking about the weekend away that I had as. 15/16 year old with friends. It was my first taste of freedom and I loved it

DS2 (16) went on the London to Brighton Mini Rally last May, went Friday in the car with his friends and caught the train back from Brighton on Sunday eve (we live in York), they were staying till Monday but he had to go to school.

I really don't think you can stop her.

I was thinking at all these replies but at 17 I had my own car and was staying out in London with my boyfriend a couple of times a week and clubbing, hardly home. I think if you feel she is streetwise and can handle herself without an adult present then let her go.

If it was my 16 year old DS I would let him go but would worry myself sick the whole time he was gone

I find being a parent of a teenager very hard-always trying to find the balance between making sure they are safe but yet giving them freedom.

How far away do you live? It's very different being 50 minutes away in Dunfermline than being on the other side of the UK in London.

I'd let her go.
My DS is 16, going to London for a weekend in January with his mates to see Drake in the 02.
Staying in travelodge in Wimbledon.
I'm really excited for him and pleased he is confident enough to do it.

Edinburgh is great and really easy to get around. DS(14) goes to school there and he and his friends spend hours exploring/eating out/going to the cinema etc. The bus system is easy to negotiate (exact change only) and it's very safe.

I'd let her go.