To let my son go to football in a taxi

[tangerino]

DS (12) does football at a local club on a weeknight, 6.30-8.30pm.

Next week I’m working late. Our babysitter can look after DS at home but she doesn’t drive so can’t take him to football.

Do you think it would be ok for him to go on his own in a (prebooked, licensed) cab? It would only be to get there as I can pick him up at the end.

Another option is for the babysitter to go with him in the cab then come back, but she’d have to take my other children with her so I’d rather avoid this.

Why would it not be all right?

Could another parent not pick him up and take him? Then you bring them back?

At 12 why wouldn’t it be ok?

Don't see any problem if the taxi firm is willing to take an unaccompanied child. If not can another parent take him?

Let the cab know it's a child. Lots of children go to school by taxi if they go to certain schools eg schools for the deaf.

It’s fine (so long as he’s comfortable with it). Plenty of kids that age or younger to school etc.

Why not, and if it makes you feel more comfortable, why not ask for a women driver?

I think I would just give it a miss. Also, some cabs won't allow an unacompanied child unless they have a checked cabbie on duty.

Thanks, All. Not sure what I’m concerned about- DS will be fine with it. Other people gasping in horror maybe

It's fine. Our ds had to do that occasionally.

As an alternative, and to save some money, why not carpool with another child on his team? Their parent picks them up before practice and you drop their child off afterwards?

My mum used to send mw to and from my hobby from 8 years old in a taxi on my own! I was fine however it was way too young to be on my own with a stranger in a car! And i woukdnt do that to my kids at that age. She just wanted me out of her way! But at 12 it will be fine!

Other people gasping in horror maybe

Why do you care what other people think?

It would be ok for him to get a bus at 6/6.30 tbh.

I pack a boy at school in Year 7 every evening after school into the Uber he orders to get home. So a pre-booked taxi would be fine!

Only downside is that a few times he gets miffed if a driver rates him poorly for no reason!

My DD age 12 years always gets a taxi home from swimming once a week. I just watch out for the cab and then run out to pay, mainly because if I gave her the £15 there is a strong possibility of her losing it during her school day!