DD planning on meeting friends

[sparepantsandtoothbrush]

DD (13) is supposed to be meeting her best friend tomorrow. It's her friend's 13th birthday. This friend has had an awful few months. Her mum passed away just before Christmas, her stepdad of two years decided he felt uncomfortable bringing up a teenage girl who wasn't his biologically (I do understand but feel for the girl) and her real dad didn't want to know. She's ended up with her grandparents who aren't great with her and I know she's been really lonely over lockdown.

I was more than happy for DD to meet up with her for her birthday and trust them to socially distance. However, DD has now told me she's invited a few other friends as a surprise for the birthday girl. Apparently there are 4 others going but are meeting up in twos and will "accidentally" bump in to one another across the fields for a birthday picnic (all taking their own food and drink).

Would you be ok with this? DD and her friends are a bit square and I trust them not to break the 2m rule but DD confessed their plan as she is worried someone might see them and report them

I have a 13 year old niece who has lived with us since her mother died a couple of years ago, along with her 16 year old brother.

Their dad is also out of the picture.

It's been a bloody difficult couple of years and whilst lockdown started well (they are both really keen on homeschooling and amazing at independent learning) in the last week it seemed to have hit them both, especially our niece who is really missing her friends, her grandparents (DH's parents) and mostly her bereavement counsellor. We've been at a loss what to do. Her brother is so sweet with her, but it's not the same. She needs her life back, her routine, her friends and, most of all, needs to get out of her head. So we've decided to invite some of her friends around for a barbeque on Saturday now that we can let them use the garden. We'll stay indoors and just keep half an eye on them and the girls can chill, chat and eat (my nephew is offering to be the chef for the evening). I know there's a risk that social distancing might be contravened, but we're in the SW and the rates are low...so we are making a calculated risk I guess.

Do some people vote YABU just for the sake of it even if they don't have an opinion

I voted YABU, then changed my vote, because your OP didn't make it clear that you were OK with all the girls meeting.

I think it's fine and I hope they have a lovely time.

Your daughter sounds absolutely lovely.

(That was genuine, in case it gets jumped on! Truly, I think she's doing a lovely thing for her friend. Sounds like friend has had a miserable time, I hope this makes her feel special for the day!)

I think your DD sounds lovely OP and I hope the birthday girl has a really great day - she sounds like she deserves it.

I’d be worried about someone giving them trouble just on the technicality so I’d maybe ask her to think about what she’ll do if that happens so she’s prepared. But I really don’t see a problem with it at all

Poor girl sounds like she has some lovely friends though. I would let this happen. Hope they enjoy a good catch up

I would absolutely be fine with it!
Your DD is trying to do the right thing for her friend. Getting back to normal is important for so many people.

She has told you that goes a long way in showing you how sensible she is. I'd be fine with it

What a lovely DD you have. Honestly OP let them meet - sounds like the poor girl deserves a bit of tlc x

I would be fine with it. They seem sensible enough to adhere to the restrictions. Hope she has a good day!