to say DS (16) can't go for a socially distanced BBQ in the park

[Ponka]

DS has asked me if he can organise a BBQ with his friends in our nearby park. DH has no problem with it. I'm not so sure.

It will be around 4-5 people and he says they will social distance.

The park has spots for BBQs, which they would use and he says they would put it out with water and take it away.

He has done his Silver DofE and is quite sensible. His friends seem quite sensible too.

Still, I can't help thinking 16 year olds, a fire in a park and a pandemic isn't the best combination! Would I be unreasonable to say no? Just curious what people would do. Thanks.

Look at the other thread on what children were allowed to do in the 1950s. Of course he should do it if he wants. This cotton-wool long of teenagers is so depressing

Sounds fine to me. So long as they are respectful and responsible re bbq.

YABVU
Poor kid! There is precious little they can do atm as it is!

I'd be delighted if mine went. He was saying today how much he misses friends.

I grew up in a house with a coal fire and it was my job to light it every day after school from the age of about 11. I would hope a few 16 year olds would be capable of not setting themselves alight. Let him go.

Let him do it- they have so little to look forward to at the minute. Just tell him you have to trust him and his judgement and if he messes up then he won't be able to do it again.

They’re opening the shops on Monday and the pubs next week. A barbecue outside in a park with a few mates is really neither here nor there.

Wow- the amount of parental smothering and micromanagement on Mumsnet is incredible. He’s 16 and has shown the commitment to get the DoE Silver award yet he can’t be trusted to go to park for a bbq?

He’s 16 😂😂😂 you’re lucky he asked.

At that age I’d just shout bye and I’ll be out the door!

Over parenting has really gone crazy now!

cabbageking
Read the OP.
It is a park that provides places to BBQ

I'd check as PP's have said about the policy for bbq's at the moment, we live right next to 2 parks which allow them but both have signage at the moment saying it's not allowed due to the lack of wardens monitoring/ bins and cleanup not being as they were.
If they're still allowing it let him go, he sounds like a sensible young man.

He’s 16. How it it a case of letting him? He’s not breaking any rules or doing anything dangerous or immoral. I’m surprised he even asked you.