Teens in lockdown

[lockeddownbutnotout]

I have a DS14.

As of today, he is allowed to socialise with a friend.

I've let him go out cycling with a friend, but I am so anxious about whether he is sticking to it or meeting up with others. He is generally well behaved, but my instincts are twitching here, not helped by a conversation we just had when I checked to see where he is.

I don't want to keep him cooped up as I know that's bad for him, but I know some of his friends parents have been more relaxed about this, so how do I stop him meeting with those friends? Do I just have to trust him?

I don't know how to manage this one. I really want us to do the right things COVID wise, but keep him from being isolated too.

How are others managing this?

We have discussed it and the importance of keeping distance etc. I have let mine go out and I have to just trust they will do the right thing. Same as during non Covid times. I make them wash hands as soon as they get home. Not sure what else can be done!

I've been trusting DS for the last couple of weeks ( We're in England), he's the sensible type and thankfully his friends are all similar. I just remind him as he leaves to stick to the 2M rule and be careful if he goes into a shop or anything. I've seen a big improvement in his cheerfulness since he's been able to meet a friend which is great!

DD (14) has been meeting up with one friend at a time since last week. I have dropped her to a park. There were lots of teens in big groups definitely not social distancing. I could see DD and her friend when I picked her up and they were keeping apart.

Today her and 4 friends have gone to the local river (I know it’s a few days early). I did say to her I was a bit worried about them being able to social distance if it’s busy. But ultimately I didn’t want to say no and her miss out. I’m just going to trust her to do the right thing. I know that she thinks it’s important to social distance so I’m hoping she will!

Thanks for the replies.

I will need to just trust him and see how it goes, I guess.

I've reiterated the rules numerous times leading up to today and he knows how strongly I feel, so hopefully that's enough.

It's hard for them, I do get that.