My DD is 15 and has always been anxious going out without an adult. She is extremely sensible and very health and safety concious. She still hates walking anywhere on her own and expects lifts everywhere. I am trying to encourage her to use buses -a good regular service round us so not a problem. We don't mind being a taxi in the evening but really want to encourage some independence in her for getting about during the day. All her friends seem to get lifts, some of the parents don't like to encourage their kids to use the bus - when I was 15 getting lifts with my parents was a totally "no way" . Her autistic 13 yr old brother uses the buses on his own and with friends without an issue. I have been a bit harsh and telling her that if she wants to go out she needs to make her own way - day 4 now of her not leaving the house. She is quite happy in the house because I am close by and she feels safe so she doesn't mind staying in. I don't drive so I can't get her places easily. We have used buses for years if I could bus with her then come back for her she would be fine. I just worry at 15 she is too reliant on me but if I don't bus or walk with her she won't go anywhere. Friends are meeting at the rec tomorrow for a picnic she can get there on a bus route but she won't do it on her own. Don't know whether to give in and take her the places she wants to go so she at least can get out and about or by trying to make her get the bus she is confined to the house. I wonder if there may be a whole other issue here - of she is happier at home and feels safe and secure so she is using the bus refusal as an escape route for being able to stay at home all day as since covid she has become a total homebody.