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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Original poster

16 year old at Boardmasters?

20 replies

mumofteennotfun · 05/01/2023 22:46

My DD is 16 next month and doing her GCSEs this Summer. She wants to go to Boardmasters with her bestfriend (also 16) this Summer.
They are both sensible kids and I do trust them. I would be 15 minutes up the road in a holiday cottage while they are there.
Would you allow it?

OP posts:
janefondofu · 06/01/2023 00:32

Yeah sorry me and my friends have been the past few years (I'm 18) and if you're fine with her doing weed and ket then it's alright but other than that I'd make her wait until year 12 summer.

uhOhOP · 06/01/2023 00:35

janefondofu · 06/01/2023 00:32

Yeah sorry me and my friends have been the past few years (I'm 18) and if you're fine with her doing weed and ket then it's alright but other than that I'd make her wait until year 12 summer.

OP, are you fine with your 16-year-old to do ket now, or would you rather she wait until she's 18?

lailamaria · 07/01/2023 06:25

oh for gods sake not all teenagers are interested in drugs, most she'll do is have a drink and smoke a few cigs which btw she won't suddenly start on holiday

Autumnisclose · 07/01/2023 06:28

Yes I'd let her.

MrsTerryPratchett · 07/01/2023 06:32

Bob Vylan? I'm jealous.

Remona · 07/01/2023 06:40

If you were 200 miles away then no. 15 minutes away in a holiday cottage then yes.

sittingonacornflake · 07/01/2023 06:42

@uhOhOP Grin

watchfulwishes · 07/01/2023 06:47

I wouldn't, think they're just a bit too young. At that easy it is not easy to say no though, I appreciate that!

Offleyhoo · 07/01/2023 06:59

I think no. Relative went at age 18 and found it overwhelming. Friend's robust daughter went this year aged 16 and enjoyed the festival itself but found the camping element frightening as some sort of rivalry broke out between different camping groups and they felt unsafe in their tent. Having said that, as festivals go it's probably one of the more suitable ones.

TwoPointFourCatsAndDogs · 07/01/2023 07:14

I would. My DC went to Reading Festival (only 40 mins away) last summer after GCSE’s, it seems a ‘right of passage’ in our area. I trusted DC (we have a very close and open relationship) to not take any drugs but DC was allowed alcohol. DC had a brilliant time, came back with an awful cold and nits! However, DC was shocked at the availability of drugs.

Drug taking seems inevitable at some point in the next few years. I’m glad I let my DC go to Reading as I felt I had some control and input over their behaviour and DC could see how messed up some kids got. For Reading 2023 DC will be 6 weeks off being 18 and I hope will make some good decisions.

smileladiesplease · 07/01/2023 08:05

Mine went to broadmasters at 16. We live many miles away. Just tell them usual watch drinks/mark the tent for easy finding/keep in touch. You are up the road in a holiday cottage so for me no brainer. My dds were horrified at the toilets though. You might find they decamp to you early doors Smile

tonyhawks23 · 07/01/2023 08:51

Yes it's fine

Original poster
mumofteennotfun · 07/01/2023 10:33

I do trust her not to take drugs but I guess all parents say that. I think if they go (already paid a deposit for tickets!) that I will buy them a pre pitched tent which apparently is an an area away from type main camping fields with a little more security.
I guess they can come to us if it all gets too much and third have the option to come and sleep at the cottage for a night for decent shower etc.

OP posts:
Abraxan · 07/01/2023 10:56

mumofteennotfun · 05/01/2023 22:46

My DD is 16 next month and doing her GCSEs this Summer. She wants to go to Boardmasters with her bestfriend (also 16) this Summer.
They are both sensible kids and I do trust them. I would be 15 minutes up the road in a holiday cottage while they are there.
Would you allow it?

15 minutes away - yes, no problem.

Dd went when a little older and her and friends just aren't interested in drugs. They do drink and probably over indulged with that, but nothing worse.

There are lots of 16 year olds there. Dd said they felt a bit old at 19y - there's was delayed due to covid hence being older.

Esmereldaaa · 07/01/2023 11:18

My son went to boardmasters at 15, and then again at 16. I was worried about him but he was absolutely fine.

TabithaTittlemouse · 07/01/2023 11:23

They have done a lot of work to make it safer in recent years so if you think she’s quite sensible and you are nearby then yes I would let her go.

CornishGem1975 · 07/01/2023 11:28

I was there last summer, and it was A LOT. I think ultimately depends on the teen. My DS, not a chance. My DD, yep probably.

mamaduckbone · 07/01/2023 18:45

My ds is going this year at 17 with a big group of friends. I'm not too worried about him, especially as his very sensible girlfriend is also going and she's a good influence.

Last year at the end of GCSE's I wouldn't have been so sure but if you are just up the road I would probably say yes, with lots of discussion beforehand about how to keep safe. Ds went to wireless festival just for a day last summer and the worst that happened was he got very sunburnt and spent too much.

Some of ds's friends went last year with the same set up and one of the girls did end up going back to the holiday cottage to sleep and just went into the festival during the day because she found it all a bit much. That could be an option for them too.

Megan1992xx · 07/01/2023 18:47

Absolutely it is a great festival.

HoHoHowMuch · 07/01/2023 18:58

I went on holiday to the other end of the country with friends and a day festival at 16. Have things really changed that much? Very surprised that teens aren't allowed out with supervision!

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