What time does your 15 yr old have to come in?

[mrsmike]

We have had tears from DS (15) tonight as he has had to be home by 9.30pm. I must stress that he has just been "out" which means roaming around, hanging out in the park or anywhere really, not known to me. If he was at a specific place like someone's house or a party I would agree to him staying out later and would arrange to pick him up. His complaint is "all my friends" can stay out MUCH later, so I've now agreed to 10pm on fridays and saturdays. Feel strange combination of being both uneasy about this and a bit mean too. What's normal for you?

Such a relief to hear I'm not the only mean mum!

"out" to DD, nearly 16, means the beach. We live in a village 3 miles from a small town, last bus is 6pm. Over the summer I've been allowing 11pm but it's usually only once a week. I'd be happier with 10pm but her friends are all older (and very responsible) and it's very safe around here. Like you, I'd be OK with late for a specific event but I'm not happy with the potential for them being a nuisance to other people.

Have you asked the parents of any of his friends what they've agreed to? I'm often surprised that we've all said the same thing when I've been assured by DD that I'm the only strict one!

DS(2) turning 15 in october. Has to be in someone's house by 9pm. Otherwise they tend to be roaming streets/parks and there has been trouble in both. I need him to get in touch by 8:30-9pm to tell me whose house he is in and then he is either picked up/gets lift or cab home by 11pm. If there is a properly organised party then that is different.

10pm at weekends, 9pm school nights here, tho' we live ina village with no facilities so he'll be in one of his friend's houses until 10. He has to call if he's been invited for a sleepover.

depends on what he's doing. Going to the cienma or a concert (he's into classical piano so I don't even have to fret about drink n drugs!) he'll be back by midnight.
Him and his mates don't roam the street. At least not yet.

When DS was 15 (last year) he had to be home by 10, or 11 on weekends/holidays. He was usually in by 9ish though as that's what time a lot of his mates had to be home on school nights.

I'd be very surprised if all your DS's friends were allowed to stay out a lot later than 9:30, tbh, although I suppose it depends what kind of area you live in and how safe it is after dark. If you know some of his friends mums to talk to I would ask them in passing what time their DCs are allowed to stay out until.

Thanks for responding everyone - we have agreed on 9pm school nights and 10pm at weekends - or later for specific events, parties etc. We live in small rural town - friends parents exceedingly liberal, teens always arranging sleep overs/ camp outs and really could be anywhere doing anything. It all gives me a headache tbh. Most parents I know seem to have the view that they are pretty much grown up and will please themselves ...

Hello my DS[1] 15 year 11 has a deadline of 9pm on school nights he is normally home earlier and weekends and the summer holiday is 11pm as he has older friends they have all be friends since DS was 5. DS[1] is quite a mature 15 year old. But if there is a party or an event later and we agree on a time, but he does keep in contact with me on a regular basis and I am lucky as he is quite open and honest about things.

Oh dear mrsmike I am shocked that parents think that, I am a pretty laid back parent but they are still only 15 and I like to know where my son is and he knows that he can ring me 24/7.