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As A Parent, I Had to Let Go and Trust My Boy Was Going to be Safe!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Van West Realty - Greenville, SC Realtor -Short Sale Expert! BIC #69041

This past week, my oldest boy, Jacob, went out with his class on a field trip. Not just any field trip, but a long drive away, and a one night sleep over! My boy is 8 years old and he's in the 3rd grade. I am quite protective of my kids and I must be honest that I was a bit freaked out over this. I just didn't think it was necessary or appropriate for a third grader to have a sleep over field trip. I certainly never did anything like that when I was his age.

Well, he went, and he had a blast and took pictures, and now has some great memories and experiences, etc. He came back to me safely the very next day.

I know I need to chill out a bit and allow my kids to do more things as they grow up. For the rest of Jacob's life, I'll be worrying about him and concerned for his safety. That's what a parent does, I guess!

Karen Monsour
Coldwell Banker Fort Lauderdale Beach - Fort Lauderdale, FL
REALTOR, SSRS - Sells FL Waterfront, Short Sale Expert!

8 years old, heck NO!  I would have been the first parent volunteer on this trip. No way..Unless you totally trusted those who were with your son,.,then again..no way. To young for a trip like that without dad or mom along for the ride.

Sep 06, 2008 05:16 PM
Jason Crouch
Austin Texas Homes, LLC - Austin, TX
Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653)

Kirk - I wouldn't have been able to do this either.  My kids are 9,7, and 2 right now.  I would absolutely flip out with worry over this.

Sep 06, 2008 05:44 PM
Bob & Carolin Benjamin
Benjamin Realty LLC - Gold Canyon, AZ
East Phoenix Arizona Homes

Wow - 8 seems pretty young for this. I am not sure that I would have been any different than you in terms of worrying and wondering if it was the right thing to have even sent him that young. It never gets any easier.

Sep 06, 2008 06:47 PM
Lorena Westervelt
Van West Realty - Greenville, SC
Co-Founder/Co-Owner

I too was a bit uncomfortable with the whole thing. I was somewhat offended that the school thought it was necessary or appropriate.

Sep 07, 2008 12:25 AM
Marchel Peterson
Results Realty - Spring, TX
Spring TX Real Estate E-Pro

Kirk, It doesn't get any easier.  My children are now 23 and 26.  Our son is presently serving his second tour of Iraq and our daughter is a flight attendant living in New York City.  I'm not sure which one I worry about most.  I must say it keeps me in prayer.

Sep 07, 2008 01:53 PM
Bonnie Segel
Baskets by Bonnie - Columbus, OH

I remember when my oldest went on a two day field trip towards the end of his 3rd grade school year. Somehow he came back in one piece. There were several points when he almost got left behind.... Thank goodness we didn't find out until after the fact.....

I have 3 boys ages 7, 10 & 11. I worry everytime they leave the house to ride their bikes. I don't know how my parents survived!

Thanks for the warm welcome!

Sep 09, 2008 12:18 PM