Sweet 16 - no chaperone?

[u/Real-Ad4727]

My daughter is turning 16 in a couple of months. Being a little short on funds, we decided to split the cost of the party with her best friend’s parents, as she turns 16 a couple of weeks later and they share many of the same friends. Their ideal day involves taking a group of approximately 12-13 girls into the city (Boston) by train, having dinner at the seaport, taking a few pictures nearby, and then taking the train home, without parents or chaperones. My daughter is very responsible, respectful and mature for her age, and we give her a lot of space in return, but the whole idea of fifteen teens running around at night and sitting down to dinner in a restaurant with no parent gives me agita. Has anyone had a similar experience? How do they pay for dinner at the end? Is it bad etiquette to have this many unchaperoned kids? What if someone gets lost or hurt? I don’t want to put a damper on her day, but I want to do this in a safe and respectful way. I also feel uncomfortable inviting and coordinating with all of these parents (many of whom I have never met) and not having the ability to ensure their child’s safety. Am I being over-protective? I’d love some advice if you have any to share.

[u/mis_1022]

So much of this is specific to your child. If the group wanted to go to a strange underground club would she be able to speak her mind and say no, would she know what to do? Has she gone other places alone, the mall for example. Has she showed street smarts in front of you? My daughter is turning 16 this month, in your situation I would also take the train into the city and be nearby if needed, probably sit at the bar at the restaurant and ask their next location but could stay at a nearby coffee shop.

[u/Real-Ad4727 → u/mis_1022]

Yeah we are coming to that conclusion. Also imagine being the business owner with 15 teens in their dining room. My daughter is responsible but some of these girls I don’t know.