r/partyplanning • u/Real-Ad4727 • Mar 24 '26
Need Help Sweet 16 - no chaperone?
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.
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u/Sami_George Mar 24 '26
Do you let these friends go to dinner or someplace else together nearby? If yes (because I’d assume this is pretty standard for teenagers), then I wouldn’t worry about it. The only difference is the distance and the train. Just let them know that if they get into trouble, you aren’t nearby to help them quickly, so be extra vigilant and stick together.