I have a 12 year old who thinks she’s 20.  Apparently this is a problem amongst many of her friends.  Friday, Brooke and 3 of her friends wanted to go to the movies.  I checked the listing, and the PG movie they wanted to see was on at 7:15 pm.  No problem!  Now there was an incident in the past where these kids were dropped off at the movies with no parental supervision, and trouble ensued.  Brian and I had discussed that this would not happen again.  A chaperone must always attend with them. 

Brooke calls me and tells me they have decided to go to the 9:45 showing, and I promptly tell her no.  The movie was and hour and a half, so that would mean being out until 11:30, and I am not OK with that.  She started giving me attitude, and I reminded her that she is 12, and I didn’t have that late of a curfew until I was a junior in high school.  (Thanks Mom for telling me I was actually a Senior!)  Well, she hung up on me, then called me back and told me they would go to the earlier show.  I said OK, and that I would take them and stay.  That didn’t go over well with her, as everyone gets dropped off.  everyone!!!  Again, I had to remind her of the last time that happened, and if she wanted to go, this was the only option.  She was not happy with me, there were tears, and the silent treatment.  She was embarassed, and it didn’t help that one of her friends was teasing her for me going along. 

When we arrived at the theater, the movie they wanted to see was sold out.  We ended up watching Marley and Me, which is a good movie, but I think it should be PG 13!  Before we sat down, me in the front, them in the back, Brooke told me they were gonna stay for the 9:45 showing too.  I said NO.  Tears again…..

When Marley and Me was over, I walked out and called one of the parents to let them know what was going on and see how they felt about staying.  They were fine with their child staying unsupervised and being out until 11:30, so Brooke and I left.  Brooke felt so bad about the way she had behaved, so she was crying again and apologizing to me.  I was hurt and angry at the same time.  Why does my child get teased because I love her and am trying to protect her???  Why are parents allowing this?  The theater was over run with middle schoolers, and there were no parents.  I just don’t understand it.  If you need a break, hire a babysitter for your kids.  Don’t just drop them off at the mall or movies and let them be a nuisance to others.  These kids are too young to be responsible and mature at all times. 

I had to tell Brooke not to ask me to do something with these kids again.  They cannot be trusted, and peer pressure is too easy to cave in to.  I’m probably going to lose a friend over this too, but my daughter is more important to me.

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