Is it normal to be afraid of what someone is allowed to do?

79% Normal
3 Comments

My cousin who is 14 is allowed to go to New York City with 1 other friend. So basically, she can go alone!

They drop her off and let her roam the streets alone with her friend for half the day. She's been doing this since she was 13 by the way. Her parents are divorced and whenever someone in my family asks them why they allow their 14 year old daughter to do such things, they never give a straight forward answer and just claim to be a good loving parent.

My cousin is 14 and very naive. I'm completely terrified for her, literally. Every time she tells me she's gonna be in the city alone, I get very nervous for her safety as well as her friends.

One time she wrote me on aim on my phone "Where is ___ st. I want to visit this store." and when I saw it was in a REALLY bad setting, I told her I didn't know and just recommended some other place. When I say bad setting, I'm pretty sure you know what I mean.

The other girl for your information is also 14 years old.

Is it normal to feel this way?

Voting Results
79% Normal
Based on 71 votes (56 yes)
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Comments ( 3 )
  • awelstoo
    13 years ago

    the parents are obviously of the 'permissive' parenting type, which has negative outcomes for children, but not as bad as "authoritarian" ones who always punish their children.

    anyway my school had a program where when we were 15/16 we had to travel around melbourne by ourselves and i think it was a great idea.

    but melbourne is much safer than new york and 14 is too young. 15 is proably fine though, but she should go with more people and only during the day. that said me and my friends never had any trouble when we would run around the city at night.

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  • kittyjibblets
    13 years ago

    that's so dangerous especially in a place like new york. i dont think her parents should allow her to do that considering her age. also what are her friends parents like? do they not care about her safety either?

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  • FusedWithMuse
    13 years ago

    Yes! Indefinitely! I'm sorry, but that child's parents despite being divorced both have an equal responsibility for the well-being of their child! They are not fitting parents at all.
    It's bad enough they let her roam about in such a city by herself but that fact you say she is 'very naive'... Have they not taught her anything? She should be at least a little apprehensive about venturing into such places even WITH company!
    I think you should talk to your cousin - teach her how dangerous it can be out there! Is there no one you can go to in your family for help on the matter?

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