teen/preteen on ncl med

[nomer]

Is it safe to have my teenage daughter walk alone from teen club to find us at dinner? Do other parents let their 13 yr old walk around ship alone?

[nmg85]

I did from the age of 11. Also went on deck on own to read etc

[Grandma Dazzles]

I applaud you for asking! Too many kids roam the ships alone. I think on any ship providing parents have set rules (no visiting other cabins, etc.) that kids are fine. A ship is actually a floating city and normal rules of caution should apply.

[zqvol]

I would have no problem allowing a 13 year old to do what you are suggesting which is walk from the teen club to one of the dining venues alone for dinner. This assumes that she wants to do so.

 

I'm not sure that I would allow them to roam the ship at night alone or even with a group of acquaintances, but that is not what you asked and is for another discussion.

[nomer]

thank you for the replys they are helpful

[Tiggertastic]

It's good for their independence and confidence, if unsure get some walkie talkies

[Grandma Dazzles]

It's good for their independence and confidence, if unsure get some walkie talkies

 

 

Would not bother with walking talkies - do not work well on board because of all the metal. The "squawking" and crackling is not well received by other passengers especially in shows, dining venues, etc.

[cb at sea]

They are fine to come and go from specific places to specific places. You shouldn't let ANYONE of any age "roam"...

 

Usually, after age 9, they are allowed to check themselves out...it's up to YOU to allow it.

 

At 13, you should have taught your child how to be responsible for their safety....after all, you're raising a future ADULT....not a "needy" child. Let your teen come and go...but with restrictions and physical check-ins. Teach them to be safe without you. That's the goal!!! (Unless you want them living in your basement when they're 30!!!)

Edited May 11, 2015 by cb at sea

[094250]

This was on another thread:

 

 

first thing i do with my kids...

 

They MUST go to the Teen Meet & Greet the first night on-board the ship to meet others their age. From that point on, its really easy. They are allowed to hang out with their friends as long as I have some idea of where they are.

 

Most of the time at night my husband & I are in the Casino so if they need something or just to check in, they know where to find us should they decide to do something else or change location...

 

Depending on the ship, most teens are usually on the near the 24 hour cafe. Hey, if eating all the pizza they want at midnight is their idea of fun, I have no problem!

 

Definite rules are:

 

They better be with us at the dinner

They are always with us on the Islands...

They cannot enter anyone elses cabin and noone can enter theirs

If they have a soda and put it down for any reason, they need to dispose of it and purchase another one.... just in case some idiot decides to put something into it... Rather be safe than sorry

If I or someone else happens to catch them doing anything that they should not be doing, then their vacation and mine is over because from that point on, we're together, attached at the hips for the remainder of the cruise.... (and what teen wants to be stuck with their Mom on a Cruise???!!!)

 

 

I have a feeling that if you get your kids to their Meet n Greet the 1st day onboard, you won't have to worry about them the rest of the cruise!! Then you and their Dad will have to find things to do without them.

[O67272]

Yes, you should. My sister in law was very overprotective of her daughter. She was not exposed enough to the real world. She could hardly go places without her mother and she could not watch certain movies that people would call mild. Now, she is 20 and in jail because she had no idea how the world works. My sister in law regrets her parenting with all her heart. My cousin, on the other hand, was given a lot of freedom because she was responsible and mature. Her parents trusted her. Now she is in med school studying to become a doctor.

[CanadianDee]

This was on another thread:

 

 

first thing i do with my kids...

 

They MUST go to the Teen Meet & Greet the first night on-board the ship to meet others their age. From that point on, its really easy. They are allowed to hang out with their friends as long as I have some idea of where they are.

 

Most of the time at night my husband & I are in the Casino so if they need something or just to check in, they know where to find us should they decide to do something else or change location...

 

Depending on the ship, most teens are usually on the near the 24 hour cafe. Hey, if eating all the pizza they want at midnight is their idea of fun, I have no problem!

 

Definite rules are:

 

They better be with us at the dinner

They are always with us on the Islands...

They cannot enter anyone elses cabin and noone can enter theirs

If they have a soda and put it down for any reason, they need to dispose of it and purchase another one.... just in case some idiot decides to put something into it... Rather be safe than sorry

If I or someone else happens to catch them doing anything that they should not be doing, then their vacation and mine is over because from that point on, we're together, attached at the hips for the remainder of the cruise.... (and what teen wants to be stuck with their Mom on a Cruise???!!!)

 

 

I have a feeling that if you get your kids to their Meet n Greet the 1st day onboard, you won't have to worry about them the rest of the cruise!! Then you and their Dad will have to find things to do without them.

 

Great list!