Please give my 16 year old daughter some advice

[dolo amber]

I've tried repeatedly, but she's unconvinced.

My parents want to fly my kids to see them over the holidays...My mom says that Corinne (the 16 yr old) really doesn't have to go. It's not that they don't want to see her, they just understand she's got her own friends (plus her beau) here and they don't wanna *make* her go to Ashland, KY against her will being it's the holidays and all.

SO...the question is: The 16 yr old REALLY doesn't want to go, but feels like she'd be a horrible sister/person to put her 6 year old sister on a plane by herself. (It's a non-stop flight.) FWIW, the 6 year old would probably not care one whit as long as she had someone on the plane to yak non-stop to. She (Rin) asked me to get a general consensus whether putting a 6 yr old on a plane by herself makes her a horrible sister or not. There *is* the concern that Ruby might be afraid and be all alone, but knowing her as I do I can't imagine her having any appropriate fear, just being afraid of ladybugs and moths and things. :D

What says the Lounge this lovely T-giving evening?

[Fenris]

1. Airlines are usually very good with small children.

Although from what I know of Ruby, whoever gets seated next to her is going to have an interesting conversation. :D

[dolo amber]

2. Y'think?

Can they be anymore, without being accused of molestation or something? :eyes:

[terrya]

10. Once again, I agree.

If that seatmate of Ruby's will be as charmed as I was when I met her, he/she will have a most interesting plane ride. :-)

[mike_c]

3. my daughter first flew alone about that age-- she really enjoyed it....

I think it depends on the kid-- if she's OK doing stuff more-or-less on her own, then she'll have a blast traveling alone. Most airlines are really good about escorting and watching over young kids.

[Magrittes Pipe]

7. Yes, but your daughter is not our daughter.

She's not so good with the entertaining herself thing. Like, she has no idea HOW to entertain herself.

It's not that she'd be in danger flying alone, I just weep for the poor stranger sitting next to her.

[mike_c]

8. LOL-- yeah, there is that....

Good luck!

[Haole Girl]

4. That's why airlines have unaccompanied minor service...

..don't worry. But, the part about her talking to strangers worries me some. See if you can arrange to have her seated on an aisle seat, near where the flight attendants can keep any eye on her. It's just not a good idea to be too friendly with strangers at 6 years of age...I know, I know, I'm paranoid. :hug:

[flvegan]

5. She's not putting a 6 year old on a plane by herself. She's choosing to not go.

I don't see that the 16 year old is responsible for the 6 year old. That's the easy answer. I see why she does, and I will say that it speaks very highly of her to feel/be responsible for the feelings of her sister, especially since 16 seems to be the "me" stereotypical age.

Putting Ruby on a plane by herself doesn't make her a horrible sister, however, her concern makes her a good person.

IMO, of course.

[dolo amber]

13. I agree 100%

and this is what I keep trying to tell her. But I'm her mum thus it's obligatory for her to ignore me...I'll definitely show her this post. :thumbsup:

[rug]

6. Check this movie first

http://unaccompaniedminors.warnerbros.com/

[madrchsod]

9. lets see--

the trip is what 3 hours? i think she`ll be ok.

[dolo amber]

15. It's like 1 1/2 hour

45 min in the air.

[tinfoilinfor2005]

11. Are you sure she doesn't want to go?

Sounds as though her worries about being a horrible sister/person might really be reflecting a desire to go as well. It sounds like your parents are very loving and caring people and would show her a wonderful time, and honestly, since she is turning into a young lady, this might be a last chance for her to be spoiled and coddled as only grandparents can do. Of course she can't say that because she doesn't want to appear to be "a kid" (being sixteen and all)...but I would say, let her make the choice. Her grandad might be a better "beau" at this age anyway!

[mainegreen]

12. I traveled alone as a small kid. Less can happen to a kid in airlines care than

in a parents care. They do NOT mess around. Kids are fine and the airlines do a great job of feeding, entertaining and taking care of the kids.

[NC_Nurse]

14. She should do what she wants.

It's not for her to decide whether her sister flies alone or not, it's yours. She's not responsible for it.

I let my kids fly on planes themselves and my brother (who is autistic) flew alone a couple of times when he was a teen.
The airlines did take great care of them. Sounds like Ruby is not a shrinking violet. She should be fine. I'd make sure she has everybody's phone numbers on her
and names and addresses just in case.

[johnnie]

16. OK, I have met the munchkin and I can bet she will be just fine

As for Corinne (who I also met :thumbsup: ), I don't think it would be bad for you to let your sister go alone, but I think a few days out of your life to go visit your family ('specially on a free trip) would be good for ya in the long run.

Beaus come and go, family kind of stays around for ya (like herpes), so my vote would be to go, not to squish the guilt for making the little one go alone, but to enjoy yourself at something that might be not there to enjoy later. Just an old man's opinion. :)

Either way, it is your decision and it will be right for you to make any way you do. :hi:

[greatauntoftriplets]

17. Ruby will do just fine....

Her seatmate will probably giggle the entire flight. :)

:hi:

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

19. I wish I was the seatmate

Yappy 6yos amuse me to no end!

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

18. Very sweet of Corinne to be concerned for lil sis, but the one remaining variable here is

Is Ruby scared or thrilled at the prospect of flying alone? Ask her directly instead of speculating:

"Sweetie, you're gonna fly on a plane all by yourself to see the Grannies! (looks for photo of smiling flying attend on Google) Look, people like this will be taking care of you."

If she looks forward to it, Corinne may stay and do her 16yo things with a clear conscience.