Older Kids

Michelle · 08-14-2011, 02:56 PM

At what age did you stop requiring your kids to go camping with you? My oldest has an active social life, job and school and doesn't want to spend her weekends with her family. I do trust her but I don't want to impose on anyone by leaving her behind.

**CozInCowtown** · 08-14-2011, 04:48 PM

When they move out and start paying their own bills.
Decide who is the parent and let that person make the "good" decisions for the family.
Even though I have young adults in the house I am still the oldest, wisest and have the highest paying job thus I am still am in charge.
I am also the FATHER!! <--Super Adult!
JMO,
DC

Grandpa · 08-14-2011, 05:27 PM

Never had that problem, trying to get them to stay home was always the bigger problem. I still have grandkids that are in college wanting to tag along when sports or jobs allow them time.

Lamebeaver · 08-14-2011, 10:29 PM

For me it's easy (I have boys).

You've got to bring guns or fishing poles (or both).

Don't know about girls.....maybe invite that cute neighbor boy along???

Regina · 08-23-2011, 07:03 AM

I really think it is up to how old and how mature the kid is. If they don't want to come along and have somewhere they can stay that is ok with you, then I think that should be ok. Dragging them along when they really don't want to go can end up a miserable trip.

PieInTheSky · 08-23-2011, 01:21 PM

Yeah, my kids still love camping trips. If I tell them we are going on one they want to go. They always ask to bring friends so I have them limited to one friend a piece, if I approve the friend.

oldmangunner · 08-23-2011, 02:25 PM

For us it was different for each kid. Our 17 year old goes with us, but my middle child stopped going when she was 16. I think it just depends on the family and child.

Newanderthal · 08-23-2011, 03:58 PM

If the kid can safely stay home alone, then leave the kid behind. Otherwise, the kid just has to suck it up and get away from the video games for a day.

Michelle · 08-26-2011, 01:23 PM

It's not that they don't like camping they're just getting better offers some weekends. And I hate paying all the money to enroll them in sports and then have them miss important games and let their team down. Thanks for all the answers.

Grandpa · 08-26-2011, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michelle

It's not that they don't like camping they're just getting better offers some weekends. And I hate paying all the money to enroll them in sports and then have them miss important games and let their team down. Thanks for all the answers.

Team commitment means once you enroll them on that team, you gave that team priority for their time. Schedule family matters around the team or make arrangements to leave the athlete behind. The key here is the word "commitment".