Mom to Mom

[LilacTree]

You're the mother of an 18 year old son who lives with his father.  Father gives son a truck and a small live-in trailer so he can drive across country alone, by himself, from NJ to CA, his return date unknown.

Would you, as this boy's mother be concerned?

[Perkup]

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@LilacTree wrote:

You're the mother of an 18 year old son who lives with his father.  Father gives son a truck and a small live-in trailer so he can drive across country alone, by himself, from NJ to CA, his return date unknown.

Would you, as this boy's mother be concerned?

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Depends on the 18 year old.  Some are mature enough to handle this just fine. Others can't remember to come in out of the rain.  Which category does this 18 year old fit into?

And yes, I would be concerned, but then I'm concerned when my kids and grands are on the road for any reason. So many pitfalls out there, even for the most mature and cautious person.

[LilacTree]

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@Perkup wrote:

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@LilacTree wrote:

You're the mother of an 18 year old son who lives with his father.  Father gives son a truck and a small live-in trailer so he can drive across country alone, by himself, from NJ to CA, his return date unknown.

Would you, as this boy's mother be concerned?

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Depends on the 18 year old.  Some are mature enough to handle this just fine. Others can't remember to come in out of the rain.  Which category does this 18 year old fit into?

And yes, I would be concerned, but then I'm concerned when my kids and grands are on the road for any reason. So many pitfalls out there, even for the most mature and cautious person.

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Unfortunately, he is in the second category.  And I agree with the remainder of your post.

[Carmie]

Yes, I would be worried and HYSTERICAL!  My husband and I own a camper and we drive all over the USA.  I can tell you that it is not cheap.  

You have to pay for gas and food and overnight parking is usually not free.  There are also break downs and expensive repairs that might be needed.  Even a flat tire can be an issue.

And there are dangerous people out there.

I would put up such a stink with the FATHER that he would recind his offer.  I think dad is a nut.

When my oldest son was in the military at around age 20, he drove with a buddy at Thanksgiving time to his buddy's home from where they were stationed.  the trip was about 15 hours driving each way.

Needless to say, their vehicle broke down.  They were stuck with little money and little experience of what to do.  My husband and I had our hands full.  We finally got a repair mechanic to take our credit card info over the phone and also a motel to help the boys out.  It cost us almost $5000, which was high, but our choices were limited.

Eighteen is way too young to travel by yourself.... Period.

[RedTop]

I would definitely be concerned.  If this experience is meant to promote growth and maturity in this young man, I would've looked at other options. 

[jackthebear]

too young to be able to manage any unforseen circumstances that may occur. 

As others pointed out there are not so nice people out there who could take advantage of this.

[LilacTree]

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@RedTop wrote:

I would definitely be concerned.  If this experience is meant to promote growth and maturity in this young man, I would've looked at other options. 

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I wish.  I think it's to get him out of the house because the father wants to spend time with his out of state girlfriend and doesn't want his son to bring his friends into the house . . . so he's getting rid of him.

And yes, it's personal.

[LilacTree]

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@Carmie wrote:

Yes, I would be worried and HYSTERICAL!  My husband and I own a camper and we drive all over the USA.  I can tell you that it is not cheap.  

You have to pay for gas and food and overnight parking is usually not free.  There are also break downs and expensive repairs that might be needed.  Even a flat tire can be an issue.

And there are dangerous people out there.

I would put up such a stink with the FATHER that he would recind his offer.  I think dad is a nut.

When my oldest son was in the military at around age 20, he drove with a buddy at Thanksgiving time to his buddy's home from where they were stationed.  the trip was about 15 hours driving each way.

Needless to say, their vehicle broke down.  They were stuck with little money and little experience of what to do.  My husband and I had our hands full.  We finally got a repair mechanic to take our credit card info over the phone and also a motel to help the boys out.  It cost us almost $5000, which was high, but our choices were limited.

Eighteen is way too young to travel by yourself.... Period.

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Yes.  My feelings exactly.  I just don't see this ending well. At least if he had a partner, but alone?  I can't bear the thought.  And he's not a big kid, he's kinda thin and doesn't even look his age.  To me, he will be a sitting duck wherever he goes. 

I'm beside myself, but of course I have no say.  Well I did "say" but it fell on deaf ears.  I can only hope this idea falls through.  But he already has the truck and the trailer.

[LilacTree]

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@jackthebear wrote:

too young to be able to manage any unforseen circumstances that may occur. 

As others pointed out there are not so nice people out there who could take advantage of this.

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Yes.  And driving through the midwest with all of this unpredictable weather is another worry.

[PenneyT]

Can you wire him a bus ticket? 

Also, does the son have a cell phone? On some phones, there is the option of 'share your location' in the text portion, and that is nice to help judge arrival times and progress, etc., I use this often with a son that lives out of town.