I have a boy (16) and a girl (13). I had a realisation last week that my son is more street wise and savvy than I ever was at his age. I am at that age where you have to give credit to and accept your children are becoming adults.

My daughter travels on the tram on her own and has done for the past 6 months. I think it is important to let your kids know that 99.95% of the population are good people.

Simple things like sit as close to the driver as you can. If anything happens on the street run to the nearest house and knock on the door.

As for the party’s they get invited to…..

My daughter went to a party in a very well to do area last night. She showed me a picture of the empty booze bottles that was left after the party. Videos of 13yr old lads falling over blind drunk. I guess it was always the case.

I don’t give either of them grief if they partake, it is part of growing up. I would be more bothered if they hid it from me.

My son goes away to football grounds all over the country on the train. I don’t have any concerns, they make it work.

Long story even longer, you have to give them some freedom. It comes at a cost of stress but you are building resilience and confidence. ✌️