Appropriate Curfews

smalltowngal · Mar 8, 2009, 12:16 PM

What curfew have you given to your children and why? I'm particularly interested in knowing what an appropriate curfew should be for a 15 year old. Right now, it's 8 on schoolnights and 10 for weekends. He thinks I'm being unreasonable and most of his friends are allowed out later than that. Also, when telling me about your curfew and reasons for it, could you please tell me if you live in a large city, small town, etc. I wonder if that might affect decisions some?

Whatever24 · Mar 8, 2009, 12:21 PM

Well, when I was 15, my mom let me out until 11. And I'm a girl. But it also depended on where I was and how long I've been out. Also, I always called her constantly and I always let her know where I am. Considering he is a guy, you should maybe let him out one more hour. Make sure he earns it though. Like if he has his room clean and if he does all his chores and hw. I live in Florida in a large city. I would hang out in malls, friends get togethers and sometimes parties.

Hope this helps :)

smalltowngal · Mar 8, 2009, 01:44 PM

Thanks for your response! And a good point about it depending on where you were going to be, etc. When there's an event, like a dance or concert or if he's at a friend's house, I let him stay out a bit later. The 10 o'clock thing comes from there being nothing open, like malls after 10. If he has too much idle time he's more likely to get into trouble.

Whatever24 · Mar 8, 2009, 05:38 PM

VERY true. Especially at malls. As long as you trust him and he calls you every hour you'll be informed about everything and he will get home safely. I first thought it was annoying to call my mom every hour but then I knew it was cause she was worried for me and wanted to know what was going on etc. and she let me stay later little by little as I got older.

Im glad the advice helped :D

Fr_Chuck · Mar 8, 2009, 05:44 PM

I would say it makes a difference as to what they are out doing.
Church youth groups, supervised events or wondering around the streets.

Whatever24 · Mar 8, 2009, 05:46 PM

True, you also have to KNOW for sure where he is going. One good thing is to drop him off to for sure know where he is going to be at :)

smalltowngal · Mar 8, 2009, 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by Whatever24

true, you also have to KNOW for sure where he is going. One good thing is to drop him off to for sure know where he is going to be at :)

I agree with this to a point, but just because I drop him off at point A doesn't mean he's going to stay there. Not that I've had a lot of problem with that. He's excellent with checking in on a regular basis and letting me know where he's going to be. Plus he knows if I drive around looking for him for whatever reason, he'd better be where he says he is! :)

Whatever24 · Mar 8, 2009, 06:40 PM

EXACTLY! My mom once showed up earlier for a little test and of course I was there but you should scare him sometimes so he knows to always stay where he is! ;)

MicroMama · Mar 12, 2009, 10:34 AM

I live in the suburbs of a big city. I always had a later curfew than my friends growing up. I didn't get into much trouble but I will be enforcing a stricter curfew with my own son.

I think it depends a lot on the child too. If my child is getting good grades, treats me with respect, and has a good group of friends, then I think I would allow him a little more freedom. If the opposite were the case, I think I would have to be more involved and tighten the reigns a little... perhaps get him involved in sports or the community.

My son is still little so this could change but I'm thinking a Sun-Thurs curfew of 9:00 and Fri-Sat curfew of 11:00 or 12:00, depending on what he's doing and where. I would be willing to make allowances for special things.

Jake2008 · Mar 12, 2009, 01:54 PM

Originally Posted by smalltowngal

What curfew have you given to your children and why? I'm particularly interested in knowing what an appropriate curfew should be for a 15 year old. Right now, it's 8 on schoolnights and 10 for weekends. He thinks I'm being unreasonable and most of his friends are allowed out later than that. Also, when telling me about your curfew and reasons for it, could you please tell me if you live in a large city, small town, etc.? I wonder if that might affect decisions some?

I think you are right on the money for a 15 year old with those curfew times. With of course as you say, exceptions for special occasions.

I live in a small town, and agree that once the stores close, they have no business being at the mall, or downtown, except to get into trouble. :)

JoeCanada76 · Mar 12, 2009, 02:50 PM

What about a coffee shop or hang out that is opened late?

random_chick · Mar 13, 2009, 06:42 AM

I'm a 15 girl and I live in a city area. My dad lets me stay till 9 on school days and 10 on weekends. The reason why is because I'm only 15. To be honest it doesn't bother me I have to be in at a certain time. My dad just looking out for me.

artlady · Mar 21, 2009, 07:50 PM

There are so many variables here.Does he have a cell phone?Can you call him at anytime?

Is he going to be with kids who drive?

Where are they going?

I live in a city and it is a dangerous place at times.At 15 the weekend curfew was 11 and on school nights,if grades were up and homework completed,it was 9.

At 15 school dances don't usually end until 11.

No one knows your kid better than you.If he is responsible and mature than maybe you could allow an 11 on week-ends.

Alty · Mar 21, 2009, 08:58 PM

I have a ten year old and a 6 year old. On weekdays their bedtimes are 8:30pm for the 10 year old and 8pm for the 6 year old. On the weekends it depends, but usually 10pm is the latest unless there's a special family event or other occasion.

When my son is 12 he'll be allowed to stay up until 9 on weekdays, but he's not yet allowed to go out by himself until he's at least 15, then it will depend on his friends and where they are going.

I live in the suburbs.

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