[13ecca]

I'm 17 years old and turn 18 in November.
I have college friends who are my age, some of them I've know from being little others I met when I got to college.
I have a horse and spend a lot of my spare time up at the stables, when I'm not working, I also socialize with people there.
There are 3 of who are really good friends at the stables. One is 14 and one is 15.
Over the holidays I have been spending my time up at the farm camping with them. The friends who are my age, go out round town at night drinking. I don't drink, so I do go with them. I do other things with my friends like go shopping though.
When I'm with my younger friends we go on bike rides and go swimming, go to theme parks and camp at the farm where we have a laugh and watch movies. Mt "older" friend are usually too hung over to do anything during the day.
So basically that's the background information. The problem is my dad always tells me off for spending time with them. He says I'm nearly 18 and they are too young for me and I should stay with my own friends. My mother also has a problem with this.
The thing is I can't see the problem?
I'm having fun, we're not getting into trouble or being childish, just socializing.
What do I do? Is it wrong to be spending time with my friend when they are 14 and 15? Do I talk to my parents?
Would other parents be concerned about this?
Thanks for any advice in advance :)

[snow124]

Have you told your parents that all of your friends your own age do is get drunk? That should be enough to convince them.

While there's some sound reasons for associating with people your own age when young, it's not like you're incapable, you just choose not to in the interest of productivity and enjoyment. And by the time you're out of high school, none of it would matter whatsoever. Your parents seem too nosy and insistent on controlling your life.

[13ecca]

Have you told your parents that all of your friends your own age do is get drunk? That should be enough to convince them.

While there's some sound reasons for associating with people your own age when young, it's not like you're incapable, you just choose not to in the interest of productivity and enjoyment. And by the time you're out of high school, none of it would matter whatsoever. Your parents seem too nosy and insistent on controlling your life.

Yes, they know that most of my friends go out round town at night drinking. The thing is, I probably would go with them if I was allowed - I just wouldn't drink. But they won't even let me do that. They probably don't trust me. If I can't go out with my older friends and can't hang around with my younger friends - I sit around the house all day on the computer or watching films, which is another thing I get old off for.
I just don't get what they want me to do?

[snow124]

So, they don't think your friends of any age are acceptable to hang out with? Not sure what they expect you to do. Once you're 18, spend time with anyone you see fit.

[N0help4u]

Your younger friends sound more mature in a sense and they have constructive interests.
You should point that out to your parents.

Which would they really rather have you hanging out getting drunk and hung over and sleep all day or getting fresh air and exercize bike riding.