How much freedom do you give a 14 year old who wants to take public transit with friends after school?

My 14 year old wants to take the subway with two friends for snacks after school. I know this is probably normal growing-up stuff, but my brain goes right to missed trains, dead phone, weird adults, all of it. How did you decide if your teen was ready without hovering forever?

Category: Teen Life

We practiced in steps. First with us, then he led and I followed, then one short trip with a friend. By the time he did the bigger trip, it was not brand new.

Vivian Chan

I look at skills more than age. Can she read the route, keep track of time, call if plans change, and leave if friends do something dumb? If yes, I would try a small trip.

Arielle Kalifowitz