Letting 13 Year Old Go to Concert

My daughter went with us (mom and dad) to a New Kids on the Block Concert with earplugs provided by dad.

The second time I took her and a friend to the same concerthall and we got separated when the gate opened and met up again at the end. She was on the floor and we were in seats stage right and all had a good time. I again had earplugs. We had a stop at McDonalds on the way home. These two concerts were in Germany.

But I would have to know who was performing before I would let my 13 year old go alone or I would go with him.

The other S.

Nope, no way. They need supervision inside the venue. While you trust your kiddos there are a lot of untrustworthy people out there and a lot that can happen inside the venue and there is def more than one exit where they could go out or be taken out. Either friend's dad needs to get a tix or someone in your family does so they are not unsupervised.

I would not be good with that. I think I was 15 or 16 (driving age) when I went to my first concert alone. There's a better case for "if you can drive yourselves there, you can be there alone."

I went to my first concert alone when I was 14 and my friend who was driving was 17. We didn't get in any trouble:) but I know times are different now. I think the Dad waiting outside is better than him dropping him off. If there's any trouble I'm sure the boys would tell an authority figure "my dad is outside"

We let our 13yo take his 10yo brother to hockey and basketball games. They are both mature and know all the safety issues and what do do if...etc... I went to my first concert the month I turned 14 with friends (no adults). It depends on your kid, if you trust her and she knows who to alert for help (the ushers) and if she has a cell phone on her, I would say let her go!

For me it would depend on whether or not the seating was assigned seats or general admission. Depending on the type of music/crowd, it can get pretty wild in general admission areas.

I went to my first concert at 13. Let them go have fun!
If he's got a good head on his shoulders (and only you know if he does), let him go.

The first time I let my daughter navigate her way around the Honda Center (Anaheim, CA) without me, she was barely 14. We had been there so many times for concerts and and events and she was fine. She called me in the car when she got to her seat and called me again when she was on her way out. At this age she was also flying cross country from Los Angeles unaccompanied, connecting through Chicago, to get to Boston to see her best friend. I have had great experiences with letting her spread her wings. You know your son.

Wow - I wouldn't be comfortable with my 13 yr old in a large venue even if dad is watiing outside. You don't say who is performing - which would have a lot to do with who is in the audience. What kind of a crown do you anticipate? How would they handle a situation if someone tried to take advantage of them for their money, their cell phones, etc.? Do you think the two of them can navigate the facility on their own? Do you think they can handle a situation where they get separated or one gets sick? Are they both the same gender so they can acompany each other to the rest room?

I trust my children but not so much the people around them. I've taken my 14 yr old into the city (NYC) and asked her to figure out which subway or bus to take to penn station, or who is a good person to ask for help (a lady who looks like a mom because women are far less likely to be predators, and police officers can not be expected to be nearby all the time). So while I think she could handle a tough situation if she needed to I wouldn't put her into it at this point voluntarily.

Sometimes I think we're in a rush for our kids to be little adults, or to have older teen experiences before they're ready for them. I usually tend to err on the side of caution and allow my children to be children until they're ready to be young adults. Usually the kids are relieved when they're told no. They may not express it to you, and will act like they're mad, but deep down inside they are looking for mom and day to control stuff.

Good luck mama - this is a tough decision. Ultimately, you know your kid, hopefullly you know this other kid, and the dad. Taking all that into account the the type of crowd that is anticipated you need to go with your gut. Soemtimes the decision is easy, sometimes it's not. This parenting stuff is not easy!

Need to know who is in concert then can give an opinion. Justin Beiber, no prob, Lil Wayne BIG PROB....

Our daughter went to a concert with a friend when they were 12 or 13.. .. her parents were in there, but not sitting close.. They did fine.

I had actually taken our daughter and a friend to a big Backstreet Boys concert when they were about 8 and we talked about behaviors etc.. at that time.. My daughters biggest complaint was all of the screaming.. she said she just wanted to see and hear the show.. hee, hee.. yes, we still call her grandma..

If you trust your son, I am sure he will be fine..I doubt they will have any problems..

My husband and I went to a HUGE out door rock concert when we were 14.. No parents, they dropped us off, of course no cell phones and it was out in a big field so no pay phones either.. Funny we were offered "pot" but we just said "no thank you".. then I realized it was my cousin! that had offered it to me.. We laughed and laughed.. But we stayed "straight"..
Just teach him to say "no thanks"..

I think for me it would depend a little on who was performing, because that kind of dictates what the crowd would be like. I allowed my son (age 15) to go a Paramore concert with 2 friends this past summer, but the 2 previous ones he attended (when he was 14) were both supervised by a parent. I was in touch with him via text during the Paramore concert several times, and we had a pre-arranged meeting spot for pick-up, and everything worked out fine. I admit I'm a little paranoid about letting him do this kind of stuff - I do trust him and understand that the path to independence involves me letting go a little, but it's hard not to worry when they're in a big crowd like that. I think you should let your son go, especially since the other dad will be nearby. Your son will probably appreciate the vote of confidence on your part, and will have a great time.

Nope. Mine is 14 and I would never let him go to a concert without an adult. Not because I don't trust him, but with that many people in a venue, people of all ages, two young boys alone - it is just not safe. No matter what the venue's rules are people get high, get drunk, and engage in inappropriate behavior. At 13 years old I don't think children are mature enough to handle that on their own. Plus - what better place for a child predator to be than at a concert geared for teens.

Buy a ticket and go with them.

What concert is it? THAT makes or breaks my answer. IF it's a GA show NO WAY!

My little sister and I went to see Duran Duran back in the 80s and she was almost crushed and I had to make the decision to move from the John Taylor (sigh) side of the stage to actual seats. We still talk about that concert and how I was the BIG SISTER and saved my sister's life. That was a general admission show.