I Am Afraid For My Daughter...

**Ocean_Beach_Dweller** · 05-22-2010, 01:56 AM

I went to Greece by myself when I was 22 (obviously there wasnt rioting or anything like there is now) I'd never gone anywhere by myself before, and especially not so far and it was a great experience, I think your daughter will get a lot out of it. My mom worried too though, so I understand where you're coming from

**Thevail** · 05-22-2010, 02:04 AM

You're being silly and worrying too much!

Think of all the things you did, some of which turned out to be the best adventures you ever had, when you were her age or even younger!

Calm down mama! If it makes you feel better secretly figure out exactly what you will do when/if she calls in despair. But for goodness sakes don't tell her! She needs to grow her own adult wings now.

**mek42** · 05-22-2010, 09:02 AM

Regarding the foreign country bit, I'm much more nervous driving through sovereign Native American lands while the latest tax issues are going on than I ever have been in our most friendly northern neighbor. The biggest concerns I've ever had in Canada has been that a traveling companion would be a twit at customs (I always told people that if they were stupid I was just going to leave them there) and that I definitely did not want to get a traffic ticket.

The vast majority of US cities are far more of a safety concern than Toronto. If she was going to NYC, LA, Chicago, Detroit or DC, yes, be a little concerned. Toronto, though, not so much.

**melodys** · 05-25-2010, 09:29 AM

It's all part of the adventure of being a young adult. My daughter seriously spreads her wings and I let her go with a smile and well wishes and hidden worry.

She is 19 now and off on her next adventure - volunteering for the summer in Costa Rica. Last summer she went on a three week roadtrip with her best friend through 5 states. The summer before that she went on a tour of the U.S. with a large music group.

Yes I worry, but these are the adventures of a lifetime. I want my children to live joyful, adventurous, productive lives. Learning to travel, seeing new places and having new experiences is all part of that.

This is the time that your daughter can put the lessons that you carefully taught her into action. It's a challenging and wonderful time for both of you.

**lparker** · 05-25-2010, 12:18 PM

Shoot, I'm more worried about my wife being down in your neck of the woods for a week than I would of my daughter being in Canada. (I just dropped the little lady off at the airport...she'll be across the bay in Portland tonight)

**Liane** · 05-25-2010, 01:01 PM

I went to Toronto when I was 22. A girlfriend and I drove there from NJ. We had a great time. Very clean and the people were friendly. Young street was very fun and the CN tower was a must. Have you talked to her friends online or on the phone? That might ease your mind. I agree as a parent, you trust your child and it is difficult to trust other people. It is a great adventure for your daughter and a learning experience for you too. Once she is gone you will worry but it is good for both of you. She will gain confidence and independence and you will too. You did a great job with your daughter and I know that she will do the right thing. It is difficult to let your baby fly but if you don't she will live in your nest for the rest of your life-lol. Ask if she can give you a daily short call to ease your mind and find out what she is doing. When she comes home give her a great big hug and know that you both have crossed a major life hurdle. She will be fine and so will you.

**MomToTwoBoys** · 05-25-2010, 06:44 PM

You can't keep your kids in a bubble forever.

Regardless of what others may think, not everyone on the internet is the boogeyman. I met my DH on the internet and I have lots of friends that I met this way.

Although Toronto isn't the nicest part of Canada, it's also not the scariest. It's not like she's going to Kingston, Jamaica.