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spiritwoman45
22314 posts
5/9/2016 10:34 am
How Bad Is It Really?



We all acknowledge that the world has become a dangerous place but how far is too far when it comes to being preoccupied with potential dangers?

The other day my 15 year old granddaughter asked me if I were going to be going to the east coast this summer. I told her yes, although I do not have definite dates etc and asked if she wanted to go with me. She said she would.

Then we discussed things we might do while there. She told me that she has an internet friend of 3 years in New Jersey and maybe we could drive down and meet up with her. I told her we could look into it and that it would depend on time frames and where in New Jersey. I will be primarily in western MA. Some areas of NJ are fairly close while others would be too far for a day trip. That seemed reasonable to her. She had no hesitation about me being there with her which did not surprise because she is a very mature and communicates well with adults.

When she discussed it with my and SIL they came unglued and let loose with a tirade about it not being safe to meet these people, that you never know who they might be etc. This left me feeling sorry for my granddaughter since she did not do anything to earn their wrath and also a bit confused. I asked to clarify how she thought this meeting between 2 age girls would be an issue when I would be there too. I never got a satisfactory answer but granddaughter got more lectures on the “weird people” out there and how you never meet up with people you meet on line etc.

I realize that my parenting style was / is far more permissive than my daughters but this left me genuinely confused. Does anyone else thing that a meeting between 15 year old long time internet friends with a grandmother included is dangerous or inappropriate?


Spiritwoman ^i^


MrsJoe 76F
17384 posts
5/9/2016 12:29 pm

Oh good grief.... of course I don't think it would be a problem, ESPECIALLY since you will be along. Now, if this were a boy, and she was going to fly out there alone, I would see red flags..... but the situation you described sounds like it would be a great experience for all of you.
Just look at all the folks I have met from "online", including YOU.... and only a few weirdos in the bunch..... but I won't name names. lol


Be a prism, spreading God's light and love, not a mirror reflecting the world's hatred.


GLUMO 89F
9730 posts
5/9/2016 4:51 pm

If they have talked and viewed each other on Skype, I don't see any reason to be afraid. You say she's quite mature and you'll be there.



Trust in dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.(Khalil Gibran)


MrsJoe 76F
17384 posts
5/9/2016 6:55 pm

    Quoting  :

Why, you and Rus sure wouldn't be in that list. LOL. In fact, you are some of our favorite folks to have met. You know he was in the chat room when Joe and I met and he always "encouraged" Joe to meet folks. LOL. I bet he remembers that.

Be a prism, spreading God's light and love, not a mirror reflecting the world's hatred.


Nileyears 71F
4208 posts
5/9/2016 7:24 pm

I don't see a problem with it, I think it would be fun for her!


shuel2002 65F
5537 posts
5/9/2016 9:40 pm

I assume your daughter's concern is that her daughter's online friend, isn't what she represents herself to be. As long as they meet in a public place, especially with you there, there shouldn't be an issue.

Elaine Shuel


spiritwoman45

5/10/2016 9:20 am

    Quoting  :

I definitely defer to my daughter's wishes. My granddaughter will understand, even if she doesn't like it. When she was little and would come to me I would offer sympathy and support but remind her that "Mom is the boss, even if she id not perfect."

Spiritwoman ^i^


spiritwoman45

5/10/2016 9:22 am

    Quoting  :

We will have to see what actually comes to pass by summer. My granddaughter will no doubt make and remake plans a few times by then.

Spiritwoman ^i^


spiritwoman45

5/10/2016 9:23 am

    Quoting  :

I have to admit your proposed solution was the first one that came to my mind. After all that is what I did with my mother once I was old enough to pull it off.

Spiritwoman ^i^


spiritwoman45

5/10/2016 9:24 am

    Quoting MrsJoe:
    Oh good grief.... of course I don't think it would be a problem, ESPECIALLY since you will be along. Now, if this were a boy, and she was going to fly out there alone, I would see red flags..... but the situation you described sounds like it would be a great experience for all of you.
    Just look at all the folks I have met from "online", including YOU.... and only a few weirdos in the bunch..... but I won't name names. lol
My experiences are much the same as yours - but maybe we are those "wierdos" my daughter is concerned about.

Spiritwoman ^i^


spiritwoman45

5/10/2016 9:26 am

    Quoting  :

My thoughts too. How much of a threat could someone be if they are willing to have granny take part in the meeting.

Spiritwoman ^i^


spiritwoman45

5/10/2016 9:27 am

    Quoting Fossil_Fetcher:
    So, is she going to meet me in Jersey or not?

    Fossil


After the picture you posted today neither of us can resist. We'll be there.

Spiritwoman ^i^


spiritwoman45

5/10/2016 9:30 am

    Quoting GLUMO:
    If they have talked and viewed each other on Skype, I don't see any reason to be afraid. You say she's quite mature and you'll be there.

My thoughts too. The world has changed and I think my daughter is a bit behind in accepting that. My son in law's over protectiveness makes me wonder what his own experiences have been. I have to remind myself that he is a veteran suffering from PTSD and spent much of his time in the army away from family.

Spiritwoman ^i^


spiritwoman45

5/10/2016 9:31 am

    Quoting  :

She definitely is mature as well ha an honor student all of the way through school. She and I have always had a close relationship and I am much more "easy going" than my daughter.

Spiritwoman ^i^


spiritwoman45

5/10/2016 9:32 am

    Quoting Nileyears:
    I don't see a problem with it, I think it would be fun for her!
And for grandma. Nothing is as rewarding as seeing the grands enjoying themselves.

Spiritwoman ^i^


spiritwoman45

5/10/2016 9:34 am

    Quoting shuel2002:
    I assume your daughter's concern is that her daughter's online friend, isn't what she represents herself to be. As long as they meet in a public place, especially with you there, there shouldn't be an issue.
I know that is part of her concern but I can't help wondering what else might be troubling her. She was not exposed to any particular difficulties as a child other than having me for a parent but like all of us I know there are things she sees differently than I do.

Spiritwoman ^i^