A parenting question here. I welcome feedback from parents and nonparents
alike....please.

My ds18 is away at college...about two hours away. He called yesterday
and asked if his db16 could come pick him up so he could come home
for the weekend.

Now my ds16 just got his license last week. He has very little highway
experience and this trip requires you to go thru Providence RI and some
other roadwork. He has only made this trip once when he and i drove
his brother to school and I did the driving.

I am unable to go get him myself at this late time. I said no. I dont
think he has enough experience. Well, Im getting it from both ds's.
"I dont trust him." "I think hes a bad driver" and on and on.

Am I being overprotective???? Id love to see my son but Im not letting
ds16 drive. Ive already made my decision but....be honest...was it a
bad one????

I agree with your decision. Brothers can easily get distracted when together and young drivers are already at risk. No matter how much grumbling they do, you're still the mom. They'll get over it!

I agree with AMN, he is so new and will be easily distracted. Don't worry, they will get over it. I know it is hard to stand your ground, but you are looking out for both of them. I don't even want to imagine "what if" and you probably don't want to either. You made the right decision.

thanks girls. you're the best. I didnt even ask my husband, I just made an executive
decision.

I know the road through Providence and I don't even like to drive it. I love driving but I try to stay away from there!!!! Scary stuff.

I agree with you 100%.

It is not a matter of your trust in DS16 at all. It is a matter of inexperience as well as lack of trust in other drivers on the road. Maybe you can suggest that next weekend, if it can be arranged, you will go with DS16 to pick up DS18. Let DS16 drive the whole time. This way DS16 can get the experience as well as confidence while you are with him to help guide him. Also, let DS18 know that yes, you really want to see him and would love to have him home for the weekend but this weekend it just won't work out.

Of course, DS18 can take the bus. lol Kids hate to hear that.

You are a good mom Sox! Let them have their tantrums. They will get over it.

I totally agree, this isnt something you can say oh ok maybe you will do better next time, vehicles are deadly weapons and so are highways, at least around chicago they are. And Cindy made a very good point, brothers can become very distracted, and as others mentioned, there does seem to be too many OTHER drivers out there

I always err on the side of caution. I agree you did the right thing.

You have to go with your gut.

I did not let my kids drive as soon as the law allowed.

My son did driver's ed twice and had his permit 2 times, did probably 3 times the driving hours needed to get his license.

Dd had her permit 3 times, did not get her license until more than a year after she would have been allowed by law.

They were not ready enough to suit me.

Dd is almost 19 and I still tell her where/when she's allowed to drive.