DEAR ABBY: I need help with a family problem. My 14-year-old son and his friends enjoy sleeping over at one another's homes. Recently he spent the night at a new friend's apartment. I just discovered that the other boy's mother works all night. She left about 10 p.m., and the two boys were left on their own.
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I was horrified when I found out and informed my son that he may have his friend over at our home, or he can sleep at his friend's home on the condition that I speak first to a parent to be certain that an adult will be present.
My son says I'm being unreasonable, and my husband sees nothing wrong with two 14-year-old boys being left alone for the night. I seem to be alone in my opinion that this is potentially dangerous. What do you think? Should I back down? -- WORRIED MOM IN MINNEAPOLIS
DEAR WORRIED: Do not back down. It's difficult to be Mom the Enforcer when your husband doesn't support you; however, I agree there should always be an adult on the premises to make responsible decisions should an emergency occur. Dad seems to have forgotten how immature 14-year-old boys can be. Remind him.