Here's a true story: One of my grandsons, age 14 at the time and living in the suburbs, took a summer course in the city which required traveling via the train. In the mornings he rode with his dad to the city; but, had to travel back to the suburbs via the train… alone. Mom insisted he text her each step of the way… and the time:
When he left class
When he arrived at the city train station
When he was train-bound for the suburbs
When he arrived at the suburb station
When he arrived home
Well, that lasted for several days, but soon my grandson got tired of "being treated like a baby". He and his mom had a "discussion" about it. Neither would give in. Mom's position: It's for your safety. Son's position: I'm a big boy now! Dad stayed out of it. The next day when it came time to head back home from the city here are the text messages his anxious Mom received:
TRAIN
HOME
That's all. Just those two one-word messages. My grandson grew a foot taller that summer! Mom found a gray hair she didn't have before. Dad just smiled. So did KidsGranny when she heard about it. Hmm. Does this qualify as Coming of Age through responsibility, loosening the apron strings, or both? ^.^
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I love trains - riding them, the sound of the wheels on the tracks, and the whistles - especially at night in the distance. Even took the Auto-Train to Florida when Tie a Yellow Ribbon 'Round the Old Oak Tree was popular. That was fun - a guitar playing entertainer on the train.
Always had trains under the Christmas tree for the grandchildren. If I could I'd rig up two things in my house: A train with tracks running around from room to room and a cat path near the ceiling running through all the walls with lots of cat condos and fun ramps and platforms for them to play on. But I'd have more than one cat. I could be the proverbial cat lady. Don't mess with my cats. ^.^
Hm, don't know whether to be jealous or not. Jealous, cause I've never been on a train and would love to ride one! Not jealous, cause I think I'd kill my mom if she tried to make me text her that often. ^.~
Good thing cellphones weren't that popular when I was still young enough for Mom to worry. My younger brother always had a much harder time with the battle between mom's worry and being "grown up." lol.
Here's a true story: One of my grandsons, age 14 at the time and living in the suburbs, took a summer course in the city which required traveling via the train. In the mornings he rode with his dad to the city; but, had to travel back to the suburbs via the train… alone. Mom insisted he text her each step of the way… and the time: 
