I don't think people are suggesting she goes to parties or out drinking or anything - just that she should be able to do normal teenage things, like go to the cinema or bowling or something with her friends. She never seems to be able to hang out with friends outside of school, especially during summer and so I imagine she must feel a bit left out if they've all been hanging out during holidays and have got closer when the new school year comes around.I suppose every child is different. Personally I wouldn’t want my 13 year old daughter disappearing off for hours on end to parties etc. One thing going to town or to the cinema but I was allowed freedom like that and I used to get into all sorts of trouble because it gave me time to meet the wrong people.
I think a lot of parents are naive but I’ve done youth work up and down the country with kids from all backgrounds and the ones who usually fair better are the ones who still have structure and who go out for planned activities rather then just to hang around allowed to go where they want and see who they want.
I think it’s nice that issy is getting to enjoy her childhood for an extended amount of time and I’m sure that over the next couples of years she’ll get to have more freedom.
I do think its nice that she still gets to enjoy being a child too, but I also think that there can be a balance - like allowing her to wear her own things or own stuff she's into (i.e she doesn't seem at all into LOL dolls anymore yet they still seem to buy them). I think most almost-14 year olds would probably prefer stuff like music-related merch/gig tickets, make up, clothes vouchers etc...not the same kinds of things as their 7 year old sister.