winking eye alcohol suggestion

to parents who need reassurance that it’s okay to send your kid to vidcon

hi, my name’s adam. i’m 19 years old and have been going to vidcon without parental supervision since i was 17. i completely understand that sending your kid to los angeles without you is a nerve-wracking concept. here are some things that should help calm your nerves:

vidcon is very safe. the conference is filled with kids in the 13 - 17 year old age range (and their parents). there won’t be any opportunity for something nasty to befall your kid simply because there are so many people. if i can use terms to appeal to criminals, there are witnesses EVERYWHERE. and this is an online video convention. all those witnesses have cameras. plus, the venue is right next to disneyland this year. how much better could it get?
vidcon is a great learning experience. before vidcon, i didn’t know how to navigate an airport on my own, use public transit, or pump my own gas (sorry, i’m from oregon). in addition to practical travel experience, i also grew as a person. it was my first time away from my parents without supervision and i felt free to really explore who i was. that sounds cheesy, but it’s true. vidcon really cemented my identity. i also gained an appreciation for everything my parents did for me that i took for granted.
vidcon results in long-lasting friendships and incredible memories. i met people in 2010 during the first vidcon that i still talk to on a regular basis. in addition, i met some friends that i had known for years for the first time in person, which is one of the happiest feelings i’ve ever experienced. if you’re nervous about who your kids might be talking to online, just ask to be introduced! your kid’s friends will talk to you and you can get to know them and love them (my dad wasn’t too into the idea of internet friends, but after meeting some of mine, he always asks when they’re gonna come over).

the main message is that if you trust your kid, don’t feel apprehensive about sending them to vidcon. it’s a great conference filled with great people. your kids are more mature than you think and can handle most situations, but if they need help, vidcon is full of a caring community eager to lend a helping hand. if you have any specific questions, feel free to ask me!