Smart idea, nukesafe. It would give the girls 'buy into' the decision.

I'm feeling guilty about the punishment handed out here. To even things up I will stay in my room tonight.

Remember to get a pizza first, coldie.

Except for the fact that so many posts have been deleted (none of mine!), I would feel like being playful and asking why a 20th anniversary dinner would exclude the children. Are they not the best thing that ever happened to you? Shouldn't they be a part of such a celebration? If not, there should be two different celebrations, including the possibility for the girls to have their own night out.

Deleted; oh well, I've been kicked out of worse places.

I've been kicked out of better places!

If you want to break kids out of their mold, I think it's best to start in a place a little closer to home, and where they speak the language.

tabernash -- apparently you didn't see any of the deleted posts. We've tried - we really did. No walking around, no wandering around, no anything alone - except staying in the room . . . and only then if it is 'safe'.

Bruce, if YOU are still reading here, it looks like the majority opinion is that your daughters will be just fine in the hotel while you and their mother go out for an anniversary dinner. They will probably enjoy an evening with social media and/or the tv remote. They might also enjoy shopping for a picnic meal for their room dinner. If you feel comfortable with the neighborhood, perhaps you might let them have a meal alone in a cafe close to the hotel. Entirely your call. Enjoy Paris with your family.

Thanks, janisj.

These posts are giving me food for thought, not intended to start arguments, though. We're going over Christmastime. The trip is also a celebration of my older daughter's h.s. graduation.

Bruce, you will know more when you get to your Paris hotel and get a feel for it. If you were renting an apartment with no front desk, it would be different.

Sounds like a great trip. Anniversary and HS grad. Congrats to your family. I hope you love Paris. I do.

Your comment " she has a very innocent view on life. The younger one will be the protector." sounds like me and sister. We also are 4 years apart in age. For the heck of it, I asked my mom this question. I posed the same question but instead used me and my sister at that age. My mom who has been to Paris shocked me. She said no she would not allow us to be alone out on the streets of Paris but would let us stay in the hotel alone. When I asked if it were me at age 18 and my brother at age 14 she said that would be ok or even me at age 14 by myself. The issue wouldn't be me but my sister (to this day she still goes the wrong way). So only you know your daughters.

I'm going to cold's room. Anybody wanna come?

I shudder at the thought. . ..
Beware of cold. He's a tease.
Haha.

Cold is probably close to impossible now, what with a double win by Canadian hockey over both U.S. Men AND Women. Maple Leaf triumphs over Stars and Stripes! We've stepped into one big Sochi pot-hole!

Modestobruce,
You know your kids. There are no rights and wrongs.

I have two girls four years apart, and they were often on their own in Paris at your kids' ages.

They were not "party hearty" types ever. In fact, I'm pretty sure the oldest never had a beer at a party in high school. She was not a nerd (although she longed for that designation--she worshiped the super smart kids in the high school), but she was the type who was, for some reason, always worried about her "permanent record."

The youngest worried far less about that, but she was the type who watched EVERYONE no matter where we went.

The important point is that they worked very well together as a team. One was always on alert, and the oldest wasn't looking for trouble. If the oldest had some sort of lapse in judgment, the youngest was on her in two secs and vice verse. So their teamwork was what allowed us to give the two of them their freedom in Paris.

Enjoy your anniversary.
AZ

Happy Anniversary! There were too many posts to read what everyone had to say but I will add my opinion to the list. Parents DESERVE alone time and by gosh your anniversary should be ROMANTIC in Paris for just the two of you!!! How divine! You are showing your daughters that love lasts and should be celebrated. That is a terrific parenting lesson. They will benefit from that in the future. THEY ARE ALREADY IN PARIS - they don't need to be at dinner. As for the hotel - I have two girls and I get nervous so I super understand your concern. Only YOU KNOW if you will be comfortable on site. Do you all have phones with Viber or Whatsapp or some international text plan for easy communication? That will really help allay your fears. Ignore the haters on this site. Hook everyone up with multiple ways to stay in touch and go out and have fun IF YOU CAN. If you can't, then maybe bring them and have them sit far away at another table where they can't see you kissing in public and toasting to 20 years. Cheers!!

You know what has happend in the movie "96 Hours - Taken"? All kidding aside: I don't see any problem with that, your children can call you at specific time intervals, so you don't have to worry.

Just tell them not to post on facebook that they are alone, and where, and for how long, and how much cash they have on them.