I can't believe the amount of respect you are giving to the decisions of a 17/18 year old. AND the lack of respect you are giving to moms and dads of these kids.
There is a reason that insurance rates go down around 25/26.
There is a reason that science is saying that the brain is not fully developed until the mid twenties.
As a parent, who once was an 18 yr old. I know for a fact ... my folks WERE smarter! I did some REALLY dumb stuff between 18-27, so let's put it out there.
Many of you on here, talk about the stupid decisions you made when you were in college. (Did you hang out with any less than stellar folks?)
What I am lobbying for is us to recognize that we as parents, do make mistakes in judgment. But good parents are trying to protect our children and help them make the "right" decisions.
We want them safe. We want them where they can develop. We want them in the presence of good mentors. We want them surrounded by people with good ethics. (Michigan anyone?)
I bleed orange! But my daughter, who is a talented vocalist ... wanted to go to Belmont or Shenandoah Conservatory. We talked about it as a family ... and we told her ETSU was the better place for her at the age of 18.
Her dancing was not good enough to get into Belmont (FACT) and vocals were not yet at a level to get into SC (FACT).
She listened and agreed to ONE YEAR at ETSU, then she was going to reapply. To which we agreed was an excellent plan (work on dance and work on vocals during freshman year). We also required her to live on campus.
My point is ... as parents ... shouldn't we do what we KNOW is in our child's best interest. ESPECIALLY, when they cannot see it.
End of our story ... our daughter is performing at Sight and Sound in Branson. She is the principle (means she always performs the role unless she is incapable) in the role of David's wife, Michel.
Please let's give the parents and the kid a break. They both need some grace and breathing space. Frankly, I have no idea where the best place for Legend Bey is. Also, I am not sure that Legend Bey is wise enough at 17 to know that either. Hopefully, we can let those who are circumspect and want the best for the kid to figure it out. Even when less than stellar choices are made ... there is the portal.