Kirstie Allsopp under fire for allowing 15-year-old son to go interrailing across Europe

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Of course I missed spending the summer with our son, but I’m so proud of him and my loss is nothing compared to his gain and the encyclopaedic knowledge he now has of the differences between one McDonalds and another.” The Location, Location, Location presenter added: “If we’re afraid our children will also be afraid, if we let go, they will fly.” However, the story provoked backlash on social media as users branded the act “crazy”. The human brain has not altered so much since then, why have we stopped respecting young people’s abilities?” Others called the criticism “bonkers” as they recalled their own stories of travelling, with Allsopp adding that “so many people have been in touch saying that independent travel at a young age gave them enormous confidence, and they feel it played a part in who/where they are today”. open image in gallery Allsopp’s son, Oscar Hercules, turned 16 on Wednesday “Sage advice Kirstie,” wrote one supporter. Your son is thus a tribute to you!” Allsopp confirmed that Oscar Hercules had “returned safe and sound and having had a great time, different kids mature at different speeds”.