I do not like the idea of allowing teens to travel alone without a parent to another state or country on a vacation. With the way things are today I am just to afraid to let my child go without being with another adult I trust to keep an eye on here while she is gone. I know I probably sound over protective but you just can not be to careful these days. I was wondering how others felt on this subject. I welcome everyones input. I also realize that at some point in time you have to let your children grow up and do somethings on thier own. I just think that maybe when they are in college that may be a better time. I know when I was growing up I was able to take a cruise for my senior trip with my school and my parents were not overly concerned. We did have chapperones that came along but when it came to going to the ports of call we were able to go on our own. Times have changed and I know I could never let any of my children do that. Its not the issue of trusting my children it is the issue of other people. I know if something happend to any of my children I could never forgive myself. I'm sure there are people out there that have an opinion and I would like the oppertunity to discuss this further with people. I also want to hear the other side of this debate. Please feel free to express your opinion.
Thank you.
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I back your feelings on this 100%. As a teenager I went on spring break. I had friends that didn't go to drink or party, as well as friends that were there to do only that. But ultimately the possibilities are endless about what can happen when your child is a world away. I also believe that at seventeen they don't have the life experience to deal with some of the situations that a trip away from home can make them susceptible to.
ReplyDeleteI had fun on my trip, I came back in one piece, and by today's standards I would consider myself lucky. The "it can't happen to me" attitude is the one that blindsides you. Even if it wasn't your child, even if you were one of the lucky ones...what if it happens to your friend's child, your neice, your nephew, or your child's friend? The risks outweigh the benefits by mountains.
Personally, I would rather have my child angry with me. I can cope with a sulking teenager, but I cannot imagine having to bury them.
In another 4 years my oldest son will be asking to go on a trip with his friends. Instead I will offer him a trip with his family.
People may say that we're wrong to not give our children their independence. Our children may feel that we don't trust them. My answer to that is they will have the rest of their lives to be independent and it's not only them that I don't trust to be miles away from me...its the rest of this crazy world.
Thanks for your post and its refreshing to see someone else with the same thoughts on this issue =)
~Angie
I am glad to have someone else read my blog I think if more people looked at it there would be alot of the same response. Im not saying my position is the only position. Its just how I feel.From the time your children are born you worry about them. I know whan my daughter is just walking home with friends sometimes I find myself getting anctious about where she is or how much longer it will take her to get back. I could never imagine letting her to far away without adult supervision.
ReplyDeletei agree! My parent's were going to let me know on spring break with a bunch of friends but one of the friends that was coming with us parents wouldnt let her go without a parents. So her mom came with us. I dont think it made a difference with her mom there or not. We still got to do what we wanted and could stay out late. She just wanted us to check in to make sure we were all okay! So it all worked out. but i do know about other teens who have gone regret alot of the things they did there. When i went to Floirda we stayed at a hotel that only allowed 18 and over to get a room, so it wasnt a party hotel but there was some of those hotel you walked in with beer in the hallways and really trashy and nasty! also, im pretty sure that movie "taken" is based off a true story! If your havent seen it! you SHOULD!
ReplyDeleteKim, while I completely understand your feelings and would agree with them to a certain extent, I feel there is usually comprise when it comes to these types of things. I do need to say that I am not a parent BUT that does not discount my concern for my little sister who will be starting her final year in high school this fall and is already talking about taking a road trip with her friends. I do agree that parents must SLOWLY release their children in allowing them to doing things that the parents aren't exactly happy about, but choosing what, where, how and when are the biggest ways to compromise. During high school I took a couple of trips without any family by my side BUT I did have a group of people (friends and chaperones) surrounding me that my parents knew and trusted fully. So, knowing/befriending the individuals your children encircle themselves with (and their parents) is huge. I don't know if I would be exactly convinced that taking a family vacation would be more exciting over a school trip (with friends) but what if you and the parents of your child's friends got together and planned a trip. That way, you, as the parent, would have more control and you would be on the same page and be able to participate in the planning. As a huge advocate of chaperones, this may be another part the "deal" with your child. There are other ways to allowing your child to participate either in the school planned trips or parent planned trip that would allow less worry for you but also granting the child their desire.
ReplyDeleteGood topic, Rach
Thanks Stacy I know this issue is a tough one and it is great that you and your friend were able to go and have an adult come along. I could compromise with that
ReplyDeletekim
Rachel, I see your point about letting the kids grow up but I am relctant to let my dauaghter travel without some type of adult supervision. I trust her its the other people out there that I dont trust. And for senior year I agree it would be a great idea to plan a trip with her friends parents that way they all could hang out together. The lady that cuts my hair did that with her daughters friends from school. They went to an all inclusive resort the kids were not allowed to leave the resort unless paents went too. It turened out well for everyone. I do let my daughter go up north with friends families but once again there are adults accompaning them. Thanks for your thoughts I know at some point I have to give her more latitude but i just think in high school parents still need to be a part. Maybe when he is in college I may feel a little better we will see.
ReplyDeleteKim