Many high school students go on out-of-state with friends for spring break. It has become a big part of the high school experience, but it is not without controversy.
Spring break trips are often known as wild, week-long parties with no supervision or rules. Spring break doesn’t have to be that way though, if you put a little bit of creativity into it. Here are some things to think about if you let your child attend out-of-state spring break activities, and some options if you choose not to.
Ask Yourself Some Questions
If your high school student has asked to go on an out-of-state spring break trip, you will immediately have questions going through your mind. How mature is your child? What kind of decisions do they have a track record of making? Who is going on the spring break activity? What will they be doing? All these questions will help you decide whether the activity is something you even wish to take into consideration.
Set Rules
If your child has a track record of making good decisions, and has a group of responsible, close friends who are going along, you might decide to allow him (or her) to go. If you do, you will want to be sure to set some firm ground rules in place. Perhaps you will require him to pay for part of his trip in order to give him a feeling of responsibility, which will be a great learning experience along with the fun.
Require a Chaperone
It is a wise move to have a respectable chaperone going along as well. Although your child may have a good head on his or her shoulders, peer pressure can cause even the most responsible young person to make bad decisions. And even if they stand up for what they believe in, they may end up isolated or in a situation you would never want your child to end up in… especially being so far away from home. A chaperone will minimize this risk.
Suggest a Volunteer Trip
If your child and their friends are responsible enough to travel, there are plenty of things they can do without heading to areas where partying is the main objective. Suggest that they consider a volunteer trip, whether international or something closer. There are many great opportunities for young people who want to serve others, where your child can make life better for individuals who live in difficult circumstances. This type of a trip will leave your child feeling motivated and useful.
Make Other Plans
If for any reason, you have decided not to allow your child to go along on a typical spring break trip, there are plenty of other things they can do. Why not help your high schooler organize a “staycation” with their closest friends? Help them plan a fun week filled with local attractions to keep them busy and entertained.
Maybe now is a good time for you to plan for a family vacation. Sure, it may cost more than sending just your high school student away, but it will certainly help him feel like he is not missing out on the beaches and sun. And it is a great time to bond as a family before he graduates and heads out into the world.
There are many things to consider when your high schooler wants to go on a spring break trip. Take your time and think it over. There are many options to make this the best spring break ever, whatever you decide.
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