Going away for spring break is a big responsibility. Before you give your teens the green light, consider these 5 things:

1. Ask what the plan is – the whole plan. Beyond the standard “where are you going,” “who are you going with” and “how much will it cost,” there are several details you need to know to determine whether or not your teen is ready for a spring break trip. Will there be an adult present? How long will they be gone? What activities will they be doing? The answers to these questions will make it easier to decide – require clarity before you grant permission.

2. What’s their level of responsibility? During the high school to early college stage, teens can fall just about anywhere on the responsibility spectrum – and it’s important to know where your teen stands. Consider things like their grades, driving records and their attendance record at school. If your teen has consistently shown a high level of responsibility in these areas, it’s reasonable to assume that they’ll uphold that during their spring break trip.

3. What’s their track record? Oftentimes, past behavior is a good indicator of future behavior. Think of times you’ve trusted your teens in the past: have they adhered to your expectations on underage drinking or other situations? Previous actions may determine that your teen isn’t ready for the responsibility that comes with spring break, and it’s ok to say no if this is the case. If you trust their word, you can feel good about your decision; trust yourself as their parent to make an informed decision.

4. Meet with the other parents. Having a get-together with the other parents can serve several purposes – not only will you get to know the parents better, you’ll also get a feel for their thoughts on the idea of a spring break trip. If you decide to allow your kids to go, you can collaborate on a plan of action to keep in contact during the trip and make sure your teens are safe and responsible. A united group of parents will support good decision making for your teens.

5.  Listen to your gut. As parents, sometimes we just have a “feeling” about something, and while you should always weigh the options and make a rational decision, it’s important to not disregard your intuition. If you’ve gone through the logical steps of determining whether or not your teen is ready for spring break and are still on the fence, go with your gut.

Using these tips can help guide you towards making the right decision and give you peace of mind during your teen’s spring break trip. For more tips on parenting teens, visit our website.