Not your little guy’s break from school, your older one.
You know, the one who begged you to let him head down to Cabo with a bunch of friends for spring break, and now you are sitting at home praying that the next call you get isn’t from a Mexican prison.
Keeping children safe is the utmost priority for most parents, but you can’t expect your college-age kid to want to spend every school break at home so you can monitor his every move.
Sure, viewing Facebook photos of your son at the bottom of a beer bong and your daughter competing in a Florida bar’s wet T-shirt contest is no picnic, but it’s the risk you take by allowing your kids to spread their proverbial wings.
Worrying about your college coed on spring break is a rite of passage for many parents.
In fact, for most, it’s their prerogative.
Parents have every right to be concerned about what might happen to their children during spring break, but rather than tear your hair out while your kid hits the beaches of South Padre, Sarasota or St. Lucia, consider arming them with the following advice:
Theft: Warn your kids that spring breakers are prime targets for thieves. In fact, crooks that prey on teenage students can be found on every corner, from airports and bars to boardwalks and hotels. They are looking to snatch your kid’s iPhone, wallet, hotel room key, and anything else of value. Before they head off on spring break, advise your child to hide their expensive electronics. A safety deposit box or a hotel’s safe is the best place to keep pricey items.
Insurance: The thought of your child getting sick or injured while on spring break is enough to make any parent’s blood pressure rise, but you need to realistic. If your teen is heading out of the country on break you should consider getting them travelers insurance. Doing so will help your child get medical aid in case of an emergency. The U.S. Department of State lists reputable companies offering travelers insurance on its website.
Transportation: Be sure to get all of your child’s transportation information prior to his departure, including flight numbers, times, and hotel address. In addition, if your child is planning to drive with his buddies to a spring break destination make sure they familiarize themselves with the public transportation options in the city they are staying in. Many popular spring break destinations have shuttles, cabs, or other kinds of buses available, so that college kids aren’t tempted to drink and drive.