What is your son or daughter doing for Spring Break?

To be perfectly honest, there are terrific options for Spring Break and there are options that yell out DANGER, BEWARE, and HIGH RISK, and sometimes you will have to be the "bad guy" by asking tough questions in order to ascertain whether the trip your son/daughter wants to take is one that you'll want to support.

Here are a few examples of what I have overheard students saying about their upcoming Spring Break plans:

Student A:  "I'm going to Chicago with two of my best friends.  We've never been to the Windy City, so we are hoping to do some sightseeing, eat some Chicago pizza and maybe do some shopping."

Student B:  "I've got to get some rest so I'm going home, eating some home-cooked food, sleeping in my own bed, seeing old friends and do absolutely nothing for 7 days."

Student C:  "I'm going on one of the Alternative Break trips.  We're going down to Louisiana and helping build some houses in an area destroyed by the hurricanes.  It's going to be lots of work, but it will be a great time."

Student D:  "Finding a summer job or an internship is my first priority.  I'm getting my resume together and I'll be talking to potential employers all week long."

Student E:  "Five of us have rented a place near the beach and all we want to do is catch some rays, relax, play some beach volleyball, swim and have a good time."

Student F:  "I'm going with three other guys down to Florida where we're going to chase babes, drink lots of beer, maybe get a tattoo or two and let it all hang out."

Ensuring a Safe Spring Break for Your Student

The examples above don't represent ALL of our students' plans, but I bet the list covers 75% of them.  So, what is a parent to do when your son/daughter is making Spring Break plans?  Here are a few tips:

1. ASK them what they are doing.  Don't assume that they are coming home.
     
2. Discuss the logistics - travel routes, where they will be staying, who is going, etc.
     
3. Read between the lines to find out WHY they are going - is it to relax and have a safe and enjoyable time (Students A, B & E), is it to be "productive" (Students C & D) or are they really looking for the "going crazy" COLLEGE SPRING BREAK that includes excessive alcohol use, irresponsible sexual behavior, dangerous driving or other things that worry you to death (Student F).
     
4. Don't be afraid to challenge their plans if you believe them to be misguided, dangerous, unrealistic or too expensive.
     
5. Talk about things that will make their trip safer (thus allowing you to sleep better!).  Is their method of transportation safe?  Whose car are they taking?
   For example:

• How often will they be checking in with you?
• Be sure that they take their medical insurance card.
• How will they deal with "drowsy driving"? - a major risk factor in long trips.
• Do they have enough money to cover basic expenses?  Will they contact you immediately if their wallet/purse is stolen or lost?
• Do they have all the phone numbers that they need in case an emergency happens?  Will they leave emergency numbers of their fellow travelers with you?
• Tell them exactly what you are afraid of.  If you want your son/daughter to be honest with you, you must be brutally honest with them.

Spring Break adventures can create life-long memories - one way or the other.  Help your daughter/son understand the risks involved in their plans, share your greatest fears, discuss ways to minimize the risks and then pray that everything goes well.  Letting go is hard! 

Bob Hansen, Director of Counseling and Health Services
bob.hansen@westminster-mo.edu or 573.592.5361