Spring break is coming what should I do?

[jolee65]

I would definately say no.

That doesn't mean she wouldn't go anyway, but saying no is the parent thing to do.

Generally, I don't believe parents get concerned about things without just cause.

I put my foot down on something with my oldest son when he 18 (just 2 years ago). It caused him to move out of the house. I wasn't my wife's or other kid's favorite person for a few weeks after that. But, I took solace in the fact that it was the right decision.

Here was my thinking:

1) He will go, nothing will happen. This will help him think he can be close to sin and it be okay, possibly making him want to go to more places like it in the furture.

2) He will go, end up doing something for which he will only regret later, or lead to more of the same behavior.

In both cases it seemed to lead to more of the same behavior. I explained this to him and, at the time, I REALLY think he understood, he just didn't like it because the answer was no.

Well, he was home with us from college for a month this past Christmas. During a family meeting, he asked if he could say something. He told his younger brothers and sisters to listen to dad when he tells them something isn't good. He said he knows how hard it is to see at the time, but parents really do care and will tell you if there is danger. He explained how he moved out, went anyway, and had a very bad experience.

So, teens and youngsters are all about "here and now," and often can't see past the next activity. Parents are supposed to see ahead past the next activity and weigh all possible scenarios. This allows parents to see consequences, not readily available to youngsters, who thoughts are in the heat of the moment.

I say, definately no.

I totally agree , it takes a real life experience for them to see its not about being a dream squasher but to think about the situation they might find themselves in.

Shes a good kid and doing very well , she had her interviews with the Branch President and Stake President for college it was signed and sent out by the Stake President Tuesday.

She will be moving 1500 miles away from home and is kind of scared but excited of the unknown, this is a thrilling time for her and that trip could change everything.

[hordak]

A different point of view.

As our children grow up our job as a parent changes. First we protect, then we teach them how to protect themselves. During the last phase of teaching them to protect themselves we must test them or allow them to go out and be tested.( This last part comes the plan of salvation and God himself) Now whether or not a trip to Florida for spring break is too much of a test isn't for me to decide. Legally speaking it isn't even for you to decide. unless your paying.

The dangers your daughter will encounter there she will encounter everywhere and not letting her go is just prolonging the inevitable. Most people have seemed to focus on the negative of the things that can happen but have seemed to forget that the road goes both ways. Jesus himself hung out with the "least" of society and through his good example was able to change their (and millions since) lives for the better.

We spend so much time worrying about the bad influences and how they might effect us or our children while forgetting that we can be positive example as well.

As for the idea that since she is pretty the guys will be after her i say this. Florida is full of pretty girls all year long and when us men act like a pack of animal we really act like a pack of animals. When you watch the nature channel you will see that the pack doesn't go after the most desirable meat but for the weakest one. The one that makes the most mistakes, the sure thing. "We" are like that as well so just being "desirable meat" doesn't put your daughter in anymore danger. And if she is smarter then the rest of the "herd" her chances are even better. For every girl that has something horrible happen to her there are thousands that do not.

Disclaimer: No offense intended by using the words herd, or desirable meat.The analogy was all ready out on the forum.

[jolee65]

Loving that disclaimer, and thats very true about the weakest in the herd. she is very smart but I can say its always cute when something seems to go over her head....giggling

[pam]

My daughter who is 19 still lives at home. While I've allowed a little more freedom with her..she still comes to me and asks, "Mom would it be appropriate?" I usually tell her..if you have to question if something is appropriate..it probably isn't.

[jolee65]

I agree, she had a half day today and I read the whole thread too her , while just sitting around the livingroom together, she really didnt question it after telling her she should pray about it yesterday.

But I thought i should nip it in the bud, she did ask me what she could do for spring break, I told her I need to think about it and she needed to think about what she can do that has less risk and more exceptable to our teachings.

[Hemidakota]

So, what is your decision for spring break? :)

[jolee65]

I dont know she wants to go somewhere and Im going to make sure she has something planned .

but its not florida, thats just bad news.

[jolee65]

Maybe New York for a 4day wk end

[BenRaines]

Kids are spoiled today. Spring Break meant that I got to work the whole week instead of go to school. Was at work at 7:30 am and worked until 4 pm with a half hour lunch. That was my spring break.

My senior year, I had enough credits to graduate, I worked half day every day after school. School until 11:30 am and then to work until 4. Then went home and milked cows and fed all the animals.

Spring Break. Said with a little disgust in my voice.

Ben Raines

[jolee65]

Thats the samething we discussed yesterday, we didnt go to Spring Break when we were kids either, why the need to think that means tropical vacations. I dont know I think kids today are spoiled too , cell phones, IPODS, computers, cars when they get there licenses, and no work ethic. I would love to go somewhere we never took vacations to often when they were little , didnt have the extra money now that things are less tight, I dont mind doing something on the weekends, as parents we kinda earned it, shes just lucky shes still home to enjoy before going off to school , I warned her about the poor student and the saving and second hand stores and dont throw that shirt away your going to wish you had that,.........lol shes going to feel it, she said am I going to eat everyday? lol had her really worried , yes but only twice a day lol.

Am I going to have a car? No, you ride the train or walk.

Kids today , dont have a clue, not even close.