Beach week -- would you/did you let your HS senior do it?

[Anonymous]

No. Teens in groups make significantly worse choices than teens on their own do. Study after study supports this.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-04/afps-tba041713.php

In a study published in 2009, Steinberg and colleagues found that early adolescents, around 14 years old, took twice as many risks in a driving simulation game when they were tested with peers than when they were tested alone. Older adolescents' driving was about 50% riskier in the company of peers.

In a more recent study, Steinberg and colleagues found that adolescents, but not adults, took more risks when they were observed by their peers. They also showed greater activation of brain structures, such as the ventral striatum and orbitofrontal cortex, that are involved in evaluating rewards.

Taken together, findings from this line of research reveal that being around peers can heighten teens' risky decision making by changing the way their brains process rewards.

To me, the fact of the "tradition" (of some decades now?) is irrelevant. Not compelling at all, not a reason to participate in this. There are other, less risky and better ways for a graduating teen to celebrate.

[Anonymous]

I went as an 18 year old in 1992 to Rehoboth. I arranged the rental for my group of girl friends (amazing that they rented to me without any parental involvement), and I didn't drink or do drugs the entire time. My friends did, but I didn't want to. I played Mother Hen and took care of them and had a fun time. I am kind of shocked looking back that my parents let me go, but they knew I was a good kid. And I also was careful to avoid any risky situations that might go haywire.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He's 18.....he's technically an adult. I'd let him go.

Get back to your homework.

lol I'm 31 but thanks

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If they're adults, then they can pay their own way.

I paid my own way. Arranged the house rental, worried about the deposit we'd lose if anything happened to the property. Had my car break down on the way, called a tow truck and got it repaired, and while I did charge the $300 repair on the emergency credit card my parents gave me, I did pay them back afterward. I think making the kid pay a significant portion (if not all) of the cost is the only way to go here. Nobody in real life gets to go on a totally free solo vacation. Why should they? Make it hurt the pocket a bit beyond their regular entertainment funds. They will appreciate it more and act more responsibly. Not 100% I'm sure, but better than if they had nothing to lose.

I like this idea. Make the kid invested to some extent in the vacation, make it truly theirs, not some gift parents "owe" them.

I hope I'm in a position where I wouldn't make my kid pay the $300 tow back; a car can break down on the way to school, etc.