I would prefer that family vacations be only for the family and I wouldn't be pleased to take a teen's friend along. I'm also an introvert.

That said, vacations are also about everybody having the best possible time. Or, at least, that is what I want. I want us all to have a great time. Teens don't always love being with their families. They get bored. That's normal. If my teen would have more fun with company they choose, I can get over my preconceived notions of what I want them to want and try to help everyone have a nice vacation.

I also don't mind if my DH wants to spend a morning playing golf or telling my family to feed themselves breakfast because I want to hike or beach it alone.

A perfect vacation is a balance of time spent together and time to enjoy yourself without judgment.

I wouldn't do it. I feel like a family vacation is the ONE time in a year where kids HAVE to bond with their siblings because there are no friends around; they may not like it, but they will learn to get along and find things to do if the only options are hanging out together or hanging with mom and dad. You insert a friend -- well teen will be with his friend the whole time and ignoring his brother.

Anonymous wrote:Ask yourself why he wants the friend along?

Probably drinking/drugs.

Don't do it.

You are crazy. He wants to bring a friend because he is a teen. His parents are boring. His brother is boring. Everyone in the family is annoying and embarrassing. That's what being a teen means. You don't have to assume such crappy intentions.

OP,
Some people would, some people wouldn't. The answer is within!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You are the parent, he is the kid. He is not your friend. He should feel lucky he can even go on a vacation.

LOL yeah but if you tell him that, he'll say, "no problem, leave me home by myself then!"

Personally I would say no. Family time is family time.

+1 about being lucky to take a vacation. We only went somewhere if it involved visiting and staying with another relative! If he doesn't want to go he can stay with grandma while the rest of the family vacations.

Ask yourself why he wants the friend along?

Probably drinking/drugs.

Don't do it.

I probably wouldn't do it. If it already was a very close family friend who feels almost like family, then sure. If it's just someone I don't really know or care for then not. Family vacation means it's for family bonding. It's a VERY important thing to do. If you are open to including someone else in your family then go for it - but don't feel obligated because your son threatens with being a horrible sport ;P

This is a teaching opportunity for DC. He needs to learn that he is part of the family and it is not all about him and what he wants. That he will sometimes be bored and will need to learn how to entertain himself.