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Operation: PARENT
13029 Middletown
Industrial Blvd
Ste 100
Louisville, KY 40223
Jean Schumm
502-245-7154
www.operationparent.org
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Consider these alternatives
Use spring break as a time to reconnect with your family by:
Picking a destination
that's fun to your kids and implementing the same rules you would at home. Consider leaving friends out of the vacation in order to connect with your family.
If friends are invited, be careful you don't allow
them to baby-sit each other. Let kids pick some of the restaurants and activities. Find a fun way to choose your vacation destination. Drop destinations into a hat and draw one out. Have the family plan the vacation together.
Explore your hometown.
Find interesting places you've never been including state parks. Take advantage of local parks and recreational sites.
Plan a mother-daughter
or father-son get-away.
Volunteer somewhere around town or go on a mission trip together. |
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| Dear Operation: PARENT Supporter,
It's that time of the year again when parents of teens are faced with big decisions about Spring Break. Operation: PARENT stands ready to help you stay strong and BE A PARENT as your son or daughter asks to take off with their friends for Panama City or some other "hot spot". Remember, you could be giving them permission to spend a week in an environment that no adult could even handle! Secondly, remember you've got a job to do and that job is to keep them safe and healthy...that's hard to do if they're 1,000 miles away. Finally, remind yourself that they're only in middle school or high school and a week away without mom or dad around is risky business. I can't help but recommend a family vacation or else a "No, because I said so" on this one! Below are a few tips and ideas to help you all survive Spring Break. Stay strong and know we're here cheering you on!
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Spring Break should be fun... not fatal.
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 Chances are that unless you have already scheduled a vacation for your family, your teen or pre-teen will be invited to travel with a friend. This is one decision you do not want to make casually, or under pressure! Today's version of spring break is a far cry from strolls on the boardwalk, ice cream cones and "laying out." In fact, the U.S. State Department has issued a warning concerning travel to Mexico, where more than 6,000 people were killed in drug-related violence. Spring break should be fun, not deadly!
The information in this newsletter is taken straight from our Parenting Handbook and is being shared with you to prepare you for the upcoming season of fun, sun and hopefully no trouble!
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Tips & Advice to Consider
|  Spring break is the perfect time to rejuvenate relationships within your family! Starting family traditions, taking simple day trips, or planning a long getaway, can all be great ways to bring your family together. Families have precious few opportunities to be a family, don't let it slip away. If your teen asks to go on a trip without you, hold your ground. Teens do not have the experience to drive long distances, take care of travel arrangements, react appropriately in emergency situations or financially support any unknowns. Even in chaperoned situations, your teen will be exposed to strangers and others who may not have their best interest at heart. If your teen is invited to go on spring break with a friend, make sure you call the parent and find out where they stand on supervision, curfews, drinking, etc. Think twice before you relinquish all control over your child for an entire week. Send them with phone numbers and make it easy for them to check in by setting check-in times. Know your teen's itinerary! Talk to your teen about date rape drugs like Rohypnol and GHB. While usually coupled with alcoholic beverages, they can also be slipped into non-alcoholic drinks.
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Keep parenting--you're not alone!
Jean Schumm
Operation: PARENT
Supportive Parents Involved
in Raising Incredible Teenagers |
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