Are your teenagers or college aged children begging you to fund or allow them to go to spring break vacations? Parents often have huge reservations about this, and for a very good reason. College aged kids that can fund their own trips often go whether their parents like it or not, and some parents don't really know what goes on. Not all kids are irresponsible while on spring break, but there are plenty of people ready to take advantage of those less than street savvy young adults. There are safe ways to have fun, so talk to your children.
If your teens want to go for spring break vacations, your answer is probably going to be no. Really, it should depend on where they want to go. There are plenty of party spots in the US and in Mexico that are destinations for spring break vacations, but there are alternatives. Don't dismiss the idea until you hear where they want to go and what they want to do. You may be surprised. If your college aged child asks you for some money to go, listen to them as well. Not all are going to go to the large party spots. In fact, more and more are choosing alternatives.
Some take spring break vacations to go do charity work in other parts of the country or even other parts of the world. These can be great experiences, and if your child is asking you to do this, congratulations on having extremely thoughtful and selfless children. You want to make sure where they are going is safe, but these breaks are great for them. Some may lie and go somewhere else, so do check in on reservations and, of course, chaperones and the like. Think of this as a great opportunity for them to start adult life on the right foot.
If your child wants to take some of the more common spring break vacations, you have a lot to think about. Ask them where they want to go, who they want to go with, and what they hope to do while there. You have every right to say no, though you may not stop an older child that can pay on their own. If they can, however, they may not even tell you that they are going. If anything, remind them about the dangers of drinking too much, strangers that seem far too interested in them, and what can happen to youngsters when away from home for the first time.
You can also tell your children that they can go for spring break vacations, but that you want to go with them. Tell them they can have some freedom, but they will also spend some time with you. Some may groan, but agree, and others may really protest. If they do, ask them why they are so worried about you going with them. It could be that they want to get into some trouble to experience what they think others loves to do. You can make this a great family vacation while giving them some freedom to care for themselves, and best of all, you are right there to keep them safe.