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Q&A

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My teenage daughter is about to go away on an overseas school trip. It is the first time that she will have been away from us as a family and I am very worried about it, particularly as there will be some boys from her year going as well. This is causing some distress at home because she is very keen and eager to go away but I am still somewhat reluctant.

Teacher Jake Burnett replies:

You are absolutely correct to be worried. It's all part of being a parent and it's important that your daughter is aware that you are concerned because you are anxious about her safety and well-being.

It is also probably the case that your daughter is starting to make moves into adolescence, where she will start wanting to become more independent from you and your family. It's good for her to see that you are aware of this and that you are allowing her some flexibility, albeit in a safe and structured way.

However, that does not mean she should be allowed to do and say as she pleases. If the school trip is part of the school's curriculum (as part of a 'focus week' for example) it's important for you to know why your daughter has chosen it and what educational experience she will get from it.

It would be useful for you to see how this trip offers such opportunities, so in this case I would suggest speaking firstly with your daughter about why she has chosen it and then with the school directly.

Hopefully this will allay your worries. It should also put to rest any fears you have over safety or supervision. School trips are very carefully planned and monitored. Most have very strict guidelines on staff-to-student ratios, and balance of genders amongst those supervising.

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