My Son Is On A Lads Holiday. Oh, The Worry And Fear!

Yesterday my 19 year old son went on his first lads holiday abroad with four of his friends, and the worry and fear that is consuming me is incredible! I’m not quite sure why, but the next 7 days can’t go quick enough for me and I can’t wait until he is back home.

My two oldest daughters both went on holiday abroad with their friends, and yes I was worried, but it was not the same. Girls abroad can be just as wild I know that, but girls tend to look after each other, whereas lads just don’t. Well, maybe that is a myth, I’m not sure, but this doesn’t stop the worry and fear that I have for his safety until he has landed back home in one piece.

My son, A, is actually one of the most sensible and level headed teenagers I have ever met, and I know he wouldn’t take any risks he wasn’t sure about, but in the moment under a hot sun and fuelled by alcohol will his judgement be impaired? Will his decisions not be thought out well? Will he take a risk because we all know that at that age we think we are indestructible, which of course we are not, and I certainly don’t want him finding out he’s not indestructible.

My son has been surviving on his own for the last year at university, and obviously has become independent and I dare say it he has been out on some massive all-nighters that of course I know nothing about, and he has survived. So you have to trust that he makes good decisions even when under the influence of alcohol.

I have to admit I have begun to bore myself with my words of wisdom and advice every ten minutes, so I’m pretty sure I’m driving him around the twist with my constant don’t do this and that, stay safe at all times, watch your drinks, be careful about everything you do etc, which is strange because I’m not normally like that. I have mentioned some crazy things such as be careful on the balconies of the hotel, don’t dive into the pools they could be shallow, watch your money, passport etc. The list is endless if I’m honest. Also make sure that someone knows where you are at all times, that you have someone who can transfer money online to you as a backup option, and so much more. 

I’m not trying to be a killjoy, it’s just as a parent I always have an overwhelming urge to protect my children and there comes a time when of course you can’t protect them in the same way as when they were little, it’s call letting go and allowing your children to experience the world and a lads holiday is so often one of those experiences of growing up and becoming an adult.

So, I have six days of worry left from today and I know deep down everything will be fine and he will have a fantastic holiday with his friends.

The lads holiday abroad is something I have done, and I know you can at times just push the boundaries of sensible a bit too far, which is when it can go wrong, but I’m sure it won’t.

I know I have already said it too many times, but if you read this, stay safe, look after your money, passport etc and anything else important, and have a fab holiday. Most importantly get home safely and in one piece, I love you son.

Have your teenage children been on a holiday abroad with their friends? How did it go? I would love to hear.