Keeping our Teens Drug and Alcohol Free

Setting Expectations

Traveling with Your Teen

This local mother and daughter traveled together with a group of friends during spring break. They share how they kept everyone safe while also strengthening their mother/daughter bond.

Martha (mom): Before the trip, the moms set the expectation that all mother/daughter pairs would stay in their own hotel rooms. It gave everyone privacy and an extra level of safety that each girl returned to her own room every night. I loved having the one on one time with Claire to reflect on the day.

Claire (daughter): Since I spent all day with my friends, it was nice to have a break, time to catch up with my mom, and a good night’s sleep. By having space away from each other, we had no drama.

Martha: We arranged to have group dinners every night to talk about the day and check in on how everyone was doing.

Claire: The dinners were a daily highlight for all of us and a special time with our moms.

Martha: The girls looked out for one another and ALWAYS used the buddy system. They checked in throughout the day and often joined us for breakfasts and lunches and other activities.

Claire: I appreciated that my friends who were of legal drinking age did not pressure those of us who weren’t. For us, it wasn’t about access to drinking, it was about quality time with good friends and our moms. One of the moms created a photo album to commemorate a memorable trip!