He will be 16 at the time. He wants to participate in a short-tern (4 weeks) exchange with another teen in Mexico or Spain. He speaks excellent Spanish. But I'm afraid! Should I let him go? he's my only child!
2007-01-01 03:53:32 · 8 answers · asked by sandiemaye 4 in Education & Reference ➔ Other - Education
Unless you're prepared to be a helicopter parent for the rest of your life, you're going to have to realize that he's growing up and will have to learn to live on his own someday. This might be the best thing for both of you as those programs are generally organized very well, individuals are screened, and a line of contact is generally maintained throughout the process to make sure everyone is doing ok. You shouldn't have to worry about his safety, nor about him abusing the freedom too much.
As for your son, it might just have some major impact on his life and be a serious learning experience for him. Most exchanges have real impact on the individuals - both hosts and students. My sister hosted a high school student from Norway and they still speak regularly. A friend's family has hosted close to a dozen students and they all keep in contact.
Having been an exchange student myself in college, I can honestly say that I learned more about life and culture in my 7 months abroad than I did in all of high school and my first two years of college. I encourage absolutely everyone to find a way to include it in their college experience and I know very few people who regret it.
Hope that helps out!
2007-01-01 04:13:33 · answer #1 · answered by Jerry Hayes 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First thing you need for your peace of mind is to find out how supervised his stay will be. Is this a school or church sponsored trip? Is it a nationally recognized group that has a support structure in place if your son needs help? Do they have a thorough screening process and oversight of the host family along with enforced rules to ensure the safety of your child?
There are two groups that I have had contact with, Youth For Understanding and American Field Service (AFS). YFU had less rigorous oversight and AFS, while being quite restrictive for underage students, offered a well established support structure.
When you speak with kids that participate in this kind of exchange, be it for a few weeks during the summer break or for an entire school year, they say they would not have traded the experience for anything. It really is a great opportunity to experience another world, another culture, and to make friends for life.
2007-01-01 04:13:08 · answer #2 · answered by marenka 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely, let the boy go! This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about another culture, experience more of the world and gain independence. And just imagine his resentment towards you if you don't allow him to go.
You might want to work with him to build your confidence (leave him alone for a weekend while you take off somewhere for example) or speak to one of his school teachers about your concerns. I am sure he will be fine ... in just two more years, he may be moving out of the nest anyways!
2007-01-01 04:06:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gonna have to let him go at some point.
Would be horrible if something happened to him at home during the time he would have been away.
Sometimes we have to give ourselves over to fate and let what will happen happen.
Just imagine all the good that will come from broadening his horizons.
Imagine all the stories he will have to tell when he gets back.
Travel to a foreign country really opens up ones eyes to the fact that not every one lives as we do at home.
It will be a good start in raising a well rounded Adult.
2007-01-01 03:58:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you should let him go if he seems to be mature enough. Ask yourself the question"Have I given him the foundation to be a responsible, respectable individual to make good choices? If your answer is yes then let him go. He is 16 and even though he is your only child you have to let him go and live. We do not "own" our children God just gives us stewardship over them to make them into great adults. Plan something for your self to do while he is gone. Do something you have never done before and you both will have an awesome time. I pray you find peace with your decision.
2007-01-01 04:04:08 · answer #5 · answered by Hope this helps 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't be afraid, I'm sure your son will be in safe hands. Anyway, it's good to open your son to new cultures and new life - very vital!
I don't think he's a kid anymore and I personally think you should let him go! Good luck!
2007-01-01 04:02:13 · answer #6 · answered by Saar Katalan 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let him go .
2007-01-01 04:02:11 · answer #7 · answered by Ray H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yah
2007-01-01 04:01:51 · answer #8 · answered by Tedd m 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋