My mother is an anxious, terrified mess! Help!?

Question

So I have the chance to go to Africa to help out an orphanage and go on a safari for 2 weeks with a well-known service group. The thing is I am 16 years old, and my mom is uneasy and basically telling me I can't go because she is the biggest worrier you will ever come across. This is something I am incredibly passionate and serious about but she doesn't believe me! I want to go more than anything in the world, and I am a responsible young adult. Any suggestions on convincing her that the world is not out to get me and rest assured there will be no civil war?!?

Answer 1

I suppose any mom would be worried in this situation, and i'm sure many moms would send their child for this experience.

you can let your mom know what you said here -- you are passionate about this experience... and it's a once in a life time thing... you are responsible and prepared and that you will be safe (because im' sure you willl, after all, you are going with a group who helps children).

i hope your dream comes true

Answer 2

Oh wow! What an opportunity of a life-time for you! I would have been nervous to let my daughter go too but I still would have - I would not have wanted the guilt of holding her back from something so important in her life.

Perhaps you could have one of the "leaders" of the service group just talk with her to give her some reassurance. It sounds like a safe set-up going with an organization. Do they have phamphlets or brochures or papers that she could read to get a clearer understanding of where you will be staying, how you will spend your days, what procedure is in place in case of an emergency - this type of thing. Alot of times parents get nervous and say no right aways because they fear what they don't know - our imagination can take over but once all the facts are laid out, it's much better :-)

Best wishes to you and I really hope you get to go!!!