[Minnie]

Select HS trip chaperoning.

Long distance trip for entire week and our Teen daughter is only girl from her school attending national convention in NYC and we are on West coast. Her teacher and several boys she knows also were selected. The teacher has offered to have parents chaperone.

Is it best to let our daughter attend without us. Or shall we go along on the trip. On one hand I do not want her to be unsupervised and lonely but on the other hand I really do not want to be overly protective and keep her from getting to know others and bond with the group.

If we go we would sightsee a bit seperately and not hang on their every action.....but cannot afford to completely be away. We would not be going if not for the teachers need for chaperone and covering the costs.

If only one of us go it is less costly to the school but then may be more dependent as No fun to sightsee by oneself. Students are in seminars all day and have little free time.

Or we can choose not to go at all. Let her meet new people and have fun on her own.

Past trips have hosted the students parents completely, couples attend and all have a wonderful time. I think the only reason we are hesitating is that this time is so far away, so long a week and other parents not attending and costs are higher. Any advice?

[Barby]

I would probably say for you to go ahead and go...just like you said, be cool not over protective. Make sure she knows that you're not going to "hover" over her, but that you'd like to go along for the sight seeing and that since the teachers want chaperones that you'll be going.

I don't think I'd be comfortable to allow my daughter to go and be the only girl with a bunch of boys without some adults other than teachers going. Not that you can't trust your daughter but anything could happen.

[tiki]

Ask her.

I once was turned down for a Colorado hiking and ski trip through the church because I was the only female to sign up. But idunno, I guess they cancelled it for the right reasons. I would've been in heaven!

[Minnie]

Well - Here is the plan.....I will go along on the trip and have a wonderful time. Spouse will not be going. It is just too expensive. This way I have time w daughter. She is not overwhelmed and it is not overly expensive. I will miss the spouse but it is best plan I think. May be a little lonely when the kids are all busy doing rehearsals.
That is the plan.

[Barby]

Sounds like a good plan to me...I think just one of you going is probably a better idea anyway.