Hypothetically if your son/daughter is planning to go travelling, how do you see your role as a parent in supporting your child with preparation?
caution
route planning. having access to emergency funds. correct equipment. preferably being part of an organized group. precautions against malaria and other diseases.
ensuring all travel documentation is accurate, researching the countries together, and making sure they are aware of different laws and cultural differences.
correct equipment, financial assistance, helping with sourcing accommodation.
making them aware of as much as possible about where they are going in terms of points of contact if they are in trouble.
both my children are extremely independent and have visited many places with both of us, so they know a lot about the process, but i would still hope to be involved in helping them.
encouragement and help with organization
always follow your instinct; if it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.
supporting with planning and discussion of options.
i would ensure they were fully prepared mentally and physically so they could cope with traveling in unknown countries.
regular contact, knowing itinerary.
having taken them abroad a lot as children, they are used to traveling. they are safety conscious and do not take risks.
get them to research destinations and ensure they have a safety net/plan in place. regular communication.
making them very aware that not all people are nice and that they are mentally equipped for traveling alone.
at this time, due to public health and personal safety concerns, i would only consider supporting certain types of travel to minimize challenging situations and maximize safety - planning, backup plans, staying in perhaps more expensive or established places, avoiding being alone, having copies of personal documents, scheduled check-ins, and avoiding certain destinations.
preparing clothing and equipment to stay safe, assisting with phone contracts, bank cards / means of accessing money, emergency contacts if needed, checking our destinations for safety.
ensuring they have the means to communicate regularly (text/message) and in an emergency.
getting information on things to do. organizing visas. providing money. suggesting trips.
ensure they know potential dangers, unsafe areas, places to stay, places to avoid, and key sights to see.
awareness and safety - finance and knowledge of areas traveling to
helping them to see the bigger picture of what they need to find out / arrange / plan / consider regarding their trip. for example, health / immunization needs, visa requirements, currency / language, cost of trip, government advice / recommendations.
ensuring they have considered cultural differences and know how to assess risk or where danger may lie.