It is often said that a mother’s work is never done and regardless of whether this is literally true it is certainly the case that most moms will always feel a sense of duty and responsibility towards their children, long after they have grown up.
We get a sense of anxiety and trepidation as well as pride when they start college. Many of our children will also choose to go on a post-college trip. While this is, of course, an experience to be encouraged, as travel does broaden the mind, it is also another common reason for mothers to begin worrying about their children again. Helping them prepare for their new adventure will make you both feel much more at ease and it’s a wonderful opportunity for some bonding.
Research Beforehand
Researching for a trip beforehand is the best way to mitigate the anxiety you might start to feel. If your child is planning an extended trip then they likely only have a loose idea of where they will be going and what they will be doing, and this is fine. In fact, the most enriching travel experiences are born out of spontaneity and improvisation. A rigid schedule reduces what should be a journey filled with new and unexpected situations to a simple checklist of activities to be completed. There are some things that are worth being aware of in advance though and these are things that young people might not appreciate the importance of. For example, you will want to make sure that your child fully understands any relevant local laws and customs where these differ to what they are used to.
Prepare Necessary Supplies
Preparing the right supplies is mostly a simple case of common sense but many young adults might not appreciate how important it is. Instinctively, your child will probably want to set off with little more than the clothes on their backs and a rucksack full of electronics, setting out under the mantra of ‘I’ll buy what I need on the way’.
As well as the usual hygiene items and emergency medical supplies (something you should always insist on), the rest of their supplies will depend on the exact nature of the trip. If they are piling on the stress by insisting on traveling the world on a motorcycle, then make sure they take a good quality helmet with them; Schuberth helmets are always a good choice.
Try to Relax!
This is another key part of the process; your own anxieties, no matter how rational and well-intentioned, can easily rub off on your child. You don’t want to send them out with their head full of doubt, so try to be positive about their adventure.
Helping your child to prepare for their first big adventure around the world is a great way to put both of your minds at ease and ensure that their trip is a fruitful and enjoyable one.
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