Spring break is around the corner and high school students are wondering where their family will be going. Many college freshmen are hoping their parents will give them enough money so they can go to Mexico or Florida. Many high school and college students feel they are entitled to spring break because they have to work hard in school.
However, schools including public schools now cost money for such things as sports. The economy has changed since the pandemic and prices have increased for many things especially food.
Every family cannot afford a vacation over spring break or to pay for their college students to go on a trip. This is very difficult in the area we live in. In session many of the teens I work with are talking about how their friends are taking trips to Disneyland and to countries outside of the United States. We have a diverse population where some families are struggling financially and others are surviving.
Many parents are not sure how to approach this subject and many feel guilty because they cannot afford a vacation right now. Parents are doing their best and do not need to feel guilty. The cost of living has increased dramatically and paying for your child’s education is more important than a vacation.
Here are some ways to explain it and also things to be grateful for even if you are not going on a trip https://yourteenmag.com/family-life/communication/no-plans-for-spring-break
While it may be difficult to explain it’s important for teenagers and college students to learn they cannot spend more than they have to spend. Also learning to be grateful for the benefits you have such as a house, car, food and family, is very important for teenagers. If you are always looking at what you don’t have and never appreciate what you have you will likely end up living an unhappy life.
Additionally, it provides teenagers a chance to learn that you can have fun without spending a great deal of money. They can look around our area and find some fun things to do. They can go camping, there are amusement parks open for spring break or they can explore San Francisco. All of these can be fun and do not cost the same as going to Europe. It’s a valuable lesson learning to live within your budget and who you are is not determined by how much you spend on your clothes, car or a trip.
Dr. Michael Rubino is a psychotherapist with over 25 years experience working with children, teenagers, trauma victims including first responders. For more information about his work visit his website www.RubinoCounseling.com or his Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/drrubino3.