Is My Child Ready?

Is My Child Ready?

I have taken trips as a student traveler, and I have chaperoned trips of student travelers.  In my experience, there is a certain type of child whose personality is BEST suited to this trip, and then there are other kids who are better suited to waiting until they are a little older before traveling away from their parents.

Take a look at the statements below.  See how many you can honestly respond to with the words "I agree."

1. My child enjoys history.
2. My child is good at following rules.
3. My child can follow instructions the first time they are given.
4. My child listens to and respects teachers and other adults.
5. My child listens to and respects me as a parent.
6. My child can keep track of his/her personal belongings.
7. My child can handle his/her own money without an adult having to hold it.
8. My child can use a watch and can be responsible for staying on a schedule.
9. My child is flexible, and can easily and happily adapt to change.
10. My child uses good independent judgment.
11. My child is polite to others.
12. My child would be able to disconnect from his/her cell phone and other electronic devices for most of the day for six straight days.
13. My child could peacefully co-exist with three other teenagers in a hotel room for five nights.
14. My child overall has a positive attitude.
15. My child would be excited to go on this trip.

If you can honestly answer "I AGREE" to all 15 of the above statements, then your child is a great match for this trip.

If you can honestly answer "I AGREE" to 13 or 14 of the above statements, then your child may or may not be ready.

If you look at these statements, thinking honestly about your child right now, and you can't honestly say "I AGREE" to at least 13 out of the 15, then this is probably not the right trip for your child at this time.