"Schoolies"

[IQS.RLOW]

And there you have it. Proof positive that a later start in age with drinking, doesn't stop you becoming an addicted alcoholic booze hound

[Rorschach]

You might have had 2 straight religious parents raising you.

I might not have too. I'm fairly sure they are "straight" although I have seen photos of my dad in a kilt and one in a tutu of some kind. neither of my parents were overtly religious. I also am not. I don't push my beliefs down peoples throats and don't even mention them. Except perhaps when debating on a site like this. I tend not to, lie. As for my parents, I suggest they sent me to Sunday school in an effort to not have me make the mistakes they did.

A lot of children today don't have that (unless they're Muslim).

I never had it mantra. You are obsessing and wrong.

In fact the majority of children these days are absent a parent and usually the mother has to work

You got figures to back that up? my mother worked on occasions, when the family was struggling. We were never rich mantra. Sometime my dad had to work several jobs in order to make ends meet.

During the Howard era - the latchkey kid was established.

There have always been latchkey kids mantra... you still blame Howard for everything don't you... skke help.

Most children go home to an empty house.

You do have figures to back that up don't you?

They grow up without the same sort of care previous generations gave their kids when parents were more accessible. Children today are brought up by technology, advertising and consumerism. It's sad because they're not equipped to deal with reality.

It is up to parents to equip them.

[Aussie]

It doesn't matter how good a parent you are. Kids still get influenced by their peers and the more you try to restrict them the more they may rebel

Schoolies are generally 18+ so you have to allow them some responsibility and freedoms and hope that all you have taught them holds them in good stead

In Queensland, they are 17+, and that one year difference may be very important.

What good comes out of 'Schoolies?'

[Rorschach]

How can a child afford a "schoolies" holiday?
How many parents would give their child permission to attend such a thing given the publicity it gets?

[mantra]

How can a child afford a "schoolies" holiday?
How many parents would give their child permission to attend such a thing given the publicity it gets?

It is expensive.

Parents sometimes feel powerless when their children want something that all their friends have. You know there's danger, but you also don't want them to feel disadvantaged - and as Orchid said - you can't wrap them in cotton wool.

You can't stop teenagers from experimenting with different aspects of life when they get to 17 or 18 as much as you'd like to. What do you say to them - do as I say, not as I did. Many children of my generation left home at 16 and we survived, although there weren't as many temptations as there are today. There was also no welfare, so everyone worked. Kids today have a cushion with a generous youth allowance which probably helps them pay for their entertainment.

All you can do is say a little prayer for their safety and try not to think about what they're doing that they don't tell you about.

[Rorschach]

It is expensive.

Which is why I mentioned rich people.

Parents sometimes feel powerless when their children want something that all their friends have. You know there's danger, but you also don't want them to feel disadvantaged - and as Orchid said - you can't wrap them in cotton wool.

It's not about cotton wool it's about economics... my parents would have said NO! End of story.
I would have accepted that... in fact I wouldn't have asked in the first place.

You can't stop teenagers from experimenting with different aspects of life when they get to 17 or 18 as much as you'd like to. What do you say to them - do as I say, not as I did. Many children of my generation left home at 16 and we survived, although there weren't as many temptations as there are today. There was also no welfare, so everyone worked. Kids today have a cushion with a generous youth allowance which probably helps them pay for their entertainment.

Are we still talking about school children?

All you can do is say a little prayer for their safety and try not to think about what they're doing that they don't tell you about.

You could just say No.

[mantra]

It's not about cotton wool it's about economics... my parents would have said NO! End of story.
I would have accepted that... in fact I wouldn't have asked in the first place.

Not that many people had money to spare for "fun" back then. I always got a NO too, but I kept on asking. Then you start lying to your parents. It's better for a parent to be receptive to a child and to try and work with them, otherwise they'll start being sneaky.

Parenting is an experiment anyway. Unless we were raised in perfect families and have set ideals, it's trial and error when you have to deal with teenage children. I would probably do some things differently if I had to do it again.

[Aussie]

Here is the personal up-date. I broached the subject with my Grand-Daughter this afternoon. Don't go, and name your price. She wants to go.

*snip*

My current offer is:

1. I will pay for you to go anywhere except 'Schoolies'

2. If you go to 'Schoolies,' I am going with you.

That seems to have at least got her on the back foot.

I know I may not win, but, I have 12 months of discussion ahead so that I can express, and discuss, my concerns to her.

[mantra]

Here is the personal up-date. I broached the subject with my Grand-Daughter this afternoon. Don't go, and name your price. She wants to go.

*snip*

My current offer is:

1. I will pay for you to go anywhere except 'Schoolies'

2. If you go to 'Schoolies,' I am going with you.

That seems to have at least got her on the back foot.

Hahaha. Aussie - you would not have a good time there.

I know I may not win, but, I have 12 months of discussion ahead so that I can express, and discuss, my concerns to her.

You mean wear her down? I bet you do too, unless she takes after you.

[IQS.RLOW]

2. If you go to 'Schoolies,' I am going with you.

The ultimate massive toolie