Need some advice about my 15yo son and a sudden opportunity

[sooof]

I honestly don't know what to do here and would really appreciate some outside opinions.

My son is 15 and about a month ago he applied for a film studio course. It's a 6 week programme that teaches filmmaking and also includes visits to studios. He would have to stay there for the full 6 weeks.

Honestly he applied without really thinking he would get in. It's a very prestigious programme with very limited places and it's something he's genuinely interested in. Yesterday we got the confirmation email and an official letter saying he was accepted so it's definitely happening.

He is absolutely thrilled. I don't think there is any way I could tell him no after seeing how excited he is about it. So realistically either my husband or I will have to go with him.

The problem is the timing is terrible.

We're from Madrid and currently we're away on a trip. I also have two other children who are 13 and 10. My youngest is particularly dependent on me and has never been away from me for anything close to six weeks.

I also went back to work in September and already have some important clients and commitments. If I decided to go with my son I could technically rearrange things, but it wouldn't be easy. I would have to move two important client commitments by about six weeks and there is also a summit at the end of next month that I am expected to attend.

My husband has a lot going on at work too and has a small work trip at the end of September, so it's not as simple as just saying he'll stay home with the other two.

We have about two weeks before my son has to start on September 1st so we have some time to figure out the logistics, but suddenly we're trying to reorganise work, childcare, school, travel and everything else around something we never expected to actually happen.

And honestly I'm torn.

On one hand this is a huge opportunity for my son and something he is genuinely passionate about. I don't want him to miss it because the timing is inconvenient for the rest of us.

On the other hand, leaving my younger two for six weeks feels like a huge thing too, especially my youngest. I also have responsibilities at work that can't just disappear

Why can't be go on his own? (Providing this is a genuine opportunity)

It is normal for sporting children to go away to camps younger than for sometimes months.

Do you have to go? is it a residential course, or is the expectation that he is off site (at a hotel or such) and needs adult supervision outside of the course

Can you and husband not switch about? Like 2 weeks with teen then 2 weeks home?

You have to make it work. Beg, borrow and steal childcare and negotiate everything with work.

Will your clients be more understanding if you can explain the wonderful opportunity? I cant imagine many people would be so hard nosed they couldn't rearrange things.

Husband needs to step up and negotiate things with his work too.

They are not providing residence. And they expect a parents with their kids.....also considering current Situation in US, We are not Sending him Alone

Ah you didn’t mention it was in the US. Surely you could do 3 weeks each with your partner to navigate work deadlines better?

That’s crazy they’re not providing residence. Will it cost a fortune to stay there for 6 weeks?

I would do 3 weeks husband, 3 weeks you if you can get reasonable flights. Ten is old enough to be able to be without mum for a few weeks if with dad.

What current situation?

Are you sure that they can not stay alone, I would investigate that, he can not be the only one with parents that can not drop everything for six weeks.

For me it is work that is the issue. Keeping your jobs is the most important bit

Which city in the US?

You say you could rearrange your clients - so do that.
Make your youngest a bit less needy - why should his needs come before your first child's. Being clingy to you is at 10 is not great - he is about to start secondary!

Los Angeles

If he applied with your knowledge then you gave tacit agreement and I'd normally say you're therefore duty bound to make it work.
But honestly, the whole idea is nuts and will have a huge impact on the entire family. There must be other opportunities that are closer to home. Alternatively could he ask to defer his application to another year when he's older and able to travel alone?

I would not send a child to LA alone, so I’m in agreement with you there.

I think you and your husband should split the 6 weeks between you if you can afford the flights.

Long shot but does he have an aunt, uncle, cousin, grandparent who
could go if you paid?

It’s an incredible opportunity for him that could make a difference to his future so do everything possible for those few weeks to make it happen

It is going to cause a lot of upheaval but it’s 6 weeks so you have an end date. If its a big of an opportunity as you say it is then don’t let him miss out!

Is there anyone in your wider family you can trust to do this who would welcome the opportunity to stay in LA in an Airbnb with your son and chaperone?

Yes I agree, another relative travelling with him seems to be the best idea.

I have two sister's, They are in Uk, cousin's are almost similar to his age

This sounds bonkers. Is it full-time? What 15 year old (especially from Spain where home- schooling isn't such a thing) doesn't have to be in school for 6 weeks in September? And if it is a home-schooling thing, then get on the forums and find a home-stay. None of this really makes sense tbh.

Have you seen anything about how wonderful this course is? Six weeks is nothing. How much does the course cost? Is there a recognised qualification? What about school? Hes not going to learn to make a movie in 6 weeks.

This all sounds a bit dodgy to me. A genuine residential programme for school aged students that doesn't provide summer camp counsellors or similar? I'd be very concerned about safeguarding. And it's running in the school year in the US (and in Spain, I presume?)? Do they know your son is only 15?

Ask the programme if there is a parents group. Maybe you can share having responsible adults around? Do people stay in the same accommodation? It's make travel and dinners easier.
But it sounds like they expect you to sort stuff out. America is a lot more can-do, and spend to solve problems.

Can you work remotely so work doesn't suffer?

BUT It sounds suspicious to me. A High school age 6 week programme in film during school term time and no accommodation? LA schools go back about now. Are you sure it is legit? Summer camp would be more usual.

He's 15. He doesnt need to go on a 6 week course for anything. He can look for other opportunities when hes older at uni or after. Are you sure it isn't a scam? Just tell him its not going to work put. He needs to be in school.

Can he defer his place? 15 is very young to do a residential course in the US. I don’t quite get why he is not at school either?

Assuming this is a genuine programme... I wouldn't miss this opportunity. We live in a digital age, so I assume all your client meetings can go ahead remotely (unless you are a plastic surgeon or building control). Younger kids are neither here nor there. They are old enough to cope without one parent for six weeks.
But before any of this, I would actually make enquiries about the place you are going - is the programme genuine, what are residential options (and why there aren't any) and so on.