Taking teens on holiday - I'm done!

[ForAFriend123]

So as we near the end of a week away in Turkey, am I wrong in making a vow to NEVER take our teens away again.

Booked this holiday against my better judgement anyway as wasn't sure we could afford it, but was overruled.
Great resort, nothing fancy but just what we needed.

BUT... 17 year old DS has been hideous. Sleeps most of day, surfaces about 3pm demanding to know what the evening plans are. Pesters about going to eat at restaurants (which costs more money). Once we get out he then demands to know what time we'll get back to hotel so he can meet his mates and drink til early hours. Once he's eaten sits there moaning until I give up and we leave. Endlessly pushes curfew and of course I can't sleep til he's in whilst DH lays there snoring!

14 DD slightly more tolerable although again acting like spoilt brat on steroids. Only remotely pleasant when doing what she wants/buying something. God forbid we ask her to get us a drink and you'd think she was a child slave!

DH had zero holidays as a child and seems to be making it up for it by planning bigger and better every year for our 2, but Christ on a bike I've had a gutful.

Where are these families who enjoy quality "bonding"'time away?? Perfectly enjoying each others company, witty repartee, being actually nice to each other!

Did 3 holidays with teenagers. Never ever again. Was an an endurance test! I hear you!

Eek thanks for heads up op, l will get as many as possible in before we hit the teen years!

I'm on holiday with ds who's 15. He's an easy-going soul generally basically just wants to loll around the apartment on his phone rather than explore this new place, or even take 20 steps to the pool.
🙄 I'm just going to let him get in with it while I do my thing.

I would just let DS do his thing but at 17 that generally involves drinking loads (we're at an all inclusive) and staying out til all hours. He thinks I'm being ridiculous for worrying about where hs is/what he's doing

Would rather not take either of them away again but at a push I'd take DD. Can just imagine the meltdown from DS if we left him behind but he literally contributes nothing to anyones enjoyment

They can be selfish sods can't they. Their pleasure trumps everything and everyone.

Then you need a girls holiday and go with friends your DH can take the children!

I made that vow 3 years ago - and never again! (2 14 and 1 16 year old was enough)

We're away in UK with extended family.

It's still a cash grab every day with DS16 , but at least we can make him earn money by walking the dog, and he's having a great time playing pool in the games room with his cousins.

We're taking a pal with us when we go to Lanzarote later this year - booked before they discovered drink and girls - and after that, I think it will be just the extended UK family holidays for a few years.

I feel your pain but they do come out the other side and turn into lovely young adults. My 19yo loves a mum & daughter holiday now and appreciates the money spent. Just stop taking them til they turn into decent human beings.

What mates has he got out in a resort in Turkey? Random people he's just met or people you actually know and are holidaying with??

We're going to Turkey with DSS18, DS17, DDS16 and DS13 for a week next Friday 😫
This is what I can see happening (especially the older ones!)

Stopped when they were 14 and 13. 14 year old always walked 10 yards behind us, head down with a face like thunder! We went on our own and left the kids with grandparents!

I was lucky then with 4 sons, summer holiday was Scout camp where everything was organised, other than that camping at the seaside when they were younger. we never took them abroad on holiday. They did go abroad with the school on trips, the parents I know now like Centre Parks for teens.

My partner and I are campers, so that generally means the teenagers are default disinterested. This year they are staying home, ordered a week of gousto meals, and will look after the cats. They aren't partiers, either, they'll just slob around the house with no WiFi restrictions in place, happy as anything.

I can't imagine trying to cope with a drunken 17yo on holiday, that can't be enjoyable in any way.

I’m currently on holiday with 9 teenagers - and they’re a delight! we’re away with friends and honestly the teens are great company.

It’s only my DC who are being a bit hopeless, but even they are upping their game as they see the other older teens pitch in and help do chores.

Not sure why you are facilitating the drinking OP. Is it his own money? I would start getting assertive about that.

Just some teens also on holiday. They've all got child wrist bands but that seems to make bugger all difference when it comes to being served.
He's come back steaming several nights which of course sends my anxiety through the roof worrying about all the ways he could drown/get attacked/die horribly!!

It's All Inclusive. No need for any facilitating on my part - it's literally on tap!

They don't seem to give a shit about under age drinking in Turkey unfortunately.

Did wonder if it might be better to have come away with friends but DH wasn't keen.

You'd think they'd just be bloody grateful to even be away

Yep, that's about right. Even DD was served, although thankfully she just did it as a test and found it hilarious

At 18 my mum and dad informed me they weren't taking me anymore 🤣 good for them I went with friends instead.Best idea all round I'd definitely outgrown it.

Oh god OP I just know this will be me in a week's time....13 and 16 yo...

i tend to leave them to what they want to do Tbf … not gone this year yet but last time 16yo son slept most of day, came out for food (all inclusive and no we didn’t eat out) but we did pay for some water things… banana boat etc or watching football with his dad. He’s 18 now and just come back from week with mates which he paid for, although we gave him some spending money. Will see what 16 dd is like this time but think will be fine. Think your kids know dad is up for being a cash cow and letting them rein free so of course they will play to that.

I hear you. Dragged them away with me to beautiful places, that cost an arm and a leg, to get nothing but moans and them sitting in the lobby where the wi-fi was good. No more ! The youngest is old enough to stay at home alone now, although god knows what happens I’d she sees a spider or a light bulb needs changing !

Sounds tricky
My 2 are still ok, 17 year old DD doesn’t drink and 13 year old DS just wants to eat, sleep and read Manga so he doesn’t much care where he does that.

I’d be more worried about getting into trouble with the police in Turkey.