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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

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Original poster

Worried sick - am I overreacting?

15 replies

Mandarina4 · 30/08/2023 08:50

I didn't know where to post this so I apologize if it is the wrong place.

My 14 year old son and four of his classmates won a history competition last year and the school is taking them on a trip (together with two teachers) to the Balkans in September. The plan is to spend 5 days visiting all the historical places they learnt about in the competition and also to meet the locals, the culture, etc... they will visit 5 countries, some of the places are Albania and Kosovo.

I know it is a very well organised trip, they have hotels booked, transport, etc.. and that the school will make sure everything is fine but I am worried sick about this trip. I haven't told anyone else because my son is so happy and I don't want to spoil it for him but I can't help wondering, what if he gets sick there? They will be visiting remote places and areas with not-so-good healthcare. I also wonder, what about food and water? He has a sensitive digestive system and I can't help worrying about that as well. We've traveled to several countries before so it won't be the first big trip for him.

I know there are a lot of "what ifs" and I can't control everything, I also know the other parents are completely calmed about this trip and the kids are really excited, so I'm the only one going through hell... I mean, the other kids might get sick, or a teachers, so I'm sure they've thought about every possible scenario but still...

Am I overreacting?

OP posts:

ShinyBandana · 30/08/2023 08:54

Yes that’s an overreaction.
School will have completed a risk assessment for this trip so you could ask the lead teacher to talk you through it - might that help you feel reassured?

ShakiraBahera · 30/08/2023 08:58

Yes you are overreacting. I'm sure the tour organisers and staff have considered the what ifs.

Original poster

Mandarina4 · 30/08/2023 09:28

Thank you! You're right of course. There will be a meeting on Monday to talk about the trip so I'm sure they will clarify everything there.

OP posts:

Paq · 30/08/2023 09:31

My DD15 is recently back from a school trip of 3 weeks in Borneo - jungle, leeches, dirty water, poisonous spiders, rabid dogs, malaria, no toilets - she had a blast and survived throughout with her nut allergy and gluten sensitivity so I'm sure your boy will be fine!

Original poster

Mandarina4 · 30/08/2023 09:34

Paq · 30/08/2023 09:31

Oh my god that's amazing! What a trip! He will definitely be fine! 😁

OP posts:

Mumofteensendhelp · 30/08/2023 09:42

I don’t think you are over reacting I would be the same. School trips aren’t fool
proof I would look at the risk assessments in place do a bit of research before allowing it.
you always have to weigh up safety Vs them living their life and having experiences

bumpsintheroad · 30/08/2023 10:35

What an amazing trip - 5 kids and 2 teachers!! Put your feet up and don't worry - he and his friends will love it, as will the teachers!

RoseBucket · 30/08/2023 10:40

My daughters first school trip was to Spain in year 5 for a weeks water sports, she has since been to France, Belgium, New York and Skiing.

You’ve traveled, you know it’s safe, the teachers will probably be more careful than a parent, I know I would be looking after others children!

He will be fine! How exciting, it sounds like a fantastic trip.

Original poster

Mandarina4 · 30/08/2023 12:54

Thank you so much for all the encouraging messages!

OP posts:

SeulementUneFois · 30/08/2023 13:01

You're overreacting.
Conditions might be shit in general but medical care will be relatively ok if he needs it.
(As credentials - I'm from a slightly better part of that area of the world, and my family are doctors.)

lifesrichpageant · 03/09/2023 04:58

I spent several years living in the region you mention. Your child will have a wonderful experience. Hospitals are basic and also staffed with brilliant people! He's lucky to visit such a beautiful and under-appreciated area of Europe.

Original poster

Mandarina4 · 19/09/2023 10:00

He had an amazing time, people were so friendly with them and had the best food. Definitely worth visiting!

Thanks for all your messages!

OP posts:

Ohhelpicantthinkofaname · 19/09/2023 16:57

Glad he had a great time. I’d save your worrying for a few years time when he goes on a chlamydia cruise to Magaluf with his mates.

School trips are usually well organised and safe ways for young people to have experiences.

Fleetheart · 21/09/2023 19:10

good news! glad he had a great time. It’s hard for us; but risk is part of life. when i was 18 I went to Cairo as part of my course . I was ill, did some very foolish things, my mum would have been shocked! but it was the best education ever and am so glad I did it.

Original poster

Mandarina4 · 28/09/2023 15:46

I should really leave the worrying part for later, I agree! I started traveling on my own or with friends at 18 and yeah, I can remember very well all the crazy things we did!

Risk is part of life for sure and I should keep that in mind all the time.

OP posts:

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