My mom is overprotective when it comes to international summer camps. Even though I’ve traveled all over the world and been to several 3-week summer camps in the US, she is still super worried about me. I’m very independent and outgoing and she knows that. But now I want to go to a summer camp in Costa Rica, which I know my dad would just love me doing. My mom doesn’t want me to go to it for a few years. When I asked her why, she said, “Because it’s just so…well…foreign!” I replied, “Well, yeah! That’s kind of the point. Foreign. International. Different. Trying new things.” She just shrugged me away. My mom doesn’t really like adventurous things like I do, and I think this makes it hard for her to understand why I want to go. I’ve explained over and over again in great detail my purposes for going to this camp, yet she still wavers and says “maybe next year.” I can’t wait until next year–the summer before 10th grade–I’m ready now. When I asked, “What if I wait until next year to do the Costa Rica camp, as it is VERY adventurous, and this year I do a less adventurous camp in the British Virgin Islands,” she was horrified. Ugh! How do I turn my mom around? How do I get the point across that I’m totally, completely ready and that this is a great experience for me.’

-refrigeratedrubberbands ‘

Hey hon,

Wowza chica! You’re quite the independent chica, aren’t ya? That’s totally awesome! It’s such a great experience and these are all wonderful opportunities. However, your parents may not understand entirely, even though they love and support you. For example, I studied in Spain last year and while my mom thought it was the greatest thing in the world, my dad was counting down the days until I got back! Now I’m thinking about teaching in Thailand and they’re both a bit nervous for me.

Our parents grew up during a different time and they did not have all of these opportunities. If your mom doesn’t like adventurous or foreign things, it’s going to be so much harder for her to understand why you want to go. She may feel as though she will no longer be able to relate to you, after all, you’re traveling to all of these exotic places she’s probably never been! Your mom may also feel as though you’re trying to leave her and she’s not ready to let you go, which is totally normal.

While you can’t completely change your mom, you can try to make her feel more comfortable with the idea of traveling by showing her more information about the different programs. And there’s always compromise. So she may not let you go to Costa Rica, maybe you can find an awesome camp closer to home and show her you’re responsible and mature. Lastly, let her know you love her. Her little girl is growing up and she may not know exactly how to handle it just yet. But be patient, your time will come!

Ciao bella,
L’Oreal