I think that a month in another country is too much for my teenager

Dear Harriette: Our daughter wants to leave for a study program abroad this summer.

She is in high school, and her only real experience at home is the occasional pajama evening and sometimes spending a week with her grandparents.

Yes, my husband and I are very protective of her. In addition, she did not show her interest in the summer camp or other sleep activities, so they did not arrive. Some of his other friends have done these things. She didn’t talk about it in one way or another. I thought she was not interested in traveling.

I cannot imagine exploring a brand new country and being absent for more than a month!

She is 16 years old and really brilliant, and I recognize why she is interested. I worry if it will be too much for her.

The university is only two years old, and I want to wait until then, but I don’t want to steal special experiences either. Suggestions?

– Too early to travel

Dear too early to travel: Before saying no, do research.

As a rule, study programs in high school are very well organized. The school works with a program that sets up all the logistics, and it is normal that one or more instructors of the school to travel with the students. To the chagrin of the students, their activities are closely monitored from day to evening.

Although your child can easily be alone on this prolonged period, the trip itself will surely be exciting and should provide the distraction necessary to prevent loneliness from becoming debilitating.

Talk to your school administrator and parents of students who have participated in the program in the past. Evaluate as many variables as possible before making a decision.

The most important thing: talk to your daughter. Find out why she wants to go, what interests her in the program and what she hopes to win from the trip. Listen to her to discover her motivation.

Evaluate all this data, then decide. I recommend it.

Dear Harriette: Regarding the child who was injured in the ankle at school: you probably have no time in a classroom and may not know the rules to handle pain and injuries.

If a child claims to have pain, he is supposed to be treated, both for the immediate well-being of the child and to avoid legal complications in the future. School nurses often have a set of rules for the teacher’s reference to use to decide to send the child to the nurse or manage him in class.

Class halls often have adhesive bandages for small cuts and sometimes have ice packs. Ice packs are also available to the nurse.

I believe that the director must be informed of this incident; The teacher may need refreshment in manipulation of injuries. Medical files will save what the parent says.

– in knowledge

Dear in knowledge: Thank you for this clarification. Hopefully all the parents of school children who read this will be careful.

It is wise to learn the protocols of your school of injuries and accidents in general. In this way, you will be informed in an emergency.

Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of Dreamleapers, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to Askharriette@harriettecole.com or to the syndication Andrews McMeel, 1130, rue Walnut, Kansas City, MO 64106.