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Minor Issues: Lessons my teenager learnt from his first holiday with friends, sans parents

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The trip strengthened their friendships as they learnt more about one another, and each person’s likes and dislikes.

The trip strengthened their friendships as they learnt more about one another, and each person’s likes and dislikes.

ST ILLUSTRATION: MANNY FRANCISCO

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  • The author's son's first unchaperoned trip was initially met with parental hesitation, but eventually accepted because it was potentially the last trip before national service.
  • Her son and his friends planned a budget-friendly trip, minimising expenses by choosing a budget airline, forgoing check-in luggage, and splitting accommodation between basic and nicer hotels.
  • The trip taught valuable life lessons, including problem-solving, time management and the importance of responsibility, while strengthening friendships and creating lasting memories.

AI generated

SINGAPORE – In 2024, my son, who was then 18, said he wanted to travel with his friends after his national examinations.

Although I was initially hesitant, I gradually came round to the idea. He had been working hard to prepare for his exams and it would be a well-deserved break for him and his buddies.

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