Although it certainly may not feel like it in many parts of the country, spring is right around the corner here in Tallahassee. The azaleas and the dogwoods are in bloom, and there is color everywhere.

If spring is just around the corner, then so is Spring Break. Which leads to the annual rite of spring for teenagers known as Mom & Dad, can I go to the beach for the week with my friends? All my friends parents are letting them go!

Parents are caught between appropriate concern for their kids and the fear that they are being overly strict or somehow damanging or embarrassing their kids.

Each spring parents ask me, Should I let my kids go to the beach with their friends without any adults?

Each year I give the same answer that seems to clear things up very quickly for the parents:

Would you feel comfortable sending your kids alone, unsupervised, to Bourbon Street in New Orleans for a week?

If that sounds harsh to you, consider this question:

Just what is the difference?

The answer is not much.

Should teens be allowed to go to Spring Break at the beach?

Of course.

Should they be allowed to go without adult suprevision?

Of course not.

Your kids may complain and complain and complain about adults going. They may tell you that EVERYONE ELSE gets to go without parental supervision.

While that might be uncomfortable, that's OK.