Only 1 in 5 parents give teens space on vacation—experts say it could hold them back

If you’ve ever sent your teenager out for ice cream on vacation and felt a pang of panic, you’re not alone. According to a new national survey from C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, most parents are hesitant to give their teens space—even during low-stakes family getaways.

The survey, which included responses from over 1,000 parents of teens ages 13 to 18, found that:

• Just 31% would let their teen walk to a nearby coffee shop alone.
• Only 21% would allow them to break off at a museum or amusement park.
• One in five parents say they’ve never allowed their teen to be away from them on a vacation.
• Nearly two-thirds rely on check-ins or location tracking to monitor their teen’s whereabouts.

This tightening grip isn’t due to a lack of trust—64% of parents said they’re confident their teens would follow rules if given more freedom. The bigger fear? Safety. Over half worry about injury or accidents, and concerns about strangers are especially pronounced for parents of girls (70% vs. 41% of boys).

But here’s the rub: keeping our teens within arm’s reach might be stunting more than just their vacation fun.

Related: Researchers find a little childhood independence can reduce kids’ anxiety

Why giving teens freedom on vacation matters

“Time away from parents… can be an important step in helping teens build the confidence, decision-making, and self-management skills they’ll need as adults,” the poll notes.

Experts agree that opportunities for small, supervised independence help teens:

• Learn to assess risks and make decisions
• Gain confidence navigating new environments
• Build emotional resilience through low-stakes trial and error

And if not during a laid-back beach trip or hotel breakfast buffet, then when?

The worry is real—and valid

Of course, letting go is easier said than done. For moms especially, raising teens in today’s world of hypervigilance, media-fueled fear, and real safety concerns means the emotional labor of loosening the reins is heavy. And for those raising daughters, the fear is statistically heightened. That doesn’t make you overprotective—it makes you human.

How to give your teen more freedom—without letting go completely

A few expert-backed, mom-tested strategies:

• Start small: Let them walk to the hotel café with a sibling or ride the elevator solo.
• Set expectations: Clear rules and check-in times build trust and boundaries.
• Use tech wisely: Location sharing can offer peace of mind—but aim for “monitoring,” not surveillance.
• Reflect after: Debrief what went well, what didn’t, and how they felt about it.

Related: Loss of independence is fueling kids’ mental health crisis, according to expert

Independence isn’t about distance—it’s about development

Allowing your teen to step away isn’t just about giving them space to roam. It’s about creating space for them to grow. A solo stroll to the snack stand or navigating the museum map may feel small—but it’s practice for adulthood in the safest possible setting: one where you’re still just a text away.

Letting go isn’t a loss. It’s a gift. And it’s one that says: I trust you. You’re ready. You’ve got this.

Sources:

1. Encouraging Teen Independence Without Encouraging Rebellion. Insights. Promoting Teen Autonomy: Encouraging Teen Independence Without Encouraging Rebellion.
2. Tips for Encouraging Independence. CDC. Tips for Encouraging Independence.
3. Traveling with teens: Independence day? Mott Poll Report. Traveling with teens: Independence day?