How to holiday with a teen

It needn't be as traumatic as you fear if you follow this key parenting advice for a calm, stress-free trip with your growing family, says LISA SALMON

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Taking young children on holiday is hard enough, but with teenagers it’s a whole different ballgame. It can be difficult - but it’s not all bad, insists Tanith Carey, author of a string of parenting books including What's My Teenager Thinking?

The mum-of-two has made it through the teenage years with her daughters, who are now in their early 20s, and says: "Going on holiday with teens can be one of the most rewarding stages of family holidays, but also one of the most challenging."

She explains that during adolescence, teenagers seek independence and are more sensitive to social status and what their peers think, while their brains are wired to seek out novelty and stimulation.

"This means the things you want most on holiday, such as family harmony and togetherness, may be a little harder to achieve," she says.

"But by being open to hearing how they'd like their holiday to look, and trying to see your break through their eyes, there are plenty of things you can do to make it a happier holiday together."