Additional Coverage:
- I took my 14-year-old on a cruise to Hawaii. Strangers kept telling him how lucky he was to have me as a parent. (businessinsider.com)
Reconnecting With My Teen in Hawaii: A Mom’s Story
Like many parents of teens, I felt shut out by my 14-year-old son. He was glued to his phone, lost in a world of friends and adolescent aloofness.
But during a rare moment of conversation, he mentioned his dream trip: Hawaii. An idea sparked.
For his 8th-grade graduation, I surprised him with an UnCruise adventure. This wasn’t your typical cruise; it was a small-ship expedition focused on exploring the Hawaiian islands, with an emphasis on nature and unplugged experiences.
Secretly, I hoped it would bring us closer. And it did.
It wasn’t just the two of us. The Safari Explorer held around 30 other passengers, creating a built-in community.
This allowed my son space when needed, and I enjoyed connecting with other adults. Mealtimes were communal, easing the pressure of constant one-on-one conversation.
Surprisingly, these fellow travelers helped my son see me in a new light. They praised my adventurous spirit – kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking alongside him.
I went from “mom who nags” to someone he considered, dare I say, cool.
Being outdoors was key. One unforgettable moment: my son, snorkeling, excitedly calling me over to see an octopus.
His pure joy transported us back to a time of shared wonder. We were experiencing this together, not as parent and teen, but as two people in awe of nature.
Every day brought new adventures – hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming. At home, he avoids outdoor time with me, but here, it was the main event.
And the lack of Wi-Fi? A blessing in disguise.
Without his phone, he was present. We played cards, a forgotten pastime, and talked about life – girls, sports, friendships.
I listened more than I advised, remembering he still needs to be heard.
Strangers offered unexpected insights. They told me how he gave up his seat for an elderly man, helped clean up a spill – reminders of his kindness, easily overlooked amidst the eye-rolls at home.
This trip wasn’t a magic solution to the teenage years, but it was a reset. A reminder that he’s still in there, the thoughtful boy I know, and that I’m still in here too, the mom who wants to connect with him.