Parent FAQs for Matric Holidays
So you've heard of "Matric Holiday", but you're not really sure what it’s all about. Matric Holiday is....
I don't want my child to attend Matric Holiday. What are the alternatives?
In the past, parents who have not wanted their children to attend Matric Holiday week have offered tangible alternatives such as a phone or tablet in exchange for not attending. In most cases, these are things that matric students value more than a week of partying, and it helps them to appreciate your opinion.
Parents wary of the larger celebrations have offered a compromise by offering to pay for their children to go on holiday with their friends somewhere else in South Africa, while their children would have to pay for themselves to attend an official Matric Holiday in Ballito, Mossel Bay or Plettenberg Bay.
There are a few alternative programs to the usual Matric Holiday week festivities put on by local councils, such as:
- Scripture Union camps
Many Matrics are now also organising overseas travel for their Matric Holiday week, often with friends or family. The key is to discuss the range of options with your child and look at exactly what they hope to get out of Matric Holiday week.
Should I buy alcohol for my child?
Studies have shown that adolescents are less likely to drink and less likely to engage in binge drinking if parents actively disapprove of this behaviour. Conversely, adolescents whose parents display a permissive attitude towards alcohol consumption tend to drink more.
(Hayes, L., Smart, D., Toumbourou, J.W. & Sanson, A. (2004).
Parenting Influences on Adolescent Alcohol Use. Report prepared by the Australian Institute of Family Studies for the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. Canberra: Australian Institute of Family Studies)
IF MY CHILD IS UNDER 18?
Supplying liquor to minors is illegal regardless of whether you are their parent or not. In previous years, police have fined parents on-the-spot for buying their children alcohol. Your child can also be fined, which in most cases, will fall back upon you as a parent as well.
IF MY CHILD IS OVER 18?
When a student's money to purchase alcohol comes from their own pocket they are more price-sensitive and tend to purchase and consume less. Matric Holiday party goers are also less likely to share their alcohol with others if they have had to pay for it themselves.
How can I prevent becoming a grandparent over Matric Holiday?
As embarrassing as it is for both you and your child to discuss their sexual activity at Matric Holiday, they will definitely be surrounded with sexual propositions, expectations, and opportunities. On top of this, they will be away from home without supervision for possibly the first time. It's important they become aware that being surrounded with pressure from peers plus the prevalence of alcohol, means decision-making will be much harder, and they need to remain true to themselves.
Alcohol is proven to lower inhibitions and impair judgment, and it does affect a person’s ability to say ‘no’.
Discuss options with your child about setting up accountability with their friends. Things that have worked in the past include:
1. Each person in the group of friends has a designated sober night to look after their friends.
2. Friends are made accountable to one another to make sure no-one goes off with someone alone.
Make sure your child is aware of the consequences of sexual activity outside of a committed relationship. Talk to your young person about whether or not they would like to become a mother or father during Matric Holiday week and the responsibilities that could entail.
What can I do to help prepare my child for Matric Holiday?
Young people at Matric Holiday often forget how much mom and dad really do for them, like cooking and cleaning. You can help your child by cooking and freezing meals for them prior to the week, providing a suggested shopping list that includes more than alcohol and Coco Pops, and letting them know that no matter what time of day or night, if they need to call you they can!
It is also important to let your child know that no matter what kind of trouble they get into you are willing to listen and to help. If a child thinks their behaviour will cause you to get angry at them, they probably won’t call you - even if they really need help.
Can I get the Red Frog Crew to visit my child at Matric Holiday?
Yes! You can ring our Red Frog call centre on our 24 Hour Hotline to arrange for one of our teams to visit your child during Matric Holiday week. Our crew can arrange a pancake breakfast, help them keep their room in a liveable condition, and just be there to talk to them. The number to call is 060 733 3764. Please let us know which hotel your child is staying in, and their room number.
