'What I learned from crashing my son's Schoolies in Bali.'

When my 18-year-old son, Max, announced he was heading to Schoolies, I made a decision that was equal parts "protective mum" and "treat yo'self." I booked a ticket too. Yes, I became a Smoolie, a Schoolies Mum, joining the unofficial brigade of mums flying to Bali to keep a watchful (yet distant) eye on our kids. And, let's be real, I wasn't exactly crying into my suitcase about the chance for a sunny getaway.

The adventure began on the plane, where the pilot announced the usual safety spiel before adding, "Congratulations to all the Schoolies! Take it easy on this flight — you can party hard in Bali." Oh, really? I exchanged raised eyebrows with the other Smoolies. Did he just endorse the party vibe? Bold move, Captain, with us Smoolies onboard!

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Once we landed, I quickly learned today's Schoolies come armed with tech smarts. Snapchat maps and TikTok were their secret weapons for finding the trendiest beach clubs and most Instagrammable pool villas. Honestly, it felt safer than the pre-social media days when kids roamed aimlessly, relying on dodgy directions from their equally clueless mates. Double-edged sword, sure, but one I wasn't mad about.

The daytime vibe was surprisingly chill. The kids I bumped into were polite and dare I say, even wholesome. They wandered the chaotic streets clutching Bintang beers they mostly didn't drink, bartered for "designer" gear, and soaked up Bali's laid-back energy. Meanwhile, us mums traded tips on the best knock-off shops. "The 100% Fake Shop" won hands down, because if you're doing Bali, you might as well leave with a pair of faux Prada sunnies and a Louis Vouiton tote. (Spelling intentional.)

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I skipped the mum meet-ups, though. I wasn't feeling particularly social. After a big year, I just wanted some quiet time, and shockingly, Max seemed happy to hang with me.

Max's Schoolies plans were, well, unconventional. After a messy breakup, he joined last-minute and hadn't sorted accommodation with his mates. So, he stayed with me. Yep, Schoolies with Mum. We had room service dinners, shopped for fake soccer jerseys, and played chill Bali beats by the pool.

Watching him flop onto a blow-up mattress like he did as a little boy melted me. As I watched him jump onto the inflatable pool lilo, I couldn't help but flash back to seven years ago when he was just a little boy doing the exact same thing. It filled me with so much love and made me smile, proof that, no matter how much they grow up, some things never change.

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He's still buying fakes, now it's soccer jerseys instead of temporary tattoos, but with a grown-up twist: he's started eyeing real tattoos. I can't help but laugh at the evolution. The dares have changed too. Back then, it was "Mum, I bet I can beat you in a swimming race!" Now? "Mum, try a vape with me." Spoiler: the race happened; the vape didn't.

My biggest worry? Motorbikes. Max promised to wear a helmet and keep me updated via Life360, the app every Smoolie swears by. True to his word, he kept speed low and his whereabouts known. Bali nightlife was surprisingly tame: a few beach clubs, villa hangouts, and one hilariously politically incorrect night involving midget boxing (yes, it's a thing there). He even stumbled back to our room at wildly specific hours like 3:34 a.m., always announcing he was safe before crashing.

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The boys' biggest challenge? Decision-making. They'd spend hours debating plans, only to end up doing… nothing. Frustrating? Sure. But it also kept them out of serious trouble.

As the trip wrapped up, I realised what a gift this time had been, not the Bali sunsets, the massages, or even the fake designer tote (although, let's be honest, those were fab). It was the unexpected moments with Max: sharing quiet room service dinners, laughing over silly memes, and catching glimpses of the little boy he used to be, mixed with the man he's becoming.

Watching him navigate this new phase of independence while still choosing to spend time with me felt like a rare privilege.

In a few years, these moments might be fewer and further between. But for now, Bali gave us something unforgettable: not just a holiday, but a reminder that, no matter how much they grow up, some things, like the love you share, never really change.

Feature Image: Supplied.