I recently got an opportunity to go to overseas this summer to perform and I'm very excited. However, my parents want to go and I'm just not 100% sure that I want them to. Out of the four of us soloists, I'm the only one who is a student or a non-professional rather and I highly doubt that the other soloists' parents will be accompanying us on the trip. People are often invited to go on the trip if they want to watch the performances but I feel like since I'm the one who put in all the work to get the opportunity, this should be my moment. Even though my dad loves me, he's never really been understanding or supportive of my career choice so I definitely don't feel that he should go. I have a great relationship with my mother but even then I'd still want to probably go on my own... The only thing is that I don't want to hurt their feelings. How can I tell them in the most respectful way possible that I just need to do this on my own?

How old are you?

I'm 20.

I would explain to them that while you love them and appreciate their support, you feel like this is a time in your life where you should try things on your own. Help them to realize that you are an adult now, and are capable of taking care of yourself. It is very hard for a parent to let a child go.

Of course, if your parents are paying for this trip in any way, then you have to understand that they have every right to give their opinion and maybe even rules. They may demand that if you are benefitting from their generosity, then you must let them accompany you.