Should I cancel the trip?

Chick981 · 2025-06-12T04:47:11+00:00

I’ve booked on a whim to go abroad to an event in September. It means leaving my kids 2 and 5) for three nights, crucially during my eldest’s first week of year one (relevant as I’m worried about the reception to year one transition) I’m really regretting booking it now and I keep worrying / feeling guilty about it in the night. I’ve never been in a different country to my kids and never been away for three nights before so that plus the guilt around missing the first week of back to school is just making me regret it. Wondering whether to suck it up and cancel it (I’d lose £140 for flights but could probably get a refund on event ticket) or put my big girl pants on and go ahead with it. If the flights were refundable I’d have cancelled my now but £140 is a lot of money to just waste! Any reassurances either way welcome and yes I know I’m being over anxious/ over thinking.

Tbry24 · 12/06/2025 10:53

Chick981 · 12/06/2025 10:31

I really thought I’d be criticised on here for being over anxious (or for not caring enough to stay at home) but you’ve all actually being really reassuring and lovely. I’m going to go as I feel like it is just my anxiety getting in the way and once I’ve done it I’ll probably wonder why I was so worried and be gallivanting off all over the place without the kids!

Definitely go and enjoy yourself.

Tbry24 · 12/06/2025 10:53

It’s three days, the other parent is there, go and enjoy yourself you are allowed to do things. I was a lone parent so never got time alone.

DaisyChain505 · 12/06/2025 10:31

Your children have two parents. You’re not leaving them with a stranger they will be fine.

Your child is starting year 1, they’ve will already know the teacher, the school and their classmates. It isn’t as if it’s their first day at a brand new school or nursery and even if it was they will be with their other parent.

Go on the trip.

Original poster

Chick981 · 12/06/2025 10:31

I really thought I’d be criticised on here for being over anxious (or for not caring enough to stay at home) but you’ve all actually being really reassuring and lovely. I’m going to go as I feel like it is just my anxiety getting in the way and once I’ve done it I’ll probably wonder why I was so worried and be gallivanting off all over the place without the kids!

OP posts:

Icedcaramelfrappe · 12/06/2025 10:07

No steep jump here, they barely noticed the change.

Go! Have a ball

NeedthatFridayfeeling · 12/06/2025 10:05

DappledThings · 12/06/2025 06:27

Moving from Reception to year 1 was no big deal at all for us. It's not like starting school. I would do this quite happily.

Same here

KarmenPQZ · 12/06/2025 10:04

Chick981 · 12/06/2025 06:00

Yes other parent will be at home with them. I guess I’ve just started to hear so much around how steep the jump is from reception to year one and that’s what’s worrying me, especially as my eldest is sensitive to change so has always struggled when moving nursery rooms, to pre school etc.

We sailed through reception year but really struggled with the transition from reception to year one. But that didn’t hit in the first week - that’s all okay and settling in. It’s only towards half term through to til Easter we struggled.

I see no need to avoid a trip you’ve booked for the first week of term. That’s arguably the easiest when the kids are excited to be back with their friends and new teacher.

DeskJotter · 12/06/2025 10:03

Chick981 · 12/06/2025 06:00

Yes other parent will be at home with them. I guess I’ve just started to hear so much around how steep the jump is from reception to year one and that’s what’s worrying me, especially as my eldest is sensitive to change so has always struggled when moving nursery rooms, to pre school etc.

Nah, the first week of Y1 will be a lovely gentle transition - the teachers care about the kids and know what they are doing.

Original poster

Chick981 · 12/06/2025 09:53

Icepop79 · 12/06/2025 07:33

I’ve never heard of moving from reception to year 1 as a big deal. I think you should absolutely go. If it was your child’s first day in a new school I would want to be there, but just moving up a year? Not necessary for both parents to be present.

There was a thread on here the other day which I think has gotten into my head! But some really sensible posters on here, thank you.

OP posts:

SusiQ18472638 · 12/06/2025 07:37

I would go. The transition from reception to year one can be tricky for some, but in my experience that’s not something that will suddenly be a major problem in that first week. Plus they have their other parent there to support if needed.

Icepop79 · 12/06/2025 07:33

I’ve never heard of moving from reception to year 1 as a big deal. I think you should absolutely go. If it was your child’s first day in a new school I would want to be there, but just moving up a year? Not necessary for both parents to be present.

UpsideDownChairs · 12/06/2025 07:30

My eldest was chomping at the bit to get back to school for year 1 - he loved school - and for the first week, TBH, he was knackered and just wanted after school snack and to flake out at home before early bed.

3 nights with me not there would have been fine. Go on your trip.

EleanorReally · 12/06/2025 07:26

it is just a difference class, not a new school
go for it

SortthisoutpleaseJesus · 12/06/2025 07:25

Chick981 · 12/06/2025 06:00

Yes other parent will be at home with them. I guess I’ve just started to hear so much around how steep the jump is from reception to year one and that’s what’s worrying me, especially as my eldest is sensitive to change so has always struggled when moving nursery rooms, to pre school etc.

Cut the apron strings a bit OP. Your kids will with their other parent who is as capable of parenting them as you are. If you were a single mum it would be different but to claim you are the only one who can do this transition is a bit insulting to your partner.

DrinkFeckArseBrick · 12/06/2025 07:22

Starting a new school, I wouldn't go. Starting a new year in the same school, I'd go, unless there is a drip feed that your child is neuro diverse and really struggles with transitions. I don't think moving up a class is that big of a deal or anything they'll remember that you weren't there for like a school performance

Endofyear · 12/06/2025 07:21

DappledThings · 12/06/2025 07:19

I'm pretty sure that poster was asking a deliberately silly question to point out that as they are children they clearly won't be alone to encourage OP to go.

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Ah yes! 😂 too early in the morning for me!

CurlewKate · 12/06/2025 07:19

Would you be able to enjoy it? If yes, then go. If not then cancel.

DappledThings · 12/06/2025 07:19

Endofyear · 12/06/2025 07:15

They're 2 and 5!

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I'm pretty sure that poster was asking a deliberately silly question to point out that as they are children they clearly won't be alone to encourage OP to go.

BendingSpoons · 12/06/2025 07:18

As a parent I almost found the start of year 1 an anticlimax! We quite a bit of transition to school nursery, even more transition to Reception (even though it was the same school for us) then dropped them off at the year 1 gate having not even met the teacher! The children had met the teacher a few times in school and obviously knew her a bit from assemblies etc. All this is fine and appropriate for children who were familiar with the school, just felt quite different as a parent.

Endofyear · 12/06/2025 07:15

Silvertulips · 12/06/2025 05:48

Are the kids home alone?

They're 2 and 5!

Original poster

Chick981 · 12/06/2025 07:10

Thank you everyone, if nothing else there are some really reassuring comments here around year one.

OP posts:

InterestedDad37 · 12/06/2025 07:10

Go for it, and enjoy your time away 😊 Sounds like you have no qualms about the other parent, and the world will keep on turning 😊

Whatwouldnanado · 12/06/2025 07:09

Go. Enjoy yourself. Hear all about it when you get back. Trust your partner and more importantly the school. Anxiety about change is catching. Your little one is just going into a different classroom with all the others and will have a great time, especially if you expect them to!

HuskyNew · 12/06/2025 07:08

The transition to year 1 doesn’t really happen on week one. That will just be settling in and playing like reception was. The transition to more formal learning happens over weeks / months and that’s when tiredness builds etc. It’s not a one off event you will miss.

Fupoffyagrasshole · 12/06/2025 07:06

Is dad with them? Isn’t he capable of managing all this while your gone
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