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Original poster

To let the kids have a day off school?

91 replies

Mrsaskalot · 04/01/2026 19:46

We always go away every year on New Year’s Day and take the kids away for a nice night. We’ve had so much family dramas we just weren’t able to go. DH is off work tomorrow & Tuesday and the kids go back to school on Tuesday.

Would you go for it? Or is it a bit unreasonable considering they’ve had two weeks off?

OP posts:
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PurBal · 05/01/2026 11:22

I empathise as all our plans changed due to my MIL being at end of life. We considered keeping DS off school because it’s been dire (having your 4yo bawl that his grandmother is going to die is not something I’d wish on anyone) but normality is more important, there will be other times for memories.

Loub1987 · 04/01/2026 22:24

Its one day, will hardly destroy their education! Go for it and enjoy x

I personally, due to illness, had to take several months off of primary school. Still manage to read and be a high earner.

patooties · 04/01/2026 22:20

JFDI I would

somanychristmaslights · 04/01/2026 22:20

It’s absolutely freezing everywhere, where would you go? I’d go for a day out tomorrow.

PuttingOnMyPositivePants · 04/01/2026 22:19

Nancylancy · 04/01/2026 22:18

Oh just take them. You deserve it. One day of school doesn't matter at that age, and you've had a shit time, the kids will settle back in. Go make your memories. It's one day FFS.

Completely agree! It is ONE day

Nancylancy · 04/01/2026 22:18

Oh just take them. You deserve it. One day of school doesn't matter at that age, and you've had a shit time, the kids will settle back in. Go make your memories. It's one day FFS.

PuttingOnMyPositivePants · 04/01/2026 22:17

Zov · 04/01/2026 20:53

It's comments like this that make me glad I'm not a teacher. Too many entitled parents who think there's nothing wrong with keeping Kayden or Okayden off school whenever it suits. 🙄 As a pp said, these same parents will be crowing later on in the year when their kids don't want to come to school, or their grades start falling.

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Is there any need?! Why mention those names in particular? If you wanted to make yourself appear like a snobby idiot, well done!

ithinkilikethislittlelife · 04/01/2026 22:14

Wow. Go. It’ll be an adventure x

ItsameLuigi · 04/01/2026 22:12

BrendaSmall · 04/01/2026 20:27

🤣🤣
my mum never received letters that were sent home from school via us 🤣🤣

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🤣🤣🤣 honestly wish she'd have kept the letter, it was genius

Kizmet1 · 04/01/2026 22:07

Go for it, OP! One day isn't going to make or break an education, and if you've had a tough time you could all use a rest and reset.
Have a wonderful time and let the reality of school and work wait a moment, you're not doing any harm.

WithYouShortieWithYou · 04/01/2026 21:51

Go

Auroraloves · 04/01/2026 21:40

Zov · 04/01/2026 20:53

It's comments like this that make me glad I'm not a teacher. Too many entitled parents who think there's nothing wrong with keeping Kayden or Okayden off school whenever it suits. 🙄 As a pp said, these same parents will be crowing later on in the year when their kids don't want to come to school, or their grades start falling.

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If it wasn’t for the circumstances surrounding OPs bad start to the new year and her planned night away being ruined through no fault of their own it would be different. I doubt at the ages that the children are, one day will make much difference. What grade do you expect a nursery aged child to drop
to from 1 day off?!

As an (ex) teacher, I know how important family life is and would support the parents in this situation. Some people on this forum have bo flexibility do they

Sleepygrumpyandnothappy · 04/01/2026 21:36

marriedtosoulmate · 04/01/2026 20:05

Agreed! I value education and have instilled this in my kids. However, if our two weeks Christmas holiday has been ruined by drama and it’s affected the kids well-being, then yes, I would definitely want it end on a high for them before returning to school.

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If the OP has had a “drama” filled Christmas then the quiet routine of school is probably what her kids need most. Don’t pile chaos on chaos.

M103 · 04/01/2026 21:36

I would go!

TheNightingalesStarling · 04/01/2026 21:32

If their dad works Saturday and Sunday every weekend... then yes. Go.

Applecup · 04/01/2026 21:26

Irresponsible. You’ve had two weeks to go away.

Beautitul · 04/01/2026 21:26

No because it's more settled to go back to school on the return day with everyone else even if it's primary just better routine for them.
It won't undo the drama or stress.

Laserwho · 04/01/2026 21:23

Dulcie6 · 04/01/2026 20:14

I would let the kids have the day off. The memories will be more important than missing one day of school.

You know you can make memories on days when kids are not in school eg weekends. You don't need to miss school to do this

butternut123 · 04/01/2026 21:11

I would

Hiptothisjive · 04/01/2026 21:11

marriedtosoulmate · 04/01/2026 20:24

They’ve had a tough Christmas, I think they can be cut some slack on this occasion. The kids deserve a couple of nice days before heading back to school. Best to go back happy than miserable.

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We don’t know that from ‘family dramas’as the OP hasn’t been clear. They couldn’t go on their day out for new years - a reason to miss school. That’s kinda worse - we couldn’t have our day out so we are taking another day and taking our kids out of school to do it.

Moonnstarz · 04/01/2026 21:04

Mrsaskalot · 04/01/2026 20:43

Can’t hubby at work! :(

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Book the time off....or he calls in sick like you want to do for the children.

Moonnstarz · 04/01/2026 21:03

Purlant · 04/01/2026 20:30

Can’t you make a nice memory at the weekend?

Agreed. Or go Friday after school finishes and then come back Sunday evening.

Xmasbaby11 · 04/01/2026 21:02

I wouldn’t - important to settle in back to school imo.

can you plan a little trip soonish so you can look forward to it?

Itsnaptime · 04/01/2026 21:00

It's 1 day and your making memories they'll remember forever, I say go for it

carly2803 · 04/01/2026 20:58

primary yes!
secondary not as likely

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