Page 3 | To let the kids have a day off school?

StealthMama · 04/01/2026 20:19

I wouldn’t but only because I’d rather get the routine back then book something for a January weekend to keep the wintry blues away.

but whatever works for you, it’s just a day there’ll be loads of kids off with the sicknesses going round.

marriedtosoulmate · 04/01/2026 20:17

TartanMammy · 04/01/2026 20:05

No you don't need to 'take the kids away at New Year for a nice night'. Most families don't do this and manage just fine. Ridiculous to take time off after they've just been off for two weeks.

It’s their family tradition! Sure, they’ll manage just fine, just like the rest of us would if we didn’t continue our own family traditions. But, they have the opportunity to continue their tradition and they would like to as it’s special to them. Who cares what other families do. Your post is ridiculous.

BrendaSmall · 04/01/2026 20:14

Yes I would, and we have previous, we’ve accidentally muddled up the date they’ve returned to school 🤣

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.

Hiptothisjive · 04/01/2026 20:11

Ummm no. They just had two weeks off. School isn’t optional when you feel like it. That includes family days out.

Depends on how old your kids are but basically you are saying that when they get older they can take a day off from work because they need a day out (without booking it or lying about being ill).

Happytap · 04/01/2026 20:10

HappyNewTaxYear · 04/01/2026 20:00

Kids don’t really remember much of that kind of thing. They remember day-in, day-out routines and they remember odd stuff that you can’t predict.

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That's actually not true. Children and adults remember novelty. Not day in day out drudgery.

Id take mine OP. Two years ago we had a nightmare Xmas with DM almost dying. I took the kids away for ten nights in January and it did them a world of good.

marriedtosoulmate · 04/01/2026 20:08

Mrsaskalot · 04/01/2026 19:50

Had to stay here as we had a very unwell family member stay with us. They have got some help and support now so was hoping to squeeze in a break.

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Go for it!

pteromum · 04/01/2026 20:08

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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agree! Family time is so important. Realistically what will they be doing on Tuesday.

Tiedyeegg · 04/01/2026 20:07

Unless it’s an exam year for any of them, go for it.
I still have really fond memories of being kept off school on my 8th birthday because we hadn’t been able to celebrate at the weekend due to a quite upsetting family emergency.
It was the only time my parents ever kept me off school unnecessarily so it felt very special and exciting

marriedtosoulmate · 04/01/2026 20:07

TartanMammy · 04/01/2026 20:05

No you don't need to 'take the kids away at New Year for a nice night'. Most families don't do this and manage just fine. Ridiculous to take time off after they've just been off for two weeks.

It really depends on the drama they have endured these past 2 weeks.

momahoho1 · 04/01/2026 20:06

No because they have had 2 weeks off

CurlewKate · 04/01/2026 20:05

I would, yes. But I let mine have the occasional “duvet day” all through school.

marriedtosoulmate · 04/01/2026 20:05

Newyearanew · 04/01/2026 20:03

Life is too short- go have fun and make memories!

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.

Isit2026yet · 04/01/2026 20:05

@Mrsaskalot i would.

TartanMammy · 04/01/2026 20:05

No you don't need to 'take the kids away at New Year for a nice night'. Most families don't do this and manage just fine. Ridiculous to take time off after they've just been off for two weeks.

OhBumBags · 04/01/2026 20:04

No, it's not that long till Feb half-term.

Newyearanew · 04/01/2026 20:03

Life is too short- go have fun and make memories!

JaffavsCookie · 04/01/2026 20:02

No, if they primary then all the making memories stuff is mistaken, most kids remember very little unless prompted with photos etc and you kiss the resettling in day, if secondary definitely not either.
Teach your kids that school matters, education is important and prioritise their attendance.

marriedtosoulmate · 04/01/2026 20:01

HappyNewTaxYear · 04/01/2026 20:00

Kids don’t really remember much of that kind of thing. They remember day-in, day-out routines and they remember odd stuff that you can’t predict.

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She suggested the parents go make a lovely memory with their kids.

HappyNewTaxYear · 04/01/2026 20:00

GeorgeClooneyshouldhavemarriedme · 04/01/2026 19:49

I'm a teacher and I say go for it.
It's just one day .... go make a lovely memory with your kids.

Kids don’t really remember much of that kind of thing. They remember day-in, day-out routines and they remember odd stuff that you can’t predict.

marriedtosoulmate · 04/01/2026 19:59

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?

If the kids have had a terrible time due to dramas, then yes, I would take them away.

If they weren’t affected and have enjoyed their Christmas then there’s no reason to keep them off school.

Sunfloweranddaisy · 04/01/2026 19:59

Yes I would without any hesitation.

cheerfulaf · 04/01/2026 19:59

The first week off is mum running around getting organised, the second week is seeing uncle fuckwit and who ever else you’re obligated to spend time with

I’d go for it

Whoneedsanamesuggestion · 04/01/2026 19:59

Yes, where we are there is a fine for any unauthorised absence (I think - I've never actually had to pay one though).

You could always fib and say they're sick but I wouldn't recommend that

Oh sorry - I thought I'd quoted @Fleurdalys.

SeanMean · 04/01/2026 19:58

No, definitely not.