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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to keep him off school some days at the moment

386 replies

tinyyturtle · 13/03/2026 21:24

hello first post so hope im doing this right

i have 3 boys ds1 is 4 and in reception ds2 is 2.5 and doesnt walk and ds3 is 10 weeks old today

school is about 2 miles away and i dont drive. walking isnt really possible for me as i have mobility problems myself so the bus is the only realistic way of doing it

ds2 technically still fits in a normal buggy but it doesnt support him properly and he kind of slumps to one side. he does have a sen buggy but its massive and its honestly a pain on the bus. half the time theres no space and trying to get on with that plus ds1 and the baby in a sling and bags is a whole thing

bus drivers also dont see it as a disabled buggy they just see a big buggy and expect me to fold it. which is hard because then i have to find somewhere safe to put ds2 while i fold it and hold the baby at the same time which isnt exactly easy

people do tut as well which doesnt help

some mornings its just chaos. if i take the big buggy i struggle getting it on and off and folding it while holding the baby. if i take the normal buggy ds2 just slides about and i feel bad about that

the baby cries a lot on the bus too which makes the whole thing more stressful

so the truth is ds1 has missed a fair bit of school recently. more than id like really. some mornings i just cant face doing the whole bus situation and i keep him home

i know reception isnt technically compulsory but i also know its not ideal for him missing days and i do feel guilty about it

aibu to just keep him off sometimes for now until the baby is a bit older and things settle down a bit or should i be pushing myself to get him there every day even if its a nightmare

im honestly exhausted at the moment and just wondering what other people would do in this situation

OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
metellaestinatrio · 16/03/2026 07:40

Slebs · 14/03/2026 09:03

At home with siblings and parents. Where has this notion come from that 4 year olds most only mix with other non-related 4 year olds in order to be social? There also may be a park or softplay in walking distance, a library or a church hall with groups around the corner which are more accessible for OP, we don't know. School at 4 is not the only, or I would suggest, the preferable option developmentally.

Not now applicable for the OP but for anyone else who doesn't already know, childcare hours are valid up until a child reaches compulsory school age, so eg. the OPs child is June birthday they could have been in nursery or with a childminder until end of this August 2026. This may have given more flexibility for this year for the OP, finding a nursery or childminder in walking distance or arriving at non-peak time to help with public transport and choosing only to put DS4 in for a day or 2 a week.

You keep repeating this but OP has said she takes the children to a local park ten minutes away and to the local shops, then the rest of the time is spent playing with toys or watching TV at home. There is no mention of groups or soft play, or meeting up with friends with small children. At almost five her DS should have the opportunity to socialise with children other than his siblings (one of whom is a tiny baby) and if he does not he will find it even harder to fit back in to his class at school when OP finds a solution to getting him there.

Warmlight1 · 16/03/2026 07:27

FlyingCatGirl · 15/03/2026 23:15

I've never seen a thread have.so many posts deleted! I am happy to report you for fake accusation as you know full well that I haven't said that kids shouldn't exist! You have made up a fake and highly bersion of events! You don't keep.usvomg kids if they keep being born with mobility issues and mum has mobility issues and can't take one of the kids to school and is going to be in a situation where she's got 3 kids to get school and at least two with mobility issues but you think the more pregnancies the merrier? Really? The kids don't matter eh? Responsible behaviour os for losers eh!
If only you'd done your due diligence before reporting me! I have seen two discussions in the last several days about schools sending people to houses and grilling families of kids who have not turned up to school.for a few days! I'm talking people who have demanded to go in a teenagers bedroom to check he was definitely ill in bed, a father being questioned why he was in his pyjamas at home because he and his daughter both had a bug! On a thread I literally read today, a woman's kids are in care because one of the kids has bowel incontinence, it was a thread started by another mother whose daughter has bad bowel issues keeping her off school and the school are not happy and making the families life very difficult! And you think social services would be ok with the OP being too tired and too far away to get three kids to school every single day? Please can you stop being the free speech police! You are gas lighting the OP by not wanting anyone to speak the truth. Nothing I said was incorrect, I'm telling the OP what I've seen from other posts!

Most people exercise self censorship around other people's kids but People think they can say literally anything to parents of disabled children. It's a thing. I didn't personally delete your comment but I felt it wasn't ok to say that to the parent.
if you want a philosophical discussion about the value of human life in all it's manifestations perhaps start anther thread and keep it general.

hopspot · 16/03/2026 06:56

I’m not sure what evidence you’re talking about or in what capacity you worked in education but as a KS1 teacher for 25 years I can tell you that children who miss significant chunks of their education and have poor attendance are seriously impacted in confidence, socialisation and attainment. That’s my experience.

Slebs · 16/03/2026 02:59

hopspot · 14/03/2026 15:48

It’s not wrong. Do you work in a school? The op has chosen to send their child to school.

Children who are behind age related expectations in school can suffer with low self worth as they naturally compare themselves with the rest of their class.

It’s all very well talking about research but the reality of life in a classroom is very different. You’re not helping the op suggesting otherwise.

Quite the opposite actually, starting school too early can cause anxiety and lack of confidence. No difference found at age 11 in reading & writing and maths for children starting at 5.

I worked in education for most of my career. It's been diminishing returns over recent years unfortunately. The school system is not really fit for purpose any longer but political short termism means the change needed is too much of a project and commitment of funds for a parliamentary term.

Slebs · 16/03/2026 02:56

ImImmortalNowBabyDoll · 14/03/2026 18:32

It is how is works in a mainstream classroom.

I didn't say mainstream education was the best place for all children, but OP is not home educating. In fact, it sounds like her hands are very full with a disabled 2 yo and a newborn. I highly doubt there's much learning of anything going on at home and certainly no valuable socialising.

You keep banging on about mainstream education and the national curriculum and how it's possible to learn at home, yes it is, but OP has not chosen home Ed, she's chosen school.

Research indicates that even children starting in Reception without having been to nursery are behind and many don't catch up.

No, research indicates the opposite. I'm not talking about home Ed, it's you that's 'banging on about it'

Excited101 · 16/03/2026 00:46

Whether school is compulsory or not doesn’t matter, if the child is enrolled then they’re expected to attend. The only other option is to de register unless there’s some sort of action plan in place with reduced attendance in place due to special needs/behaviour etc.So if he’s registered op, he must attend.

You’ve had some good advice on here op, the breakfast club sounds particularly viable. I’m
afraid you not being keen on it because you’d worry, is not reason enough to discount it as a way forwards. There’s presumably no reason you couldn’t do that some days and bus others- with a tag on the pram/wheelchair and learning to be more assertive- you’ll be sorted! These are all things within YOUR control.

Thebigarsedbitch · 16/03/2026 00:19

Boxoffrogs21 · 13/03/2026 21:34

You need to find a way to get your son to school every day - even if you consider Reception as ‘non-compulsory’, it’s valuable for him and it doesn’t sound like a lot will really change once he’s in Year 1 (the baby will just be a tricky toddler and 2.5-year-old will be even bigger but presumably still need help?) It’s hard for you and I do have sympathy, but your son’s education can’t just be seen as the easiest thing to let slide, it’s not fair.

Okay, so come up with a workable solution then! The OP's current morning routine sounds completely horrific. Simply saying the child must go to school, which the OP already knows isn't helpful.

FlyingCatGirl · 15/03/2026 23:15

Warmlight1 · 15/03/2026 10:06

You are stating the children shouldn't exist and upbraiding the parent for bringing them into the world.
"you'll end up in a battle with social services."
This is ill informed and stoking fear.
The children have rights enshrined in law , the Disabled child has a right to help consistent with their needs, as does their sibling, including the right not to be subject to this sort of degrading comment which I've reported.
It doesn't seem to occur to you that groups of siblings support each other as they grow up and your views about what is or isn't good for this family and indeed our community are very short sighted. How do you know the future?
If you read the thread you will see many different views about the value of reception level education.

I've never seen a thread have.so many posts deleted! I am happy to report you for fake accusation as you know full well that I haven't said that kids shouldn't exist! You have made up a fake and highly bersion of events! You don't keep.usvomg kids if they keep being born with mobility issues and mum has mobility issues and can't take one of the kids to school and is going to be in a situation where she's got 3 kids to get school and at least two with mobility issues but you think the more pregnancies the merrier? Really? The kids don't matter eh? Responsible behaviour os for losers eh!
If only you'd done your due diligence before reporting me! I have seen two discussions in the last several days about schools sending people to houses and grilling families of kids who have not turned up to school.for a few days! I'm talking people who have demanded to go in a teenagers bedroom to check he was definitely ill in bed, a father being questioned why he was in his pyjamas at home because he and his daughter both had a bug! On a thread I literally read today, a woman's kids are in care because one of the kids has bowel incontinence, it was a thread started by another mother whose daughter has bad bowel issues keeping her off school and the school are not happy and making the families life very difficult! And you think social services would be ok with the OP being too tired and too far away to get three kids to school every single day? Please can you stop being the free speech police! You are gas lighting the OP by not wanting anyone to speak the truth. Nothing I said was incorrect, I'm telling the OP what I've seen from other posts!

FlyingCatGirl · 15/03/2026 22:49

NN2020 · 15/03/2026 11:04

Yes let’s hand our babies over to institutions as soon as they are born. They’ll do much better job at developing them than actual parents.

Don't be silly and extreme! They are at home for years before they go to school and you can't have this complex that you are kids need and schools are bad!

PinkPomeloFruit · 15/03/2026 19:42

So, what’s on your action plan this week to sort your situation?

Coffeeandbooks88 · 15/03/2026 13:21

NN2020 · 15/03/2026 12:15

Erm… they are?

“An institution is
a structured system of rules, norms, or organizations that shapes social behavior, persists over time, and serves a public purpose(e.g., education, law, finance). It includes formal organizations (banks, schools) and informal customs (marriage, traditions).”

Kind of wonder how your kids will manage when they get a job if you have an attitude like this. 🤷

PurpleThistle7 · 15/03/2026 12:25

NN2020 · 15/03/2026 11:04

Yes let’s hand our babies over to institutions as soon as they are born. They’ll do much better job at developing them than actual parents.

I mean they do in some cases. Not all parents are amazing at it. Not all schools are amazing. Plenty of room for nuance.

OP - I hope that you have been able to glean a bit of practical suggestions here. Your first question was if it really matters. The answer is yes - if you intend on mainstream schooling, reception is an important first step. So you need to decide what to try first to support your child. Personally I think breakfast club and a sign on the buggy to explain it’s actually a wheelchair gets you to a good place, but you obviously are the one who can decide. You’ll need a system before this gets even harder next year so this is a good time to try various options - or combinations of options.

NN2020 · 15/03/2026 12:15

Coffeeandbooks88 · 15/03/2026 11:33

They aren't institutions.

Erm… they are?

“An institution is
a structured system of rules, norms, or organizations that shapes social behavior, persists over time, and serves a public purpose(e.g., education, law, finance). It includes formal organizations (banks, schools) and informal customs (marriage, traditions).”

CoffeeCup14 · 15/03/2026 11:40

I haven't RTFT but I did read OP's posts.

I think people may not realise the cumulative impacts of the various circumstances and how they impact on each other - you could cope with one of the issues, but not all of them. And it gets overwhelming when you have to fight for everything. You need a social worker to help you access proper support but you probably don't have the energy to fight to get one. Asking school for help may be a good idea.

Your son doesn't have to eat breakfast at breakfast club. He can have breakfast at home then your partner can drop him at school. It would massively ease the burden on you. I understand that he may struggle with breakfast club and it might not work out (and trying things which then don't work is very draining).

Things will change. You could plan out a timeline - when will DS2 get mobility DLA and what difference will that make? When will the baby stop being in a sling? (Mine was on my back for years). Is it just a stopgap until then that you need?

It sounds like mostly you're managing really well but with a few things which feel insurmountable. Can you look at what is working well and pin down the bits which are barriers?

It sounds like you are doing all the work and thinking and your DP is getting away with 'not being able to'. He really needs to take on the problem- solving as well.

Coffeeandbooks88 · 15/03/2026 11:33

NN2020 · 15/03/2026 11:04

Yes let’s hand our babies over to institutions as soon as they are born. They’ll do much better job at developing them than actual parents.

They aren't institutions.

NN2020 · 15/03/2026 11:04

FlyingCatGirl · 15/03/2026 08:51

It's not a good way for anyone to be, if your relationship had broke down you would have been in a mess because you've sat at home and not worked all those years and dragged that arrangement out for longer than needed because you kept kids at home who didn't need to be. It's not something people should do because too many parents already aren't bothering to develop their kids in the way that they should in readiness for school. Also you and your kids sitting at home for years more than necessary puts financial partner for all the food, drink, heating extra electric! It definitely feels a selfish act!

Yes let’s hand our babies over to institutions as soon as they are born. They’ll do much better job at developing them than actual parents.

Warmlight1 · 15/03/2026 10:06

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

You are stating the children shouldn't exist and upbraiding the parent for bringing them into the world.
"you'll end up in a battle with social services."
This is ill informed and stoking fear.
The children have rights enshrined in law , the Disabled child has a right to help consistent with their needs, as does their sibling, including the right not to be subject to this sort of degrading comment which I've reported.
It doesn't seem to occur to you that groups of siblings support each other as they grow up and your views about what is or isn't good for this family and indeed our community are very short sighted. How do you know the future?
If you read the thread you will see many different views about the value of reception level education.

FeelingALittleWoozyHere · 15/03/2026 10:05

OP you need a long term plan as none of your mobility issues sound like they will improve and as the kids get bigger they will get harder to manage.
I would focus on trying to get your oldest to adapt to breakfast club (feed him first so you don't need to worry about that) so your DH can drop him
Also look into DLA and PIP again so you can use taxis more when needed
Get a sign for your buggy explaining it is a wheelchair for a disabled child so buses are less stressful
Make sure you are on reliable birth control

FlyingCatGirl · 15/03/2026 09:09

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

FlyingCatGirl · 15/03/2026 08:55

SchoolDilemma17 · 15/03/2026 08:49

And the father is not disabled, has a car and could maybe also pull his weight.
but sure let’s see if an MP can sort first and can arrange school transport as famously councils are flash with money.

Edited

But he isn't doing and the problem is he may have to actually look at finding a job that works less hours so he can do school runs and a part time job may not pay enough to cover the cost of raising 3 kids and that's if they have the common sense to stop any further pregnancies.

FlyingCatGirl · 15/03/2026 08:51

Simplesbest · 15/03/2026 08:33

Errrrr yes. That's obvious..I literally said I'd rather have them all home but gave them the choice to go to school from 6 onwards and they chose school.
Are you unable to stay home home with your children, or do you find being at home difficult? Because my comment seems to have personally bothered you and that usually means it's touched a nerve.

It's not a good way for anyone to be, if your relationship had broke down you would have been in a mess because you've sat at home and not worked all those years and dragged that arrangement out for longer than needed because you kept kids at home who didn't need to be. It's not something people should do because too many parents already aren't bothering to develop their kids in the way that they should in readiness for school. Also you and your kids sitting at home for years more than necessary puts financial partner for all the food, drink, heating extra electric! It definitely feels a selfish act!

SchoolDilemma17 · 15/03/2026 08:49

FlyingCatGirl · 15/03/2026 08:40

But the issue is that the OP has created this situation, she has mobility issues yet keeps having kids despite the first kid having mobility issues too and a second has severe mobility issues, she lives too far from the school and has still had a 3rd child that at this moment in time is ten week old and what if it starts to become clear that the ten week old has got these mobility issues too! You don't keep getting pregnant if you already know that you can't get your kids to school. It's difficult for a MP to fight for people's bad life decisions.

And the father is not disabled, has a car and could maybe also pull his weight.
but sure let’s see if an MP can sort first and can arrange school transport as famously councils are flash with money.

FlyingCatGirl · 15/03/2026 08:40

Specialneedsnightmare · 13/03/2026 22:39

Speak to your mp or email them and explain why you need transport for your son. I did this when I was disabled and couldn't get my disabled child to school and didn't meet the criteria for school transport. My mp intervened and school transport was arranged. My child was picked up by a bus at home. Many mps will intervene in this kind of situation.

It's not easy but you need to fight your sons corner and make a strong case for needing transport.

But the issue is that the OP has created this situation, she has mobility issues yet keeps having kids despite the first kid having mobility issues too and a second has severe mobility issues, she lives too far from the school and has still had a 3rd child that at this moment in time is ten week old and what if it starts to become clear that the ten week old has got these mobility issues too! You don't keep getting pregnant if you already know that you can't get your kids to school. It's difficult for a MP to fight for people's bad life decisions.

Simplesbest · 15/03/2026 08:33

Coffeeandbooks88 · 15/03/2026 08:07

Sounds a bit like "me, me, me". Rather keeping them home with you than getting them to school.

Errrrr yes. That's obvious..I literally said I'd rather have them all home but gave them the choice to go to school from 6 onwards and they chose school.
Are you unable to stay home home with your children, or do you find being at home difficult? Because my comment seems to have personally bothered you and that usually means it's touched a nerve.

Coffeeandbooks88 · 15/03/2026 08:07

Simplesbest · 14/03/2026 16:05

Their attendance is in the low 80% this is my primary children..my secondary school kids their attendance is almost 100%. Bad attendance has never negatively impacted my children. All I'm ever told at parents evenings is how they are top % in every subject and a pleasure to have in the classroom so clearly isn't holding them back. I'm lucky to be a stay at home parent and I love keeping them home. I'd have happily kept them home but they all the choice to attend from 6 and wanted to. My teens school is far as well but they're happy to bike/ scoot in with their friends. Being lax with their attendance in primary hasn't given them a bad ethic for attendance later on. The opposite actually.
School isn't a one size fits all and education doesn't just happen in the classroom.

Sounds a bit like "me, me, me". Rather keeping them home with you than getting them to school.

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