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Original poster

Boarding school for DD but not for DS

79 replies

WeakandWobbly · 15/12/2019 21:58

This question is not about boarding versus day school, but I just wanted to know what people thought about my DD going to weekly boarding school in year 7, given that her brother won't. He has ASD in state school but the atmosphere at home can be toxic around his mood swings and attitude towards her. Of course there is always the risk that my DD will feel her brother is being favoured, but nothing could be further from the truth, and we would make a point of reassuring her. We've found a fabulous school and she's keen to board. They get on well when they've been apart, but the sibling rivalry has been getting her down for years and I feel this is her chance to fly and have breathing space. Genuinely seeking views/advice.

OP posts:
Temporaryanonymity · 15/12/2019 23:53

My DS1 is similar to your son. My younger son has often asked if we can send his brother to boarding school. I don’t know how old your ASD child is but I have seen a marked change in mine over the last year. He’s 13 and our home situation is far less fraught now.

SurpriseSparDay · 15/12/2019 23:53

Genuinely seeking views/advice.

Oh, good. Too many definitely not genuine posts around right now.

Has your DD asked to weekly board? Or intimated that she would prefer to spend less time with her brother? If so, it could well make life more pleasant for her.

But boarding (even weekly boarding) requires a lot of commitment from parents.

And are you sure that this new opportunity for her won’t engender envy and hostility in her sibling?

VanyaHargreeves · 15/12/2019 23:52

If the atmosphere at home so negatively impacts her she really struggles for studying and personal space, she might really need the respite.

Seeing it as not wanting her/getting rid is a really unnecessary simplification.

If she wants to let her try it she can always come back

Thanks
BillHadersNewWife · 15/12/2019 23:45

Hmm She's very young to go away...and if her brother is the reason you're considering it, well I do think that's a bad decision. He may be difficult to live with but sending her away from her parents won't fix that.

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