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Original poster

Do you take the day off work for DC's birthdays?

100 replies

Rosio · 12/10/2022 16:25

Just wondering what the norm is. My children are coming up 4 and 2 so still young, but DH has started a new job and we were making a note of holidays he needs to book and I first thought he should book both the DC birthdays off, but then thought 4 year old will be in nursery til 3 anyway.

Not sure what's best really, do you take the day off work on your children's birthdays?

OP posts:
cushioncovers · 12/10/2022 16:47

If they aren't at school or work I try to but it's no biggy if I can't.

Swedishmeatball · 12/10/2022 16:50

No. I was travelling abroad on a work trip for DS’ first birthday - wouldn’t have occurred to me to book the day off!

optimistic40 · 12/10/2022 16:51

Sometimes. One DC has Xmas Eve bday so it's nice to be off that day anyway.

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PAFMO · 12/10/2022 16:52

Nope.
And by the time they are in school they tend to want to celebrate and feel special there, as well as at home.

WeAllHaveWings · 12/10/2022 16:52

Had all but 1 of ds(18)s birthdays booked off, but that was only because when his birthday was on a weekday it almost always fell during a school holiday so he was off anyway. He enjoyed going into school on his birthday with a big bag of sweets to share and all his classmates wishing him happy birthday.

If he was at school/nursery I wouldn't have wasted a day of annual leave.

DelurkingAJ · 12/10/2022 16:54

Nope. Nor did my parents (nor did DH’s parents). Everyone gets up half an hour early and we do presents and cards, birthday tea is 6pm when everyone’s home.

SummerInSun · 12/10/2022 16:55

I try to leave work early to pick them up from school that day, and make up the hours from home after they are in bed.

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 12/10/2022 16:56

I have done and also have not done- don’t think it overly matters

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 12/10/2022 16:59

PinkButtercups · 12/10/2022 16:39

@Comedycook Hardly odd.

I don't know one kid that likes going to school on their birthday. It's quite sad really.

My daughter wishes her bday was in school time (summer born sadly). But I’d say it’s v normal for a primary school kid to want to go in, feel special amongst her friends, perhaps give out sweets.
weirder to take a day off, one because no friends to spend time with and second because what a lesson to teach your child.

MissingNashville · 12/10/2022 17:01

Before they were at school, my partner would book leave. Once they were school age, if they their birthday fell on a school day, he would finish early. I was at home anyway. Now they’re older he works at home and I always make sure I’m around. Not sure what the norm is.

A couple of times, we let our kids have the day off school on their birthday which some people think is terrible so we’re probably not the norm thinking about it. 😬

EerilyDevilled · 12/10/2022 17:06

No, they enjoyed a birthday cake and fuss made over them at nursery and then enjoyed choosing sweets to give out at school, we did presents in the morning and birthday tea in the evening, party at the nearest weekend. I don't take my own off work either, I like making cakes to take in.

Sandysandwich · 12/10/2022 17:07

No, If they are not at school yet and have no idea of the date- birthdays are just whichever weekend date is closest.
If they are in school- they get to spend the day with their friends while I work and we can celebrate before and after school.

TimBoothseyes · 12/10/2022 17:11

Once she was at school I never took days off for DD's birthday. Both my parents had the day off for mine though*....but not for my either of my sibling's birthdays.

*My birthday is December 25th so they had no choice really.

DeadbeatYoda · 12/10/2022 17:12

Nope. Fuss before school / work, birthday days out at weekend.

ShesThunderstorms · 12/10/2022 17:13

I have a 3 year old and a 1 year old and have always taken their birthdays off work. I don't really know why as I know they probably won't remember the early ones but they'll have so many years at school where I won't be able to just not send them, I just think it's a nice thing to do!

onionringcheeseypuff · 12/10/2022 17:14

No, but DH will go in an hour late so he can see ds open presents, as he's usually left a half hour before we do.

ObviouslyHeGetsFed · 12/10/2022 17:14

Yes. My DParents never did for mine but DHs did for his and most of my mum friends do or at least get an early finish and are home to collect them or (for the older ones) be home when they get home. We have whatever dinner they prefer and unfortunately none of mine are keen on take away so it usually involves an afternoon cooking stews or roast meats so I appreciate the time to get it done before they get home. Also gives me the day to collect their cake and whatever is needed for the evening.

megletthesecond · 12/10/2022 17:16

Yes. I always did until they got to year 8/9.

Fixyourself · 12/10/2022 17:28

Yes, always! Their birthday is a celebration, not an inconvenience.

PinkButtercups · 12/10/2022 17:32

Fixyourself · 12/10/2022 17:28

Yes, always! Their birthday is a celebration, not an inconvenience.

Literally this!

PinkButtercups · 12/10/2022 17:33

@OnlyFoolsnMothers ooo we're mum shaming. Wow, this site has got full of quite nasty people hasn't it.

Have a good day dear.

ThisShitsBananas · 12/10/2022 17:36

Swedishmeatball · 12/10/2022 16:50

No. I was travelling abroad on a work trip for DS’ first birthday - wouldn’t have occurred to me to book the day off!

It wouldn’t occur to you to spend your child fist birthday with them? That’s weird.

Yes I always book birthdays off and we always go away for their birthdays.

PogoBob · 12/10/2022 17:37

I do but then both DC have their birthdays during school holidays so they wouldn't be going into school

purpleme12 · 12/10/2022 17:39

I try to yes. Cos I want to.
I believe I've been able to all the years so far which is lucky really. I'm guessing it won't always be like that

avocadotofu · 12/10/2022 17:40

No, I'm a teacher and can't take the day off and next year my son will be in school. We just do presents first thing.