WIBU to keep my son off school for this?

[Fantoosh]

So I had a hairdresser appointment this morning for 9.30. I desperately needed a cut and colour before going on holiday next week.

Unfortunately my dd was sick at 7.30am...although she seemed fine afterwards. This meant I had to keep her off school.
Given that the chances of getting another appointment in time for the hols was zero, was I bu to call in a sicky for my eldest son (14) this morning to watch her while I kept the appointment I had? Fridays are a half day at school anyway here.

My hair is looking great now but I don't know if I did the right thing.
What would you have done?

001, I disagree with schools on a lot of things and think they try to overstep into the parents realm far too often

LashesandLipstick

Infants - fine, Juniors at a push.

Secondary school? no way.

I am rubbing my halo because my DS (12) got his 100% certificate yesterday.
It also means he gets to do some very good activities on the last day of term, which he would not have been able to do would it have been less than 100%.

In the big scheme of things 1/2 a day off is nothing in terms of missed work, but it is in terms of what you are teaching a child.

Why did I lie? Well I couldn't confess the truth could I? They wouldn't have liked it.

Yabu. So unreasonable, in fact, that it's a wonder your foot hasn't fallen off.

Elderflower, fair enough. Maybe my school was exceptionally awful which wouldn't surprise me

So do I lashes, so the fact I think this is out of order is indicative that it was!

I think the reaction from my DSs if I asked them to do that would be 'Are you kidding?'

What did your DS say? I bet he was

Lol at all the po-faces on here!!

I highly doubt that one half day of DVDs/games etc is going to make a crucial difference to the OPs DSs education.

Good for you, OP.

I totally believe that if you'd put your mind to it, you could have NOT gone and had your roots done, posted about it on here and if you'd worded it right you could have had several replies condemning you, and ranting about how damaging and potentially embarrassing it is for teenage boys to see their mothers letting themselves go.

You know what MN is like. Gleeful tit-juggling galore :-D

I'm a teacher by the way. Parents who do this pee us off no end.

What? Are you off your chuff OP?
Expecting one child to look after another so your roots don't show for your precious holiday.
I've heard it all now!
And yes, YABU.

He was delighted Sparkling.

Sorry my was for PotKettle.

If I was a teacher I would be pissed off too mind. Book yourself a hairdo and just ring in sick next week. it's fine.

Number3, I don't have a very high opinion of secondary schools and attendance doesn't bother me personally as I feel a child can learn far more when they're not being forced into uncomfortable regimented clothing, having their individuality stamped out of them and being trained to be subservient. That is an entirely different debate however.

You're not teaching him anything negative, other than a morning off won't have an impact. I think people get far too -pearl clutching- on here

Mmmm I thought that might be the case Fantoosh. Mine would not be delighted at all and would think i was quite bonkers.

I hope your son wasn't in line for any attendence awards, Fantoosh?

Also hope he can keep his mouth shut on Monday and you don't get called in for the Walk of Shame.

It's not about what he is missing, it's the message that it sends out. Education is not as important as hair appointments, it's okay to throw a sickie and lie to people.

thehumanjam Fri 26-Jun-15 15:57:26
It's not about what he is missing, it's the message that it sends out. Education is not as important as hair appointments, it's okay to throw a sickie and lie to people.

and there it is - the truth

You were being unreasonable but outside mumsnet world people would probably have just laughed if you told them this.

My boy is doing brilliantly at school. I mean really - he's forging ahead magnificently and in the top sets...blah blah blah. His dad and I are so proud of him.
But yeah, he was well chuffed to get an unexpected break nevertheless.

I'm sure your son is much better than mine though sparkling...an example to us all.

please don't think that no school work happens in the final few weeks of term. might have been the case in the old days but in this brave new world we live in, teachers are desperately trying to prove that children have met x or y targets so that they can improve the statistics before the end of the year!

the very final week may be a little easier but now?? NO!!

If a friend in RL told me that they had done this I would have exactly the same opinion knicker. i don't know anyone who would though. Unless they all are they just don't tell me.

Think some of you need to wind your necks in!

It's a half day, he missed what?? Couple of hours max? It's the tail end of the school term ffs! Ooooh string up the op!

You'll be your ds's hero, op and with great hair too.

I'm sure your son is much better than mine though sparkling...an example to us all.

Our school doesn't have 'attendance awards'.
What a stupid thing to reward a kid for. It's not like they are in charge of whether or not they attend school...and what about illness and the like?
How daft.