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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To go travelling with 5yo

85 replies

Namechanger2468 · 10/04/2016 09:15

It would mean dd missing 2 terms of school. We (DH, DD and I) are moving house soon so we'd do it in between moving areas, so between different schools. I'd do schooling daily and do know what I'm doing there. Academically she'd be OK, though she would only have two of us to share ideas with, but the travel might compensate for that.

Anyone have experience of this? We go on lots of holidays so am not bothered about the travel side of it, it's more taking DD out of school and being away for an extended period and that effect on her.

OP posts:
JeanSeberg · 10/04/2016 09:17

Where are you thinking of going?

Artandco · 10/04/2016 09:18

Yes I would. She will have a great few months, then start in new school after so a good way to transition.

I have a 5 year old. At 5 they don't need school for learning imo. Mine is at school but it's basically basic maths, reading and socialising. She can do all that travelling and will learn lots of other stuff

AgathaMystery · 10/04/2016 09:19

I would go for it!

Original poster
Namechanger2468 · 10/04/2016 09:21

All round the world.
Sub Continent, SE Asia, south seas, south America, North America then home.

OP posts:
FuckSanta · 10/04/2016 09:21

I'd do it in a heartbeat.

Ladycrazycat · 10/04/2016 09:21

I would love to do this! At present I'm pregnant with out first but can't see us having the opportunity to do this in future. If I did though I would jump at the chance.

The experiences she will gain as your travel and the things she will see will be amazing and at the age of five I wouldn't be too concerned about what she is missing at school.

Do you know where you would like to go?

Ladycrazycat · 10/04/2016 09:22

Cross post! Sound amazing. I would do it.

Original poster
Namechanger2468 · 10/04/2016 09:23

Artandco it's the socialising that slightly worries me. She's an only child.

OP posts:
BitOutOfPractice · 10/04/2016 09:23

I would do this without hesitation.

Mari50 · 10/04/2016 09:24

At 5 this wouldn't even concern me as an issue. Go for it.

Cocochoco · 10/04/2016 09:24

You'll probably never have another opportunity that is as easy to take as this. It's a gift.

cheapandcheerful · 10/04/2016 09:25

Do it! You will meet people along the way who she will socialise and in the long-run will be so much more culturally-aware as a result.

Salmiak · 10/04/2016 09:27

It sounds amazing, id do it. Children this age learn so much through play and experience, you could subtlety throw in some learning by getting her to write a diary every day, and playing some simple maths games. There are lots of blogs by people who travel with their dc, I love reading them and dreaming that its something I can do

Original poster
Namechanger2468 · 10/04/2016 09:48

Thanks everyone, really positive.

OP posts:
Gileswithachainsaw · 10/04/2016 09:50

wow. no question. I'd not be seen for dust if I had that kind of opportunity.

go.

cuntinghomicidalcardigan · 10/04/2016 09:55

That sounds amazing. Your dd will learn so much from the opportunity to travel, and will have plenty of time to catch up with her peers on her return.

GastonsPomPomWrath · 10/04/2016 09:57

I'd love to do this. We have 5 and logistically it'd be a bit more difficult I think but if I could I'd do it without a second thought.

The gift you're giving your dd is a really special one. The things she will see and experience, wow. 100% go for it.

Kaddy · 10/04/2016 10:01

I think missing school is fine but, at five, I don't think the traveling will be that 'meaningful' She is too young. I'm sure she will have fun but I don't think it will be more fun than staying home and hanging out with her friends iyswim
My DC have always travelled a lot and it's funny that the things they remember from when they were young are quite random.

My DC were great travelers and would sit patiently on planes and on long trips but I think they would rather not have.

We have now returned to the UK and the kids are now at Uni. Two of them still love to travel and two of them aren't fussed about it. Maybe they will be when they are older though. The two that are less fussed about traveling are the two that suffered the most from the heat. One reacts really badly to mozzy bites so he is happy to avoid them for ever more.
I'd go with your DD as its now or never. It's a wonderful opportunity.

ImogenTubbs · 10/04/2016 10:03

Do it! DH and I are just about to move to another country with DD for a year - not because we have to. I'm sure there will be plenty of challenges, but dealing with them is part of the experience, right? Have an amazing time!

SuburbanRhonda · 10/04/2016 10:05

How old did you say she is?

Just to bring you back down to earth briefly, have you looked at where she'll go to school when she comes back into the school system in your new area? Are there plenty of schools to choose from that are likely to have vacancies?

It would be a shame to come back from such an experience only to find you can't get her into school anywhere.

minipie · 10/04/2016 10:06

Absolutely I would do it. If you have any flexibility over the timing, I would suggest trying to be back so DD can start school in September - I think things are a bit harder for kids who join a new school mid year - but you may not have a choice.

AndYourBirdCanSing · 10/04/2016 10:07

Yes do it! Without a doubt.

Original poster
Namechanger2468 · 10/04/2016 10:07

Yes, good point, am planning to do the transfer forms before we go as the better schools have waiting lists.

OP posts:
SuburbanRhonda · 10/04/2016 10:09

Sorry, just seen its in the OP Blush

SuburbanRhonda · 10/04/2016 10:12

Will you buy your new house and then go travelling? Just that I think your application will be considered based on your address at the time of application.

It isn't really a problem if the school has plenty of vacancies though.

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