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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

US road trip. Should I take DD out of school?

138 replies

Dogsandbabies · 21/08/2016 10:21

My DD is 4 and due to start school in September. DP and I want to go to the US for a road trip, total of 3 weeks. The plan is to go to museums, theatres, sights. Incorporate New York, Washington, Chicago.

AIBU to want to take her out of school for 2 weeks (we would be using half term) in February? She won't be 5 yet so I think legally I am OK to do that, but would you do it?

OP posts:

LyndaNotLinda · 21/08/2016 10:51

I wouldn't do it in February - that's a crap time of year for a roadtrip - the possibility of lots of snow is very high.

And I also think it sounds a really dull holiday for a 4 year old. Sorry.

VimFuego101 · 21/08/2016 10:54

Agree with others, the East Coast will be freezing at that time of year and not exactly scenic or fun (I live in MI and February usually means 4 inches of snow and wind chill that goes right through to your bones). Not sure a 4yo will enjoy a holiday that mainly involves being sat in a car for 3 weeks. Why don't you just do it in the summer, or go to Washington for now, and leave the road trip till she's older?

Original poster

Dogsandbabies · 21/08/2016 10:54

Thank you all. My plans are always around DD so we have looked at petting zoos, children's museums and when I say theatre I mean shows aimed for her age group like 'The very hungry caterpillar'. Staying I each place for at least 4 days and not driving more than 4 hours. We have been on a similar trip around Europe in the summer and she loved it!

My main concerns are around settling in and not disrupting her school friendships. I come from a cold/snowy country so I think it could add to the beauty but I guess I will need to think in Matilda's point re settling..

OP posts:

Trifleorbust · 21/08/2016 10:55

Your actual holiday plans are irrelevant here Take your family on whatever type of holiday you want. And yes, I probably would think it was fine, given she doesn't legally have to be there.

SuburbanRhonda · 21/08/2016 10:55

My school wouldn't authorise it, so she would have an unauthorised absence on her record, but Education Welfare wouldn't get involved if she is still under 5 for the duration of the trip.

You know your own child, OP - if you think she'd like museums, theatres and sightseeing in very cold weather, together with long periods spend in the car, you should take her. Mine would have preferred playing on the swings at that age

Karoleann · 21/08/2016 10:57

I'd happily take mine out of school in reception, they don't do much.

I agree on the weather point. A close friend of mine has stopped her annual shopping trip to Chicago in Feb as she has been snowed in the hotel for the last two years!

maisyanddaisy · 21/08/2016 10:57

Why don't you just go in the summer?

SuburbanRhonda · 21/08/2016 10:58

If the holiday plans were irrelevant, the OP had no need to post about them. She could have simply said she was taking her child out for a holiday in term-time while her child was still 4 and asked people's opinions on that.

Would have made a shorter thread, though .

SuburbanRhonda · 21/08/2016 10:58

I'd happily take mine out of school in reception, they don't do much.

VimFuego101 · 21/08/2016 11:00

Trust me, you don't want to go to a petting zoo in February here

I'm sure you will find things to do, but it would be so much nicer to do the trip when it's warmer and you won't disrupt her schooling either.

Trifleorbust · 21/08/2016 11:01

Details about the holiday are just for additional information. I am a bit bemused by the number of people who feel compelled to comment on whether this is a good holiday for a 4 year old. The OP didn't ask that.

Dowser · 21/08/2016 11:01

Definitely too cold for that sort of trip.

The fall would be much better.

I have no problem taking a child out of school.

Dowser · 21/08/2016 11:05

If you want her to enjoy the beauty of a snowy countryside why not start in the north and end up in Florida.

It what a lot of the 'snowbirds' do

It's just over a thousand miles I believe and you could fly into the north and back from Orlando or Miami when the trip is over.

Florida in Feb / March can be very nice and you finish on a positive note.

Gatehouse77 · 21/08/2016 11:08

If you think she would be fine then yes, I'd do it. My youngest missed the first two weeks of her first term, with the approval of the head, as we were going to a wedding abroad and decided to extend our time and make a holiday out of it.

However, being the youngest she was already used to the school run, knew the layout and some of the teachers. We have not regretted it and had a fantastic time.

Dowser · 21/08/2016 11:08

New York to Orlando 1079 miles and just over 15 hours

Fancy a go myself

walruswhiskers · 21/08/2016 11:11

We've just returned from 3 weeks in the US. Our kids are 13 and 11 and we travelled around the northeast - NYC, cape cod, New Hampshire, Maine and Boston. A mix of sightseeing and history but also beaches and a day at a theme park. They loved it but towards the end got fed up and wanted to come home... I'd be inclined to wait a few years to do the trip you describe. It wouldn't suit most 4 year olds, tbh.

(If you decide to go anyway, I'd recommend Aladdin on Broadway-magical for children and great fun for adults too. )

NicknameUsed · 21/08/2016 11:11

Or how about a snowy holiday on Northern Scandinavia with a chance of seeing the Northern Lights?

Timetogetup0630 · 21/08/2016 11:12

I lived in the USA and travelled extensively with my children from the ages of 3 and 4. Constantly moving around and sleeping in lots of different places can be very stressful and unsettling for small children.

4 is too young for that type of holiday and she won't remember it. It's a really tough trip for a child of that age and I can see no educational benefit to it.
NY and Chicago could be REALLY cold in February. You need to be prepared for heavy snow and disrupted flight travel plans too.

Also don't forget about the time differences. She will be wide awake at 4am and falling asleep 5pm
Are you prepared to sit in a hotel room every evening from 6pm onwards so your daughter can sleep ?
By the time she has adjusted to the time difference it will be time to go back to the UK again and you don't be able to wake her up for school.

Wait until she is 10 years old and in year 6 then take her out of school and she can help plan the trip too.
Plus the Dollar to Pound exchange rate is really bad at the moment so you would find your holiday to the USA very expensive.

AngieBolen · 21/08/2016 11:13

I would...but I've always found cities easy with small DC..so much for them to see.

I don't think that's the best time of year to go. Autumn would be amazing, but if that your only option I would do it.

SuburbanRhonda · 21/08/2016 11:13

People feel compelled to comment, trifle, because the OP included the information. She has replied to some of the comments herself, so I think you're worrying unnecessarily.

GingerIvy · 21/08/2016 11:16

Keep in mind the weather at that time of year. There will likely be snow to contend with. I've lived in New England and it's common to have snow in March and April. Just something to think about - it can throw a curve ball into your travel plans. 4yos stuck in a hotel room for a few days are not fun company. The term "cabin fever" could be used. Been there, done that.

Trifleorbust · 21/08/2016 11:17

Not worrying, I just think it's odd.

sentia · 21/08/2016 11:17

I suppose it does depend on your 4 y.o. and what she's interested in, but I would definitely take our DD out for a similar trip at a similar age - she's good at entertaining herself on long car trips and she likes visiting museums and new places so I think she'd get a lot out of it.

AndNowItsSeven · 21/08/2016 11:18

Yes take her but wait until May. School isn't compulsory until term after your fifth birthday so if you dd turns five after the start of the Easter term it's fine.

SuburbanRhonda · 21/08/2016 11:18

Well I'm sure if the OP herself objects, she'll let people know

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