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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To take my children off school and travelling for a year?

155 replies

EliS667788 · 15/11/2019 18:57

Just the title really.

They'd have guaranteed school places for when they return.

Just looking for opinions and pros/cons while my husband and I consider.

OP posts:
Original poster
EliS667788 · 15/11/2019 19:16

@Bluewavescrashing This would be provided online - and we can print as we go as and when. Otherwise the iPads will be used.

OP posts:
Toojudgypants · 15/11/2019 19:16

@Bluewavescrashing I’ll bet most of it will be based online. Google classroom is brilliant for this type of thing.

Toojudgypants · 15/11/2019 19:16

X post

Natsku · 15/11/2019 19:17

With that set up then yes I would, amazing opportunity!

Inniu · 15/11/2019 19:18

I took 4 children aged 11,9,9 and 3 out of school for 2 months to travel. DH didn’t want to take any longer away from work.

It was great and I definitely would have done longer if DH had agreed.

PanamaPattie · 15/11/2019 19:18

If you are rich, then go for it.

AChickenCalledDaal · 15/11/2019 19:19

We took a full six week holiday before our youngest started secondary school. It was an amazing time that did us a huge amount of good as a family and the first time we'd felt relaxed for about a decade. Totally recommended and I wish we'd been brave/organised enough to go for longer.

As long as all family members are on board with the idea, I would totally go for it. With a properly thought out plan for keeping on top of education enough that they don't feel too behind when returning (especially the eldest). There are loads of online resources that will help with that, although it might have to be concentrated bursts when you are in places where that is feasible.

madcatladyforever · 15/11/2019 19:19

A friend of mine did it a couple of years ago and it was the best year they ever had. Her child learned so much.

Wafflecopter · 15/11/2019 19:20

Do it! It’s something I’d absolutely love to do with the children in future if we can afford it.
They’ll learn so much from different places and cultures without missing out on their school work.
Have an amazing time.

SongforSal · 15/11/2019 19:22

Do it. Can I come? :)

GetOffTheTableMabel · 15/11/2019 19:24

Can you also budget for additional tuition in Maths and sciences on your return? The 12 year old will need to get back on track quickly. I think it’s a truly life enhancing idea. I hope you manage it.

CottonSock · 15/11/2019 19:25

I'm so jealous

sawyersfishbiscuits · 15/11/2019 19:27

Do it! We have friends who did the same and it looked amazing and the kids slotted back into school in their respective year groups no problem.
Ahhh I wish I could afford to do the same!

fairislecable · 15/11/2019 19:28

What a wonderful opportunity for ALL of you.

Now all you need to decide is where. The children will enjoy having input into this.

A chance to experience other food, culture, scenery and history.

OpheliaBee · 15/11/2019 19:32

I honestly think I probably could’ve skipped most of KS3 and still passed my GCSEs. I really don’t know what the point in those years was.

Newbie1999 · 15/11/2019 19:33

DO IT!

Where will you be going?!

Oly4 · 15/11/2019 19:34

How wonderful, do it

RaininSummer · 15/11/2019 19:36

Do it but make sure they don't fall behind on school work.

Sarahandco · 15/11/2019 19:38

Yes in your circumstances I would definitely do it! However, it is probably your last possible year for the 12 year old so I wouldn't put it off!

MarshaBradyo · 15/11/2019 19:38

Nice. Train travel would work well.

ColdRainAgain · 15/11/2019 19:39

If you can keep up with the school work (and ut sounds like you can), and can afford it, GO. There is so much more the learn than just the (very important) stuff in a classroom.

willstarttomorrow · 15/11/2019 19:39

Do it ! Late DH were planning to do this but unfortunately he died suddenly and it did not happen. You have plans for ongoing education in place, but even if not, there is far more to learning than our increasingly narrow eduction system. Learning is life long and missing a year in the whole scheme of things is nothing. A year can be repeated or exams taken again.
The amount of pressure placed on our children to make decisions in year 8 about their future is crazy. The world has changed and our children will be in employment for so many years they will need to be adaptable ( not something our teaching for the test system encourages). Also in our city there our so many options now to get to the next stage for motivated young people than standard GCSEs/ A levels, including an apprentiship within Russel Group uni for students showing capacity in engineering and science.

goodtoseeyou · 15/11/2019 19:42

Search for courtney adamo.

She did it

Jaichangecentfoisdenom · 15/11/2019 19:44

Please do it! It will be wonderful for all of you!

Elpheba · 15/11/2019 19:44

1 million per cent yes. I plan to do this before my DC are secondary age, probably won’t have funds to stretch to a whole year but would in a heartbeat in your situation, even more so with the school situation you describe. Amazing plan and will be so valuable to you all as a family and to your children as individuals.