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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:
PerkingFaintly · 15/11/2019 20:56

Maybe build into your expectations that you will review things at the 3, 6, 9 and 12 month points, and decide at each point whether to keep going or not.

That way, it would simply be you all deciding not to extend at the 3 month mark – rather than feeling that you've wussed out and "failed" if you don't do a full 12 months.

NB I've usually found the 3 month point to be the make-or-break for me, when I start getting really settled in. The 6-week to 3-month interval can be the hardest. But that's for a single relocation, not being constantly on the road.

Pottedtree · 15/11/2019 20:58

Tell us your itinerary!

Joerev · 15/11/2019 21:03

Absolutely!!!!! Yes yes yes!!!!!

You only get one life

Live it!! The school is private so they are likely to have more one to one when they get back. So yes yes yes!!!

Habeebah · 15/11/2019 21:04

How amazing! DO IT!

I have travelled a lot with my children and we currently live abroad. They now speak 3 languages fluently and are excelling in every avenue.

Best thing i ever did!

StartupRepair · 15/11/2019 21:04

Sounds brilliant. Your DC will learn so much, particularly if you can meet lots of local people as you go. Make sure you are not just in a bubble of your family visiting tourist sites but really connecting with people leading different lives.

Mitsouko67 · 15/11/2019 21:06

If you can do it and want to then go for it!

Clearnightsky · 15/11/2019 21:13

Yes definitely. Seeing the world at a young age and as a family you will never ever regret it.

I had a relation do this with their adopted kids, not a whole year, but it was amazing and really helped confidence, skills, maturity. Everything.

thiscouldbethehill · 15/11/2019 21:13

Go for it! We are planning to do this next year. Ours boys will be 11 and 9. We can’t wait!

Hisdoeherbuck · 15/11/2019 21:16

Crap yes, without a second thaught, UK is a crap hole, I would struggle to find reasons to come back.

apple0pie · 15/11/2019 21:17

Yes definitely and I would love to do this

itsgettingweird · 15/11/2019 21:22

You have all the plans in place.

So all you need to do now is book your tickets Grin

Starlight456 · 15/11/2019 21:26

I want to say yes . And in theory it is an absolute yes .

My only reservation is I was taken in a fly drive coast to coast when I was a child . If I am honest I was bored senseless most the time . Loved the pools in motels and the odd day at Theme Park .

I took my Ds to the acropolis . He was bored senseless and moaned , took him to Iceland last year he loved it partly because he was older but also I got him on board and looking forward to it .

So go but the different ages will need different things . Get all three on board it will be amazing

0ut0f0rderAga1n · 15/11/2019 21:26

Considering there are 6 weeks school summer holiday available to travel for several years

Is the traveling for a year, more about what the adults want to do at the expense of a regular education ?

I'm fully aware of the benefits of adult travel

Aridane · 15/11/2019 21:27

Realistically it will be very hard work, and there will often be someone REALLY not enjoying any particular bit.

Be prepared to change your plans as things unfold, and accommodate the fact that not everyone will be having a wonderful time just because you are

This!

alig99 · 15/11/2019 21:30

Go on Facebook page kids 4 sail hundreds of parents do this, kids have an extraordinary life and still learn academically. YouTube also has loads of info. Up to you and their learning.

Perunatop · 15/11/2019 21:30

I think in some ways it depends on the children. I doubt if a 6 year old would gain much from a year travelling. A 12 year old probably would but are they the sort of child who would re-settle to normal school life after a year out? On the whole I think i would favour funding gap years later rather than a year out at this stage.

EagleSqueak · 15/11/2019 21:32

Do it. Not quite the same thing, but we moved a lot when our kids were younger and teachers always commented on how much our DDs brought to the classroom with their different knowledge, ideas and perspectives and how it enhanced the learning for others, including the teachers.
It’ll give your sons really valuable skills and a more global outlook. They will be able to draw on their experiences for the rest of their lives.
Just as long as you don’t mind that they may disappear off to some far flung place to study/live once they’re grown up when they’ve been bitten by the travel bug 😂!

Whodoyoutrust · 15/11/2019 21:37

Do it! There's so much more to life than school. It'll be an amazing experience.

PinkCrayon · 15/11/2019 21:52

Go for it. I would of I could.

Happysummer2020 · 15/11/2019 22:10

That year travelling would be a fabulous education for them and you wouldn't regret it!

Lipz · 15/11/2019 22:18

Omg this has always been my biggest dream. We never had the funds to do it when kids were young. Now that we have rnd funds my kids are too old :( getting them to do a 2 week holiday in Orlando is torcher!!

Your kids will learn SO much travelling. We were brought as kids alot to every country growing up and the amount I learned was amazing, it all sticks in my head now more so than what we learned in school .

GO....

LesLavandes · 15/11/2019 22:25

I think it's a fantastic idea and you will all gain so much from it. Where are you going OP?

RiftGibbon · 15/11/2019 22:27

Do it!
Think of all the amazing experiences they (and you) will get.

DorisDaisyMay · 15/11/2019 22:31

Absolutely- yes do it.

Skysblue · 15/11/2019 23:07

Do it! Or you’ll wish you had. They will love it and you will have so much quality family time. The cultural education will be invaluable to the children. Just keep up the maths.