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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Or have I lost my mind?!

50 replies

Rubbleonthedouble1 · 14/08/2020 18:46

Without being too outing...I have DC (both at primary school). I also have a disability which unfortunately is advancing rapidly and I’m now massively aware that I need to make the most of doing things with my children whilst I’m relatively able bodied.

I’ve always had a dream of pulling the children from school for an extended amount of time (day 6 months) and travelling around the UK in a motor home, home schooling long the way (I’m a teacher). Is this insane? How do people afford something like this?
The way my disability is progressing I’m not going to have time to save for years etc.

Have I lost the plot??

OP posts:
Sawyersfishbiscuits · 14/08/2020 18:48

No, do it. My friends did it for a year and gave their children the most amazing experience. If you're prepared to do some home learning alongside, to help them keep up then I think it's a great idea. You also have a valid reason.

mbosnz · 14/08/2020 18:49

Go hard. Do it while you can.

Ohtherewearethen · 14/08/2020 18:51

Definitely go for it!

KickAssAngel · 14/08/2020 18:53

It's not insane - how much security do you want/need? What are your plans for the end of this time?

Right now, homeschooling seems like a great option if you can do it. Are your kids happy with you taking on that role? I would be concerned about whether tourist attractions/museums etc might not be open

But - what's your back-up if any of you get sick, or if lock-down happens etc etc. There are millions of "what ifs" but if you have some backup plans then it seems like a great time to do it.

Smallsteps88 · 14/08/2020 18:54

You haven’t lost your mind at all. Work out the logistics (things like how you will manage as you disability progresses while travelling) and the funding and make a plan.

DowntonCrabby · 14/08/2020 18:55

Absolutely do it. We’re planning on doing something similar in 2022.

Also if you do I’d love to read a thread of your travels!

Purpleice · 14/08/2020 18:56

Do if you want to. Home schooling can be excellent, you’d all have an unforgettable set of experiences. Can you rent out the house to a friend to help fund it?

Graffitiqueen · 14/08/2020 18:58

I would do it!

dudsville · 14/08/2020 18:59

You'll be doing so much more for them by doing this than they would gain from the equivalent amount of time in school.

CokeEnStock · 14/08/2020 19:00

It's not clear from your post whether you can afford it or not. If not, then sadly you can't do it.

CokeEnStock · 14/08/2020 19:03

There maybe charities that could help, but unfortunately I think in these scary days the focus should be more on children being fed than having extended holidays. I do sympathise with you though.

Livelovebehappy · 14/08/2020 19:04

Tbh, not sure I’d do it round the U.K. not sure it’s stimulating enough. Would def do it if travelling around Europe or similar.

1990shopefulftm · 14/08/2020 19:05

Do it, your children will have the memories to look back on which they will appreciate when things get harder. Are there any assets you have you could rent or sell to fund it?

QuestionableMouse · 14/08/2020 19:07

There are many gorgeous and overlooked places in the UK. Wish I could do it!

Quackersandcheese3 · 14/08/2020 19:11

Do it! Have a blast.

tiredanddangerous · 14/08/2020 19:23

I'd do it in your situation, no question. What's your living situation? If you own your home you could rent it out on a short term let whilst you go on your travels.

Happymum12345 · 14/08/2020 19:33

Carpe Diem!

Clymene · 14/08/2020 19:36

I'd do it. As for affording, could you rent out your home?

RunningFromInsanity · 14/08/2020 19:37

No. I don’t think it’s fair to make your children miss out on the vital interactions they get at primary school.

Smallsteps88 · 14/08/2020 19:49

No. I don’t think it’s fair to make your children miss out on the vital interactions they get at primary school.

Hmm

They’ll be in school for 14 years. OP is talking about 6 months.

justoverthehorizon · 14/08/2020 19:55

Do it !

TheHumanRubbishBin · 14/08/2020 19:59

No. I don’t think it’s fair to make your children miss out on the vital interactions they get at primary school.

I think spending a year with their mother, having different experiences and spending time together before her illness progresses is a lot more important. They won't get a chance to do that ever again but they will have many more years at school. She's not going to be isolating them and never letting them out of the house! They will have plenty of oppurtunity to meet other people, make friends etc.

Go for it, OP! What a wonderful idea.

Cyderdelic · 14/08/2020 20:02

Do it. You don't need to spend as much as people think on a semi decent motorhome, and you can always come back if its not working out. Those memories will last a lifetime.

Spinakker · 14/08/2020 20:02

Sounds great. People will be doing their own things a lot more in terms of schooling now because of covid. I think as you are a teacher as well it really makes sense. School isn't as important as family time while you are more able to be active with the.kids. best of luck x

SometimesMaybe · 14/08/2020 20:02

Do it. Without an absolute shadow of a doubt.

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