My parents think I am crazy who is being unreadable.

[Iknowiknow21]

so I know I will be probably jumped on and this is extremely outing so I changed names.

we recently lost my DP, and life has been one huge rollercoaster. I have 3 DC in the house ( 1 with health issues, 1 with sen )
I had already decided to relocate from London to Scotland ( where family is )
and it all went fairly smoothly in terms of selling and buying.
the house I purchased was significantly cheaper, than our previous house mainly down to location. We also received a life insurance policy and I had some money in savings.
I am on maternity leave at the moment but not planning on returning and will take an extra year off work.
we have struggled to find schools and so both are currently home schooled.
so I say one night looking at holidays, working out how much money I could afford and if travelling mainly around the uk with a few abroad trips thrown in would be possible for the entire year.
youngest is too young to understand and the other 2 are happy with the plan to travel for a year / take a year out of life.
my parents think it’s ridiculous, and it’s just me having a life crisis.
if you could, would you do it ?

I'm so sorry for your loss, but I really wouldn't do this- your poor children have already had so much upheaval in their lives. They need some time and space to settle into a new routine.

I can totally see how a longer summer holidays would benefit everybody and perhaps start travelling now.

But from September I’d be wanting to see my kids settled in a school, building friendships and starting to feel stable again. Gearing up for secondary school is quite a big deal too so I’d focus on that. (Assuming you’re not planning to homeschool them all for the whole duration of school years)

I would suggest settling them in school to give yourself some space and support with their care and education. It feels a lot on your shoulders to navigate everything every day on your own whilst travelling.

You sound like superwoman and an exciting adventure. Please make sure your plans mean you’re not putting too much pressure or demands on yourself.

good luck!!

In Scotland children have another year of primary school, so go to high school aged 12. The oldest would still have a full year at primary school if they started next August, possibly 2 depending on when their birthday is.

So sorry for your loss

If I could do it and still be secure financially I would do it. Homeschooling on the road, actual real life lessons in geography, history etc etc.

Air bnb house out maybe to gain income?

I would embrace this as a opportunity to just spend time together given what you have all gone through xx

I am taking all comments on board, in terms of taking to much on, I’m on my own with the same children at home or away. We do have some time you are right before eldest starts secondary.
currently she has no school place, I’m guessing this is why I feel it’s a good time.
financially I am 100 percent mortgage free with around 400k available ( life insurance / savings / selling house ) - I have priced up accommodation / travel plus living costs for the year and would go back to work on returning and would still have obviously a lot of that money still available.
I think some of you have made valid points - my 10 year old is very for the idea but maybe DC2 may bot understand and there has been a lot of change. DC3 couldn’t give a toss as long as she has milk and cuddles 😂
I will have a think about DC2 and make sure the decision I make is right for them also. I will also take on the point of maybe starting off for a few weeks a month and not book to much in advance.

I'm a bit confused as to how you have struggled to find schools. In Scotland, you don't have to find schools - the council should allocate you a place based on where you live. It's so much more straightforward than the English system.

https://www.mygov.scot/register-your-child-for-a-school

Would I take a year out? Honest answer is, I'm not sure. I think I would prioritise the children's wellbeing - and imo education is a part of that. If I felt confident that I could home school two children at very different stages, while dealing with a baby, then I may well have done it. As long as I felt that the children would cope (and not based on what they say, I'm not convinced that they would fully understand the implications). They have been through a lot. I'm not sure that my children would have dealt with more change after all that - but you know yours, I don't.

I’m sorry for your loss… If anyone deserves to be having a bloody life crisis, it’s a recent widow with young kids, ffs!!! Although I suspect you are actually coming to terms with your new reality and just want a bloody holiday - also well-deserved! Just book and let them know once you’re on your way. You’re an adult in charge of your own destiny. Stop justifying yourself to them.

I think it sounds great and kids are at a good age for it. Go and enjoy your family and all the new experiences you can have. I’m so very sorry for your loss. You do you. You’re their mum and have the best interests of you all at heart. You will make the right choices. I hope you have an experience that you will all cherish for the rest of your lives.

@MassageForLife because it is a little more complex and Scotland is not immune from SEN issues and education.

I suppose the issue is that you may end up spending money you may need later on. If you moved for family support you are undermining that by leaving again. It might be worth planning your travel in chunks, starting with a shorter trip closer by, to see how you all cope. Also bear in mind that home insurance is limited if you are absent for a long period and you will still need to pay council tax, utilities etc.