Should I cancel the trip?

[Chick981]

I’ve booked on a whim to go abroad to an event in September. It means leaving my kids 2 and 5) for three nights, crucially during my eldest’s first week of year one (relevant as I’m worried about the reception to year one transition)

I’m really regretting booking it now and I keep worrying / feeling guilty about it in the night.

I’ve never been in a different country to my kids and never been away for three nights before so that plus the guilt around missing the first week of back to school is just making me regret it.

Wondering whether to suck it up and cancel it (I’d lose £140 for flights but could probably get a refund on event ticket) or put my big girl pants on and go ahead with it. If the flights were refundable I’d have cancelled my now but £140 is a lot of money to just waste!

Any reassurances either way welcome and yes I know I’m being over anxious/ over thinking.

I’ve never heard of moving from reception to year 1 as a big deal. I think you should absolutely go. If it was your child’s first day in a new school I would want to be there, but just moving up a year? Not necessary for both parents to be present.

I would go. The transition from reception to year one can be tricky for some, but in my experience that’s not something that will suddenly be a major problem in that first week. Plus they have their other parent there to support if needed.

There was a thread on here the other day which I think has gotten into my head! But some really sensible posters on here, thank you.

Nah, the first week of Y1 will be a lovely gentle transition - the teachers care about the kids and know what they are doing.

We sailed through reception year but really struggled with the transition from reception to year one. But that didn’t hit in the first week - that’s all okay and settling in. It’s only towards half term through to til Easter we struggled.

I see no need to avoid a trip you’ve booked for the first week of term. That’s arguably the easiest when the kids are excited to be back with their friends and new teacher.

Same here

No steep jump here, they barely noticed the change.

Go! Have a ball

I really thought I’d be criticised on here for being over anxious (or for not caring enough to stay at home) but you’ve all actually being really reassuring and lovely. I’m going to go as I feel like it is just my anxiety getting in the way and once I’ve done it I’ll probably wonder why I was so worried and be gallivanting off all over the place without the kids!

Your children have two parents. You’re not leaving them with a stranger they will be fine.

Your child is starting year 1, they’ve will already know the teacher, the school and their classmates. It isn’t as if it’s their first day at a brand new school or nursery and even if it was they will be with their other parent.

Go on the trip.

It’s three days, the other parent is there, go and enjoy yourself you are allowed to do things. I was a lone parent so never got time alone.

Definitely go and enjoy yourself.