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Original poster

School trip

31 replies

Mumsmet · 01/07/2017 05:24

My dc is going on a school trip in the next fortnight and I am really worried - I do not want dc to go on the trip, fly without me etc. We are not allowed contact for the whole trip which I find rather ridiculous. Of course, I get why the school has the policy to stop the children texting home saying that they are homesick. However, how many adults would go away without their phones/ access to email. I am terrified about the airport, even after recent events.

Also, it will also be very hot in Southern Spain.
The worry is making me poorly. I literally want to sob, and I woke up having a panic attack.

(Posted this in 'extra curricular' education section too as I was unsure where to post it)

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hesterton · 01/07/2017 05:38

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hesterton · 01/07/2017 05:39

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Aebj · 01/07/2017 05:42

I sent my just turned 13 year old to Sydney for 10 nights. I had no contact with him. He had no phone. He was fine and had a ball. Your child will be fine also. Sydney is a 5 hour flight from our house

Original poster
Mumsmet · 01/07/2017 05:55

@hesterton My dc is 11 and is a mix of nervous and excited about the actual trip. Terrified of the airport and flight bit.

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Original poster
Mumsmet · 01/07/2017 05:56

@aebj Thanks for your reply too. I am glad your child had a good time

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TheOnlyLivingBoyInNewCross · 01/07/2017 06:00

Why is your child "terrified" of the airport and flight? Is it their first time abroad?

Your reaction is disproportionate, but do try not to pass that on to your child. If you have worked yourself into such a state, though, they will have picked up on it.

hesterton · 01/07/2017 06:01

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BizzyFizzy · 01/07/2017 06:03

A school residential is a rite of passage for student and their parents.

It really isn't helpful to have phones. They need to work their way through homesickness. If they are homesick, calling you will make it worse! The party leader will have a phone for emergencies, and hopefully you will get a text to confirm safe arrival.

ArtemisiaGentilleschi · 01/07/2017 06:06

How are you helping your child not to be "terrified"?

It's usual for any parent to be slightly anxious at the idea of a school trip abroad but you need to get a grip and not ruin the whole experience for him/her.

Are you in the UK?
What kind of trip is it?

Totally no contact? Or just " don't be ringing them all day long"?

Original poster
Mumsmet · 01/07/2017 06:09

@hesterton No, she does not know I am worried. We have packed cheerily etc.

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Original poster
Mumsmet · 01/07/2017 06:11

@TheOnlyLivingBoyInNewCross No, she has not picked up on my fears- I have hidden them

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Original poster
Mumsmet · 01/07/2017 06:13

@ArtemisiaGentilleschi
Totally no contact.

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Original poster
Mumsmet · 01/07/2017 06:15

It is not that I am going to not let my dc go. I just know that I will be desperate

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Original poster
Mumsmet · 01/07/2017 06:16

Oops, sent too soon.

Desperately looking forward to their return.

I am not sure why I posted. I feel no better for it.

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hesterton · 01/07/2017 06:18

This reply has been deleted

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Scoobydoobydont · 01/07/2017 06:18

No contact is standard for a year 6 residential trip.

Ours went a few weeks ago (not to Spain, but off with the teachers and his mates on a ferry for five nights)

Had a great time and made memories for life. I can't say he seems any more self sufficient since he came home though.

The only thing you have to worry about is having to open the bags and face what's in them to do the washing when they get back :-)

Original poster
Mumsmet · 01/07/2017 06:29

@hesterton Thanks- I will be brave. It's due to the fact that we have had such a horrible stressful time recently that I am feeling much more clingy than usual.

Despite how it seems from my post, I am not usually a helicopter Mum, I usually manage to get the correct balance of caring without hovering but for some reason I just have a horrible gut feeling. It is probably just the straw that broke the camel's back as I have so much other stuff going on.

I look back on my own school trips fondly and I want my dc to be able to do the same. My daughter has been on other UK residential trips.

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Original poster
Mumsmet · 01/07/2017 06:30

@Scoobydoobydont THANK YOU for your message!

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OnyK · 01/07/2017 09:41

I've taken children on residential trips and can assure you that staff will be very aware of parents' concerns and of current security risks.

I would have a quiet word with a member of staff (not in front of your child) and tell them how worried you are. I'm sure they will be able to reassure you. Ask if they will be sending any general texts or emails to parents to say that they've arrived safely and how the trip is going.

It's also worth remembering that school staff are leaving their families behind too and may feel just as worried about that!

birdsdestiny · 01/07/2017 09:48

My dc went to Europe in year 5, first time he had been away for more than 1 night. He had the most amazing time. I know now that he was a bit homesick on the first day as he told me he bought me a present and it made him feel better Grin. He is now in secondary school and still says that was his best experience in primary. She will be fine. It's so important that they do this.

Original poster
Mumsmet · 01/07/2017 11:49

Thank you @OnyK - how sensible to point out about the teachers leaving their families too. I appreciate that- it is helpful to see the bigger picture.

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Original poster
Mumsmet · 01/07/2017 11:50

@birdsdestiny Thank you for your reassuring message.

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mummymeister · 01/07/2017 12:21

all of my kids spent at least a week away from home either on school trips or at PGL camps from 7 onwards. they love it. they love the freedom and the responsibility and it makes them much more resilient. I assume your 11 year old isn't in year 7 yet because when they move up to senior school everything changes.

although you might think you have hidden your concerns children are very good at picking up on things. try and be excited for her. if things have been tough at home this might be just what she needs.

Rach5l · 01/07/2017 12:30

Try to see it as no news is good news, rather than being able to contact her all the time to ask her

Original poster
Mumsmet · 01/07/2017 12:49

@mummymeister I will try and be v cheery whilst finishing off the packing.

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