Son does not want to go on trip

[CheekySwan]

Not sure what to do about this. Son has a trip in December to go to France with the school. I've just paid short of £500. Now he does not want to go.

My son is 15, suffers from Migraines and generally does not like going far from home, but he is quite sociable, goes out with his mates everyday. Doesn't generally like joining in with stuff that puts him out of his comfort zone.

I have been paying the trip for 6 months. I had a conversation with him before I booked it and a lot of his mates are going. I said the other night I needed to take his photo to update his passport and he sat and said he didn't want to go - He can get quite anxious and needs to know the chronological order of whatever is going to happen and then has to confirm it.

I have contacted the school who have confirmed that I will lose the full amount paid if he does not attend and I just don't know what to do.

He did say if I couldnt get any money back then he would have to go but I have a feeling we will have a lot of anxiety leading up to it and it will get to the day he is leaving and he won't go.

Any advice please?

Its a tough one but given that you have paid and gave him plenty of chances to pull out I think he needs to go now.
With my 2 I always paid the deposit and then before making the main payment I gave them the opportunity to change their mind but if not then they went.
DS did actually change his mind once and didn't go on a trip which was fine but he decided before I paid the full amount

Take him to the GP for his anxiety and send him on the trip. He's had the time to pull out, and unless he's willing to get a job and pay back the £500, he goes.

Are you able to speak to the teacher/person who is going to be in charge of the trip. Perhaps if you went with your son, they would be able to answer an questions. Explain what trips etc would be happening and be aware of any issues, it might just be enough for your son. Good luck.