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I often remind my kids that their primary job right now is learning. However, not all learning takes place within the confines of a classroom. Sometimes, immersing oneself in history, culture, or practical applications of math can be far more beneficial than merely reading about them in textbooks. That’s why I occasionally allow my kids to miss a few school days for family adventures.
While many families schedule vacations during school breaks, we’ve found that allowing our kids to skip school for travel is often financially smarter. Traveling during off-peak times can lead to substantial savings. For instance, my tweens will be missing four days of school this fall for a cruise that costs our family $2,500. If we had chosen to go in June, the same cruise would have set us back $5,100. The pricing strategies employed by cruise lines and resorts are very deliberate, taking advantage of peak and off-peak seasons.
In the past, factors like weather and crowd sizes influenced our decision to travel during school periods versus traditional breaks. For example, beaches that are overcrowded in July become serene in September when families have returned home. Similarly, visiting Disney World is far more enjoyable during late fall or winter than in the sweltering summer months.
We’ve also taken vacations during school due to work commitments. When I was in a traditional office role, aligning summer schedules with colleagues who had school-age children felt like a scene from the Hunger Games. For families without flexible vacation options, traveling during school hours might be the only feasible choice.
Beyond logistical reasons, the past few years have shifted my “you only live once” (YOLO) perspective, heightening my awareness of the value of spending time with my kids and imparting essential life skills. Occasionally, my priorities clash with the school calendar, and I must make a choice. While I usually lean toward taking the trip, I also respect my kids’ obligations to their school.
When contemplating pulling your children out of school for travel, consider their age and academic performance. Younger children typically find it easier to catch up on missed work. As kids enter middle school, the academic load increases. A high-achieving student may find it simple to make up missed assignments, while a struggling student may face challenges. Be mindful of your school’s policies regarding absences; I know the rules around how many days my kids can miss and how those absences are classified (excused vs. unexcused). Although I hope it never happens, I’m aware of the procedures that would come into play if my kids missed more than nine days in a semester.
Honesty with the school is crucial. Misrepresenting an absence can damage relationships with teachers and sends the wrong message to your kids about integrity. We never request teachers to prepare work packets in advance; that would impose additional burdens on them. However, if our trip has educational relevance that aligns with the curriculum, we might inquire about special projects or independent studies, but we never demand. And don’t expect the teacher to go above and beyond to help your child catch up post-trip—that responsibility lies with you.
Child psychologist Sarah Bennett notes the mental health benefits of allowing children to miss school for vacations: “In my experience, taking a few days off school can foster open communication between parents and kids, allowing children to express their true feelings. Spontaneity can also stimulate creativity and combat perfectionism, encouraging children to think outside the box.”
What works for one family may not suit another. After 30 years of parenting, I’ve taken my kids out of school for trips more times than I can count. As children grow older, the process of making up work becomes less enjoyable than the trip itself, but I have no regrets. When they reflect on their childhood, I believe they’ll cherish spontaneous adventures like a last-minute trip to Paris far more than they’ll remember a teacher’s frustration over missed assignments.
Ultimately, the choice to skip school lies with the parents.
Olivia Carter is the mother of a 30-year-old daughter and two 12-year-old sons. After three decades of parenting, she embraces the reality that she will never be that mom who has everything figured out. Her writing has been featured in various publications, and she encourages parents to seek out adventures with their children, whether they’re local or overseas. Olivia resides in Austin with her husband and two younger kids, although she often finds herself exploring elsewhere.
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Summary:
The article discusses the author’s perspective on allowing children to skip school for family vacations, emphasizing the importance of experiential learning over traditional classroom education. It highlights the financial advantages of traveling during off-peak seasons and the need for honesty with schools regarding absences. The author also touches on the balance between academic responsibilities and family experiences, asserting that the decision to miss school ultimately rests with the parents.