A mum says she lied about her children being ill and took them on holiday during their school term time - and her actions have split opinion among other parents.
The mother, whose children are in Reception and Year 6, explained what she did on Mumsnet and said she had "never ever lied about kids sickness before" and that she was "a very good parent". She said she took her youngsters out of school for three days and went on holiday as she could not afford the trip during half-term.
However, she feared the school may have discovered her lie and asked other parents for their opinions on the matter. The mum wrote: "So before anyone decides to go hard on me, I have never ever lied about kids sickness before.
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"I don't know why I did it this time, I guess money is tight, we worked hard to be able to afford the holiday, but still could not afford the holiday in half term, so we decided to take kids out of school for 3 days. I reported my children to have sickness. And off we went.
"But unsure why, probably based on their hunch, school called me the next day. I did not answer, just sent them a message instead. But they replied they got an international ringing tone....ooops... i did not even reply to that.
"When we got back I got a letter suggesting I lied, that kids were on holiday instead of home poorly, etc. I don't know what to do, I hate lying and I regret not telling the truth, but has it gone too far now to just admit I lied? I can also expect the fine for my children, well tough I suppose.
"But I feel like a criminal, like I did something unspeakable. But I only allowed for my family to have a wonderful time together, we had such a great time, it is really priceless. My kids are both doing great academically and their absence was above 95%.
"What is everyone's take on it? Should I own up now? Or deny it still.... And are they allowed to question my children without my permission about it?"
She later added: "I am a very good parent and like I said, never did it before, and defo won't be doing it again... But I feel a bit persecuted by the school, Gosh, it's like I committed some atrocious crime, I feel so guilty and anxious... hefty price to pay for a bit of happiness I got with my kids on holiday."
Many parents responded to her post, with some saying she should not have lied. But others admitted they had also taken their children out of school for a holiday. One Mumsnet user said: "I am not always against term time holidays in some circumstances but you take the chance of getting a fine and just pay it if you get one. You have behaved very badly and given your children a very bad example."
Another added: "Yeh you should have just admitted it before you went and taken the risk of getting a fine. Instead you lied and that really isn’t good."
A number of people pointed out that kids were not good at lying and the truth would come out. One wrote: "Children are not very good at keeping secrets usually. They won’t 'question' your children but if they say, how are you/are you feeling better etc one of them is bound to slip up or be overheard telling their friends."
Another comment read: "There is no way a Y6 child would be able to keep a holiday like that secret!" And one added: "The worst bit is embroiling your children in a lie, in my opinion. As a good parent, you (presumably) teach your children that lying is wrong - then you offered them this as a modelled behaviour. As others have said, children always let the cat out of the bag. Every time."
One mum said she had taken her child out of school for a day. She said: "I have just done this with my eldest although for one day.
"Nine of us travelling saved us an absolute fortune. There was an inset the following day and it just made sense. I'm afraid after the home schooling Covid debacle, where I saw how little work they actually do, I have less patience with endless presenteeism, and felt the trip was more beneficial than a day's films and mucking about which they usually do on the last day.
"I haven't been questioned because they didn't call, but in your shoes I think I would say no, you must be mistaken, and not elaborate. And then ignore it. If you get a fine, pay it and say no more."
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