A mum has taken to social media to ask whether it is ok for kids to skip school to enjoy a day at the beach.
On Mumsnet, the mother explained that her 14-year-old daughter received a message from a friend saying she was going to the beach because it was so sunny during the current heatwave. The teenager wanted to do the same as her mate but her mother was putting her foot down. So she asked fellow members of the group whether she was being unreasonable.
In a post she said: "Darling daughter (DD) is 14, Year 9. She's just had a message off her best friend to say she won't be in school today as her mum is taking her and her younger sister to the beach for the day. Queue DD saying how cool the mum is and how unfair it is that I never let her miss school for fun stuff. I've got to work and even if I didn't I still wouldn't let her do it."
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She asked if she was being unreasonable as "it's a beautiful day, one day off school won't make a difference" or she was not being unreasonable as "school is important and you can't skive off just because the weather's nice". She received a whole host of replies from parents with many appearing to take the side of the teenager, reports Wales Online.
Coffeecupsandfairylights wrote: "I think it's nice so long as it's not expected and it doesn't happen all the time. Missing one Friday to go to the beach won't destroy her education! I'd certainly do it for my kids as long as it wasn't expected and they knew it wasn't a regular thing." PetersRabbitt added: "It’s a one off, do it. I know a family that is going to the beach today instead of school, I imagine a few are so don’t think it will be as quiet as what people imagine."
Thefamilyupstairs added it would not be the first time for her if she did. "I've done this many times (although not for the beach). I wouldn't tell anyone though as I tell school she was unwell." Amberleaf said: "I would absolutely do this. One hot day, even one hot day each year is not going to condemn your child to the educational scrapheap."
And MrsPelligrinoPetrichor added: "We did it once. Darling husband won tickets to Goodwood and took darling son out of school mid week. He was nine and still talks about what a great day he had with his dad and he's an adult now." However others agreed with her. Notagain76 commented: "Think at that age it’s important they attend. I’m all for having fun with the kids but where do you draw the line, snow days, beach days? Although everyone circumstance are different."
Would you allow your child to skip school for a day on the beach? Let us know in the comments below
Dee00 added: "I personally would not allow it and my DS is only year 1. We have fun packed weekends and park after school or something most nice days if the weather is good. That is enough. The school holidays are coming there will be plenty days for beach adventures." FanFanFanFee commented: "Ridiculous - you are not being unreasonable. Sets a really bad precedent. Workers can't just sack off work because it's hot can they?"
Balalake added: "I'd support the school fining the parent concerned for unauthorised absence, even though I would prefer other options to fining. You are a good parent."
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