Kids and Holidays

[iankh]

Ok, some questions for our friends across the pond.

I am trying to plan a family holiday in 2006. The holiday includes step kids and grand kid in the UK (Bath actually). What i have in mind is they come to Chicago for a week, for Thanksgiving, then down to WDW (I'll use borrowed points so I can get either a 2 bedroom and a studio or a GV).

On paper the plan looks good, their first chance to experience a traditional Thanksgiving (a BIG holiday at our house), seeing Chicago decked out in Christmas decorations (although no going to the Chicago beaches or swimming in Lake Michigan I'm afraid), then WDW decked out with decorations. This is the first WDW visit for the British side of the family.

My question is, has anyone taken kids out of school for a holiday? I know that people on the US boards seem to do this all the time. What about our British friends? How does that work out for you if you do?

 

[gilld]

It is frowned upon and at many schools the parents can be fined. Depending on the ages of the children, it might be possible though, if the schools are agreeable and it's a one off.

Sounds a nice idea and I hope you have a great time together if it goes ahead.

 

[Hilary]

We have taken our DDs out of school for a few days (usually tagged on to a school vacation) several times with no objection from their schools, even though I know the schools would have preferred not to be asked to do this. We have taken them out at various ages from 6 to 18, from primary school, secondary school and sixth form college.

However, I think it very much depends on the individual children, how they cope with their school work, whether they have a lot of time away for illness, etc., etc. as well as the particular schools - I don't think there is a definite answer to your question, other than all schools would, understandably, prefer children not to have time off for family vacations!

 

[Miffy2003]

Hi there Ian,

We took our children out of school last year for a trip to WDW. We were given permission by the school but I felt uncomfortable doing it and I don't think I will take them out again

It's absolutely a personal decision so I guess you need to check with the parents of the child(ren) who will be missing school. Some schools won't allow any time off at all, though I think these are few and far between. Most others will give permission depending on the age of the child, time of year etc etc. I think most schools are okay with up to 10 days per school year, but definitely the child's parents need to check before you book anything

Good luck!

Karen

 

[mark&sue]

You may get a completely different answer from me. I have always taken my daughter out of school to go on holiday and always will. However in the seven years my daughter has been at school she has only been off sick two days.

I have difficulty in taking time off during the school holidays as my boss insists that she takes it instead of me!!

My daughter's teacher told me that my daughter would learn more in Epcot than she would at school!!

Hope you all have a great time and life is far too short not to spend as much time as possible in WDW. I spend 90% of my waking time thinking about WDW.

I think far too many people in the UK worry about taking time off school for their children but have not problem taking as much time off work sick as possible (espeically at the tax payer's expensive in Local Authority) or in the Post Office etc. (I await the flames)



Susan

 

[Miffy2003]

Exactly Susan - it's all a totally individual decision isn't it?

 

[Hilary]

No flames from me, Susan - I don't think there's a right or wrong answer to this.

As miffy says, its an individual decision and everyone will have their own reasons and justifications for doing whatever they feel is right for them and their family. Schools seem to vary in their views almost as much as parents and pupils.

 

[iankh]

Thanks for the replies. When do the winter school holdays normally start over there and how long do they last for?

I was hopnig that it might be viewed as an enriching experience to spend a real Thanksgiving in the States. I still need to talk to the family over there about picking a time to come over.

I am hoping to avoid the summer months (and my least favorite time of year in WDW) and stretch the points a bit further. Besides, being a sentimental fool, I thought it would great to have the WHOLE family together for Thanksgiving.

 

[Frances999]

Thanks for the replies. When do the winter school holdays normally start over there and how long do they last for?

I was hopnig that it might be viewed as an enriching experience to spend a real Thanksgiving in the States. I still need to talk to the family over there about picking a time to come over.

I am hoping to avoid the summer months (and my least favorite time of year in WDW) and stretch the points a bit further. Besides, being a sentimental fool, I thought it would great to have the WHOLE family together for Thanksgiving.

What a wonderful idea. It would be lovely to have the whole family united for celebrating Thanksgiven.

School Christmas holidays usually start about a week before Christmas Day until the first week of January. I can find the exact dates if you need them.

I am in Bath too, and as for taking children out of school, my children's school does not allow it, period. I would check before making arrangements so that nobody is disappointed

 

[iankh]

Frances,

I lived in Bath for nearly 4 years and loved it. I left Chicago single and returned a couple. Probably the best souvenir I ever got!

DSD (darling stepdaughter), DSIL, and DSGS would certainly make Thanksgiving great. Plus, I'd love for them to have their very first WDW experience be at Christmas time.