Anonymous wrote:I have been thinking about this thread a lot (I responded above as a former teacher) and my beliefs on this stem from the fact that I almost lost my brother in a horrible accident. Since then, I have always been a "why not" person because life is short and unpredictable.

I have been thinking about that poor eight year old who lost his life in Boston. Whose sister and mother are seriously injured. Do you think that family worries about how many school days he missed in is brief lifetime, or the memories that they shared together?

The moments you get to share with your children are precious, make special plans with them now, take them on adventures when you can- it is what truly matters in this crazy world.

+1

I have been thinking about this thread a lot (I responded above as a former teacher) and my beliefs on this stem from the fact that I almost lost my brother in a horrible accident. Since then, I have always been a "why not" person because life is short and unpredictable.

I have been thinking about that poor eight year old who lost his life in Boston. Whose sister and mother are seriously injured. Do you think that family worries about how many school days he missed in is brief lifetime, or the memories that they shared together?

The moments you get to share with your children are precious, make special plans with them now, take them on adventures when you can- it is what truly matters in this crazy world.

Anonymous wrote:OP here: The answers to this thread show you that how you were parented influences how you will parent. Those whose parents let them skip school, see no harm and will allow it. Those whose parents did not allow them to skip school, won't allow it. I personally think it is ridiculous unless there is a real reason - seeing a presidential nominee speak, an out of town trip on occasion, etc. would be valid reasons. Going to a store for a sale, would not be. There are PLENTY of school holidays to go arrange things that you may want to do or visit.

Having ready your OP, I didn't think you were going to come out that way. But I agree with you. And I wrote several of the follow the rules posts
several people gave what I thought were special and accepatble reasons for missing one day of school.
Still, many didn't answer the question "what did you tell the school.?" If they said "sick" that is being dishonest.

OP here: The answers to this thread show you that how you were parented influences how you will parent. Those whose parents let them skip school, see no harm and will allow it. Those whose parents did not allow them to skip school, won't allow it. I personally think it is ridiculous unless there is a real reason - seeing a presidential nominee speak, an out of town trip on occasion, etc. would be valid reasons. Going to a store for a sale, would not be. There are PLENTY of school holidays to go arrange things that you may want to do or visit.

Anonymous wrote:My parents used to let us stay home from school whenever we wanted, but we didnt really take advantage of it and all 4 kids were good students and are now successful adults, some of whom (my brothers) are way more hard-working than their jobs require.

I specifically remember there was a fancy kids clothing store near my house that had a huge sale once a year, always on a school day. As a pre-teen, my mom used to take me early in the morning and we'd line up and scramble for the sales. Then we'd go to brunch.

I grew up to be a responsible adult who goes to work all the time, but understands its ok to take time off to do fun things. I will always remember those sales, way more than whatever assignment I missed that morning.

Exactly how I feel about the day I was allowed to take off to hear a presidential nominee speak. I don't even remember the names of my social studies teachers but you can bet I remember seeing one of our past President's speak (yes he got elected!).

Don't go there!

"I'll Love You Forever"
http://www.babble.com/toddler/toddler-activities/worst-books-toddler/worst-books-toddler-2/

My parents used to let us stay home from school whenever we wanted, but we didnt really take advantage of it and all 4 kids were good students and are now successful adults, some of whom (my brothers) are way more hard-working than their jobs require.

I specifically remember there was a fancy kids clothing store near my house that had a huge sale once a year, always on a school day. As a pre-teen, my mom used to take me early in the morning and we'd line up and scramble for the sales. Then we'd go to brunch.

I grew up to be a responsible adult who goes to work all the time, but understands its ok to take time off to do fun things. I will always remember those sales, way more than whatever assignment I missed that morning.

So far we have only done this once. We took the kids to a baseball game in Baltimore. My DH all time favorite team was playing and we wanted to spend some family time all together. The kids had a great time and we turned it into a little learning day by exploring Baltimore

What a bunch of buzzkills on this thread! I am really surprised at all the hard-liners. Giving them the occasional day off is teaching your kid to be a slacker? Sheesh. Relax already.

Anonymous wrote:I have a friend who gives each kid a special day with her, maybe once a year, and I think it's great. It's a real treat for the kids because it's so rare - I mean, c'mon people...it's not like it's a frequent thing! The hard-line "no way" folks make me scratch my head - such an extreme stance!

my kids love being in school because they have a passion for learning.
There are so many days off anyway.
So what frivolous things do you do "just because?" Teaching them to be slackers methinks.

Anonymous wrote:If I were a SAHM with my kid being in early elementary grades, yes.

Why???

I have a friend who gives each kid a special day with her, maybe once a year, and I think it's great. It's a real treat for the kids because it's so rare - I mean, c'mon people...it's not like it's a frequent thing! The hard-line "no way" folks make me scratch my head - such an extreme stance!

My European Grandma did, just because it "was such a nice day." I was about 6, still remember that day

I agree this is an interesting thread!

I am a former preschool and then kindergarten teacher. It is was always our belief (basically everyone I worked with) that days off for special events with family were far more important than what we were doing in class.

The parents who have posted about Nats games with the dad who works a lot of weekends, Christmas shopping or sledding with mom, or leaving for camping trip a day early...I think these are priceless moments your kids will remember forever!

As teachers we were excited for our students to get this special time with family and then come back and share their experience, making it a learning experience for everyone. I can see when the kids get older and the work they miss is harder to make up. There were a few trips in high school with my mom that I will remember forever and what I missed in school that day, no recollection whatsoever...

If I were a SAHM with my kid being in early elementary grades, yes.