I Stopped Pulling My Kids Out of School for Travel As They Got Older

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Missing school can have serious consequences, including falling behind in coursework, losing scholarships, and impacting athletic performance.

The Importance of Attendance

Why Attendance Matters

Attendance is a crucial aspect of academic success. Regular attendance is linked to better grades, higher GPAs, and increased academic achievement. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to participate in class, engage with the material, and develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter. This, in turn, can lead to improved test scores, better retention of information, and a stronger foundation for future academic pursuits. Regular attendance can also lead to increased socialization and networking opportunities, which are essential for building relationships, developing communication skills, and accessing resources and support. Furthermore, regular attendance can help students develop a sense of responsibility, accountability, and time management skills, which are vital for success in both academics and the workforce.*

The Consequences of Absenteeism

The Risks of Chronic Absenteeism

Chronic absenteeism, which is defined as missing 10% or more of school days, can have severe consequences for students.

I took them out of school and we embarked on a family vacation to the beach.

The Decision to Take a Break

As a parent, I had to weigh the pros and cons of taking my kids out of school during the summer. I considered the potential impact on their education and the financial implications of missing a week of school. I also thought about the benefits of taking a break and spending quality time with my family.

The Benefits of a Family Vacation

  • Reduced stress: A family vacation can be a great way to reduce stress and create a sense of calm. Quality time: Spending time with family can strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. Relaxation: A break from the daily routine can be rejuvenating and help you recharge. Exploration: A family vacation can be a great opportunity to explore new places and try new things. ## The Logistics of a Family Vacation
  • The Logistics of a Family Vacation

  • Planning: Researching and planning a family vacation can be time-consuming, but it’s worth it. Budgeting: Setting a budget and sticking to it can help ensure a fun and stress-free vacation. Accommodations: Choosing the right accommodations can make or break a family vacation. Activities: Planning activities and excursions can help ensure a fun and engaging vacation. ## The Experience of a Family Vacation
  • The Experience of a Family Vacation

  • Creating memories: A family vacation can be a great way to create lasting memories. Bonding: Spending time with family can strengthen bonds and create a sense of unity.

    We had a few students who were absent for a long time, but they were able to return to school after a short period of time.

    The Absence Policy

    The absence policy is a crucial aspect of our district’s overall educational framework. It serves as a guiding principle for students, parents, and teachers alike. The policy is designed to ensure that students do not fall behind academically due to absences, while also allowing for flexibility and understanding in certain situations.

    Key Components of the Absence Policy

  • Unexcused Absences: Students are allowed up to nine unexcused absences per semester. This provision acknowledges that occasional absences may be unavoidable due to personal or family reasons. Excused Absences: Excused absences are those that are approved by the school administration, such as for medical appointments, family emergencies, or other legitimate reasons. These absences are typically taken into account when calculating a student’s overall attendance record. Attendance Record: The attendance record is an important metric for evaluating student progress and academic performance. It is used to identify students who may be struggling with attendance and provide targeted support.

    I realized that the field trips were becoming less exciting for my students. I decided to shake things up by introducing a new twist to our field trips.

    The Problem: Boring Field Trips

    Field trips were once a highlight of the middle school experience. Students looked forward to them as a chance to explore new places, learn new things, and bond with their peers. However, as the years went by, the excitement began to wane. The same old destinations, the same old activities, and the same old transportation methods were becoming stale.

    The Ripple Effect of Academic Pressure

    Academic pressure is a pervasive issue in modern education. It’s not just about getting good grades; it’s about the impact it has on students’ lives. The pressure to perform well can lead to a range of negative consequences, from decreased motivation to increased stress levels. Decreased motivation: When students feel overwhelmed by the amount of work they need to do, they may start to lose interest in their studies. This can lead to a decrease in their overall motivation, making it harder for them to stay engaged and focused. Increased stress levels: Academic pressure can also lead to increased stress levels, which can have a negative impact on students’ mental and physical health. Chronic stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. * Impact on relationships: Academic pressure can also affect students’ relationships with their peers and family members. They may become withdrawn or isolated, struggling to maintain healthy relationships outside of school.**

    The Consequences of Prioritizing Academics

    When we prioritize academics over other aspects of our lives, we can experience a range of negative consequences. Here are some of the potential consequences:

  • Decreased creativity: When we focus too much on academics, we may sacrifice other aspects of our lives, including our creativity and hobbies. This can lead to a decrease in our overall well-being and happiness. Negative impact on mental health: Prioritizing academics can also have a negative impact on our mental health. We may experience increased stress levels, anxiety, and depression, which can affect our overall quality of life. Impact on relationships: As mentioned earlier, prioritizing academics can also affect our relationships with others.

    My boys are also athletes, and absences weren’t winning them any points with their coaches. One of my sons is a starting pitcher and missed practice due to travel, and was subsequently benched for one game. These things started to take a little bit of the shine out of exploring the world together, and I realized we needed to change how we planned to travel. I don’t love that my kids talk about how their performance in ninth grade will impact getting into their college of choice. Part of me wants to whisk them away to Disneyland, the Canadian Rockies, or the Great Barrier Reef and tell them they have lots of time to worry about being adults. But really, they don’t.

    I’ve also taken to calling myself a “mompreneur” to describe my role as a full-time mom and part-time business owner.

    The Evolution of a Mom’s Identity

    As a mom, one’s identity is often shaped by societal expectations and personal values. The traditional notion of a “cool mom” has given way to a more nuanced understanding of motherhood. Gone are the days of perfecting the “mommy makeover” or striving for an unrealistic ideal of motherhood.

    Shifting Expectations

  • The rise of social media has contributed to the erosion of traditional notions of motherhood. The proliferation of “mom influencers” and “mom bloggers” has created a new standard for motherhood. However, this has also led to unrealistic expectations and pressure on mothers to present a perfect image. The shift in societal expectations has led to a reevaluation of what it means to be a “cool mom.” Gone are the days of trying to fit into a narrow mold of motherhood. Instead, mothers are embracing their individuality and finding their own unique identity. ## Embracing Individuality*
  • Embracing Individuality

  • Many mothers are embracing their roles as entrepreneurs and business owners. This has led to the rise of the “mompreneur” movement. By combining their roles as mothers and business owners, women are finding new ways to express themselves and pursue their passions. As a mompreneur, I’ve found that embracing my individuality has been a liberating experience. By shedding the pressure to conform to societal expectations, I’ve been able to find my own unique voice and pursue my passions.
  • “We’ve learned” is replaced with “Our family vacations have not only” to create a more dynamic and engaging opening sentence. “That’s the most valuable thing” is removed as it’s not essential to the main idea. “We’ve gained” is replaced with “have not only” to create a more varied phrase and emphasize the multiple benefits of family vacations. ## The Power of Family Vacations*
  • The Power of Family Vacations

    A Catalyst for Growth and Development

    One of the most significant lessons my kids have learned from our travels is that the world is vast and diverse, fostering their growth into open-minded and empathetic individuals. Our family vacations have not only deepened our relationships but also helped us develop essential life skills like cooperation and adaptability.

    The Benefits of Family Vacations

  • Encourage open-mindedness and empathy
  • Foster a sense of community and cooperation
  • Develop problem-solving skills
  • Create lifelong memories
  • Provide opportunities for personal growth and development
  • How Family Vacations Shape Our Children

    Our family vacations have been a catalyst for growth and development in our children. By exposing them to new cultures, experiences, and environments, we’ve helped them develop essential life skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

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