My kids started school last week, and I pulled them out after the first day for a family trip. I don't regret it.
A parent shares her decision to pull her children out of school for a few days to attend a family trip, arguing that the educational value of travel outweighs missing a small amount of classroom time. She notes that a significant majority of parents support this trade-off for family bonding and experiential learning.
Why it matters
This highlights a growing cultural shift in parenting and education, where experiential learning and family time are increasingly prioritized over strict adherence to school attendance schedules.
The author says taking her kids out of school just after it started for a family trip was worth it. Courtesy of Kris Ann Valdez I pulled my three kids out of school during the first week of the year for a family trip. They missed only two days of in-person classes and learned about history, nature, and family. I didn't make the decision lightly. I believe some things are worth a few days away from school. I planned a road trip to attend my brother's baby shower in Corona, California, the same week my three kids — entering preschool, third grade, and eighth grade — started school. Since I'm based in Phoenix and my brother lives about 6.5 hours away, driving there is a commitment. I wanted to make the trip count by tacking on some beach time and adventuring, too. I debated the decision.
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