The Unexpected Perks of Skipping School
Embracing the ‘Not Perfect’ in Parenting
Have you ever allowed your child to miss a day of school just because?
In today’s society, the concept of ‘perfect parenting’ often entails a rigorous schedule with no room for a day off. But could there be unexpected perks to skipping school occasionally?
Let’s look into the story of a four-year-old who took a day off from preschool and the lessons this day unfolded.
Picture the scene: a four-year-old misses a day of preschool and suddenly it’s as though the sky is falling! “Why isn’t he in school? He should be learning!” they exclaim.
But let’s take a step back and consider reality — he’s just four. He’s often ahead in class and regularly praised for his intelligence and observational skills. He’s not a ‘child prodigy’ but is bright and inquisitive.
Adults often crave a break from the daily grind of work, so why can’t children have the same?
Children aren’t just attending school; they’re absorbing new information, honing their social skills, and learning to navigate the world. This can be a lot, and it can leave them feeling drained.
The societal pressures on children often seem disproportionately higher than on adults. They’re expected to follow all the rules without question. We tell them to be leaders, not followers, yet we expect them to comply unquestioningly.
That’s a bit contradicting…
As parents, it’s essential to remember that it’s perfectly fine to break routine occasionally. Let your child have a day off, to unwind and be a child. These unplanned, spur-of-the-moment days can create some of the most cherished childhood memories.
On this day, I took my son to the nearby waterfalls. We basked in the sunshine and listened to the freshwater cascading. We strolled up the trail, talking, and I observed my adventurous child scale the rocks like Spider-Man! We even had an exciting encounter with a snake! 🐍
Although I’m scared of them, my Carter isn’t! He found the entire incident amusing and has since been fascinated with them! It was a day filled with joy and laughter that I will always cherish.
As parents, our job isn’t just about teaching our children to follow rules and routines. It’s about guiding them through life, helping them experience the world, understand themselves, and realize their unique potential.
It’s about teaching them that it’s okay to question things, make mistakes, and chase their dreams with all their heart.
Incorporating more spontaneous adventures and hands-on experiences into a child’s life can balance their formal education and help them understand the world better.
The world is a vast and diverse playground, our children should have the freedom to explore it!
So, let your child skip school once in a while. If this makes you a ‘bad mom’ in someone’s eyes, so what? That’s not your reality; it’s their projection.
A day off school is just that — a day. But the experiences, lessons, and memories it can offer are invaluable.
As the saying goes, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” So why not let your child skip a school day and explore a different, more exciting chapter of life?📖
Please take a moment to think about the following. You don’t need to be a parent to answer. We were all kids once, and the adults in our lives made decisions for us:
Could a day off from school be a good learning experience?
Are we ready to question what’s normal and accept a more relaxed style of parenting for the benefit of our children?
What do you think the ‘perfect’ childhood looks like?
Remember, children are the future and sometimes, they even teach us a better way. I had to overcome my fear of snakes because of my child! Thank you for reading, and as I always tell my son, “Stay curious!”💫