A mum says she feels 'like a criminal' after lying to a school to take her children on holiday. The parent says she received a letter through from the school questioning the legitimacy of her kid's absences, reports Birmingham Live.
The mother took her dilemma to social media to gauge if she was in the wrong for pulling her children out of school during term time for the trip. Speaking on Mumsnet, she says that she took the kids away for three days of teaching as she couldn't afford the trip during their holidays.
The mother said: "So before anyone decides to go hard on me, I have never ever lied about kids sickness before.
"I don't know why I did it this time, I guess money is tight, we worked hard to be able to afford the holiday, but still could not afford the holiday in half term, so we decided to take kids out of school for 3 days.
"I reported my children to have sickness. And off we went."
However, the enjoyment of the trip was soon dashed when the mother was called by the school and when she didn't answer they got an international ring tone. She added: "But unsure why, probably based on their hunch, school called me the next day.
"I did not answer, just sent them a message instead. But they replied they got an international ringing tone....ooops... i did not even reply to that. "
The mother says upon arriving back home from their family vacation she got a letter through suggesting she had lied about the real reason behind her children absences. She said: "When we got back I got a letter suggesting I lied, that kids were on holiday instead of home poorly, etc.
"I don't know what to do, I hate lying and I regret not telling the truth, but has it gone too far now to just admit I lied? I can also expect the fine for my children, well tough I suppose.
"But I feel like a criminal, like I did something unspeakable. But I only allowed for my family to have a wonderful time together, we has such a great time, it is really priceless.
"My kids are both doing great academically and their absence was above 95%. What is everyone's take on it?"
People were quick to give their thoughts on the mother's ongoing dilemma with her children's school. Some users were quick to back the mum and say she didn't need to admit to the holiday.
One person said: "You don't have to "admit " anything. I'd email head and say I've received this letter, what happens next.
"And leave it there. If you get a fine then yes pay it.
"Personally I'd have gone with sickness bug, 48 hours off school. And ring every day to tell them."
Another user said: "I have just done this with my eldest although for one day. Nine of us travelling saved us an absolute fortune.
"There was an inset the following day and it just made sense. I'm afraid after the home schooling coronavirus debacle, where I saw how little work they actually do, I have less patience with endless presenteeism, and felt the trip was more beneficial than a days films and mucking about which they usually do on the last day.
"I haven't been questioned because they didn't call, but in your shoes I think I would say no, you must be mistaken, and not elaborate.
"And then ignore it. If you get a fine, pay it and say no more."
Meanwhile, others believed she should just confess to the real reason behind her children's absence. Another user said: "I am sympathetic which is why I suggested own up to it.
"Its a one off and you are regretful. Hopefully that makes it better. It's the repeat offenders who deny deny deny who would p*** the school off, I assume."
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