Couldn't afford a school trip and I feel guilty

Becles

This happened to my two. They can go away in Year 6, but it costs over £300 for an outdoor activity course. I explained how expensive it was and put it in terms they could understand and they accepted we couldn't afford it.

They few left behind had great time at school as they didn't have to do any lessons and got sent into the other classes to help out. They were doing things like helping the younger ones on the computers in IT lessons, helped in PE lessons playing games, and they loved going in the Foundation class and playing in the sand and stuff with the little ones. They also did loads of little jobs for the teachers like putting art work up on the wall and stuff.

BexInLondon

Please don't feel guilty. You sounds like an amazing parent - your kids' reactions are so mature, and to be honest my brothers and I were horrible when we couldn't join in with the other kids because of money. I look back sometimes and cringe. So clearly you're getting a lot right. You're bringing them up to know that they can only spend what they have - I wish I hadn't had to learn that myself the hard way!

athensgeorgia

Thanks for everyones replies its much appreciated. I've decided to do the treat thing. I've been putting off buying a guides t-shirt for her as we couldn't really afford that either ( i sound like the NO parent) and i know how appreciative she'll be for such a small thing especially when i've said not this week nearly every week for that past 4 months.

I also forgot about the letter DD2 brought home last term asking if people would reply with any interest for the children to go on a residential in Year 6 (shes just finishing year 4) and the choices were London taking in all the sights or Disneyland Paris. When she gave it me she said 'I've got this letter but i know the answer'll be no.' I must be too predictable with my answers.

I honestly think our school is just money money money though DD2 came home with a letter yesterday for a day in school on a Saturday doing a Grabbitas thing at a cost of £38. The letters not worded very carefully but seems to suggest its for gifted children who have been picked. I'd find the money for that if it is the case. I want to encourage my very abled child. I just need to investigate Grabbitas. Unless anyone can inform me.

loulou123

Don't feel guilty, i never went on any of the "stay away" trips when i was at school (mum normally found the money for the day trips though) and as there was normally only 4 or 5 of us left behind, we used to have a great time, there were no proper lessons as such, and i really didnt mind at all not going.

I agree with the treat idea, my mum used to take me out for the day at the closest weekend to the trip, so i still had something fun to look forward too.

POPPYOSCAR

I count myself lucky sometimes I dont even get to know about the more expensive school trips as my kids dont tell me.

I found out once that my son could have gone skiing with the school when I asked him why he didnt tell me, he said mum £700 you must be joking!!!

Blackpool_Saver

spadoosh wrote: »

lol, i feel for you regarding the folks in blackpool:p

thankfully I don't live in Blackpool itself, I live in a little village on the outskirts .....

Blackpool_Saver

Fang wrote: »

Bulltish! Why should every child miss out because a few can't or won't afford it?

Those who can afford it can do it out of school time, then poorer kids don't feel discriminated against and all are happy.

Edited to add, school is for learning NOT holidays.

Can you afford it?

robpw2

i would just like to mention at what blackpool said , i think some of these trips can be useful and also very educational , when i was 13 i went to shell island with the shool and i learnt so much and did things i wouldnt have had the oppurtunity to if i hadnt have gone but i do think it can be very expensive and can also be very stressful for some kids too

I would prefer to have the oppurtuity for those to go who would like to but perhaps in the holdiays or during whitsun so those left behind wouldnt nesccarily feel left out,

Becles

Blackpool_Saver wrote: »

Those who can afford it can do it out of school time, then poorer kids don't feel discriminated against and all are happy.

Edited to add, school is for learning NOT holidays.

Can you afford it?

It amused me that parents wanting to take their children on holiday have to beg for permission and then get a leaflet from the LEA about the damage they are doing to their children by taking time off school - blah blah blah.

However, it's ok for school to take some children away for a week long holiday in term time, and the ones left behind have a week off lessons.

Double standards and all that!

samandona

Blackpool_Saver wrote: »

Those who can afford it can do it out of school time, then poorer kids don't feel discriminated against and all are happy.

Edited to add, school is for learning NOT holidays.

Can you afford it?

For once, I TOTALLY agree with Fang's post.

Not all those who can afford it do it out of school time. Me, for example. My disfunctional home did not allow for "family" trips and I am eternally greatful to my mother for finding the money to let me go on a whole range of trips with school. I went all over 3 continets during my high school years and could have been to more.

Being poor (or rich) is a fact of life and I dont see why we should sheild children from that?

Big up to the OP's kids though - I hope mine are like that.