I’ve been in the news recently. Every time something pops up about holidays in term time I am a spokesperson on behalf of families for the national media.
The subject of taking children out of school in term time is something I am very passionate about. It is about the entitlement to go on holiday.
It is about the principal of not being so outlandishly ripped off by holiday and flight companies who quadruple the prices when the kids break up.
It is about the principal of being able to make educated decisions about the upbringing and welfare of my children without being dictated to by the government.
The decision by the Supreme Court to criminalise decent hard working parents for taking them out of school in term time is wrong and not through. This has been a smokescreen to hide the fact that not only is this a tax on families but the ruling was a political decision to save egg on the face on the government who would have had to fork out millions un compensation to those parents already fined.
My children are well travelled and received the highest accolades in their report, they consistently attain high grades in class, one of my lids was personally selected by the head teacher to represent the school in a presentation in front of the Chief of Police and Lord Mayor. My children are widely acknowledge in the community as being extremely polite and respectful and teachers hope that they are placed in their classes as they go through school. Their attendance is on average 98%
One or 2 days off throughout the year is not going to dumb down education. Why are parents being punished for the sins of a very small minority of delinquent parents who are not interested in the welfare of their children. Deal with them individually.
Children are blessings, not possessions or accessories. Most countries except my homeland accepts this. Only in the UK are our offspring discouraged from taking them out in public until they are 18. "Snotty kids, troublesome teens". Stop blanket labelling everyone under age. Stop this negativity You can learn a lot from children and indeed my eyes have been opened since I have brought up my children and I have learned new things, such as overcoming a fear of climbing a real mountain.
We, as families are not cattle to be herded on holiday when the government dictates and then shuffled back to our sheds out of season.
May I suggest that those who criticise me and say my children are a “ lifestyle choice” study evolution and the meaning of life. Breeding is inherent to the survival of our species.
Everyone benefits from the younger generation, who see the world through fresh, untarnished and enthusiastic eyes.
If you are fortunate to grow old and don't have children to assist you who will be looking after you in your care home? Who will be treating your ailments? Who will you be calling to mend your light fitting/boiler? Who will be protecting out country? My children's generation.
Summer is around the corner and I look forward to seeing children playing outside, in the parks and sat in restaurants with their parents. They should be seen and heard.
Life is for living, stop telling everyone how they “should” be.
Amanda
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