Any parents out there who hate residential school trips?

[coli05anna00]

My daughter is due to go to France for 5 days and i am dreading it. I will spend most of the time worrying myself silly and counting the days 'till she is home. Normally i can hold myself together, lol, but all other residentials have been just a stones throw away, if we were needed for any reason.
Don't get me wrong we have encouraged her to go as it will be all good experience for her and help her become more independant, and she will probably have a wonderful time. I guess it's that letting go issue and feeling out of control of any situation that may arise.

[carolegif]

Hardest thing in the world - letting go of your children. Of course you will worry and she will have a great time.

[joeluke]

These trips cost so much too, schools think parents are made of money

[coli05anna00]

you're right there! so she best make sure she DOES enjoy it! lol

[Mick-Talbot]

I do, My daughter went on one last year, Made me worried sick.
My son, almost went on one this year, but i gave him the choice of either going on the trip or ...having the money it cost for the trip so he could buy something, or bank it.

he chose to put the money in his bank. I agree with Joe on this, they are a total rip off.
I wonder if the kids are paying for the teachers............

[annie0000]

I must be a bad parent. I love when my kids go away on camps. Longest so far has been a weekend, but I never worry, I do miss them a little bit, but they are in safe hands and growing and gaining independence so it's all good.

[Prudie]

me too annie, although I did worry a little when my daughter went on trips I'm afraid I looked at it as a welcome break for me and probably for her too.

[Arti]

Mick T, yes the teachers are subsidised by the parents and the school. It's understandable, though, because teachers don't get many other perks like 12 weeks holiday a year and stuff.

[Arti]

Annie and Prudie, I was tempted to move when my two went away.

[sherrardk]

I hate when my eldest son goes on residential trips - I always make my husband see him off as we both know (my son and myself) that I will probably cry!

[gilchri]

You'll be fine and she'll be fine and return more confident. Handling her own pocket money and dealing with decisions without you for a few days will be a great learning curve for her. Yes letting go is awful - for you - best thing for her.Chin up and smile her off.

[numnum]

our parents decided not to put us on trips and took us abroad on a family holiday which i would prefer and looking back glad they did

like joeluck says, its a huge amount of money for a school child to go on. i have a 12 and 13 year old step kids and 2 of my own and the thought of the step kids going away is a horrible thought and they seem soo young.

[hannah40]

these school trips are so expensive i dont think its fair some parents cant afford to send there kids but so there kids dont feel left out they get into debt to send them.its over £200 for 4 da ys where my kids go to school.I will send her as it is good for them if my dd wants to go.

[annie0000]

Arti - I keep telling my two that we are moving while they are away, it keeps them on their toes!! I am actually getting both of them away at the same time soon when there is a combined Cub and Scout camp. I think they may actually be worried this time because we will be moving house that weekend (well, moving someone else!!) - we're helping my brother & sister in law move.

[coli05anna00]

should also mention my babe is awaiting a cognitive assessment to find out if she is autistic. we have had a few hospital visits and stays with one thing and another the worse being when she was just one week old, but cant hold them back and i will as i always have encourage and smile her on her way always put a positive outlook on every thing she does.

[sherrardk]

M eldest went on his first residential when he was eight - it was awful, but he loved it.