Southernbelle73

Guess, I should have also added that my child attends a private non-denominational Christian school. I don't know if anyone could truly understand what it is like in the public school system in our area of Mississippi. To let you know the city school is a level 5 school system, however the county school of which I am zoned is a level 1. I agree that parents should be involved in the school system on all levels. I will also note that just because my child is in private school, I still take time off from work to work with the public school system on various activities that they need help. Yes, I fill in the gap for parents that don't want to help, and I don't have a child there. But let me tell you that there is nothing more rewarding than seeing the genunine excitement of a child when an adult feels that they are worth investing in. It is not all about the money - it helps - but love/hope/patience goes so much further. These kids are dealing with so much at home. Lots of the kids in our community don't even know what it is like to have two parents in the same house, let alone, have both involved in their lives. But now that I think about it the same holds true for adults, if we as adults will first learn to treat each other with respect, then the trickle down will occur to the children. It has to start with us! Now I believe the original thread for this topic was "Would I take my child from school for a vacation" once again I say YES - but keep in mind that vacation could be in your own backyard or helping at another school....... Love everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sounds like my 2 girls...What ship are you sailing on? NCL Spirit - so excited..... It happens to be Thanksgiving week so she is out of school.....

Loves horses, nature you name it she is a country girl. Scary part she is not scared of anything.

Ok - so here is my 2 cents worth from Mississippi. I am a parent that believes that it is not the school systems total responsibility to educate my child (of which is 12 and going into the 7th grade) I believe that the Lord gave me the responsibilty to see to it that my child gets everything she needs and if that requires me to supplement her education by taking her to see places that have history, no matter where that may be - it can only be a positive. So YES, I would remove her from school in a heartbeat to see a possible once in a lifetime location. Life is too short and I only have a limited amount of time to nurture my child before she is gone. Keep in mind my child attends a very small private school and doesn't always get everything she needs education wise. We are zoned to a public school that is far below standards, therefore I send her by choice/necessity. I believe it is each parents responsibility to examine themselves and decide if the vacation is going to enhance or hinder the child in the future. You never know one trip could change the heart and view of a child shaping them in a positive way for the future.

Will be taking my daughter on her first cruise for her 13th birthday. Was wondering if ya'll had any suggestions on what would be fun for her on the cruise or an excusion. We are leaving on Nov 23 and her Bday is on the 26th. She will actually get to celebrate her birthday in Santo Tomas De Castilla Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.. We also had considered looking into touring one of the schools nearby and allowing our daughter to give away gifts on her birthday. Let me know what you think? Thanks