Why I Let My Kids Stay Home From School On Their Birthday

{my Avery, age 14}

I let my kid stay home from school on her birthday today, and boy did we have fun!

My baby Avery turned 14 today, and I could not be more proud or privileged to call her my daughter and watch her grow up. I loved celebrating her today and having her all to myself for a few hours.

I called her school this morning to report her absence as “parent excused.” I let her sleep in then we drove across town to our favorite cafe that is known for their Swiss Missiles (iced mint tea, chocolate syrup & lightly foamed half & half. Served over ice. Shaken, not stirred.) Johnny Cakes and Cookie Butter Rasberry Preserve Cinnamon Crepes.  To. Die. For.

We then hit a shoe store and she spent her birthday money on a pair of Birkenstocks. She got this pair and was a happy girl walking out of that store. It is one of those stores where the customer service is superb and my girl felt like  Cinderella Sporty Spice as she was waited on hand and…foot. Literally.

She deserved it. Our Avery is such a great girl. She is responsible, determined, strong, thoughtful, caring and wise beyond her years. There is a grounded maturity about her. She thinks before she speaks, is a rule-follower (almost to a fault!) is super honest and is one of the most thankful people I know.

I make her breakfast every school morning (because I can!) and every morning she thanks me not just when I put the plate in front of her, but also after she has eaten and is clearing her plate. She will search the house at times to find me just to thank me for something. Be still my heart!

{when we were both young ;)}

She is our sporty girl, an avid soccer player, a selective but loyal friend, a friendly introvert, organized, and deliberate. She is super creative and loves to paint and does beautiful hand lettering. She is a budding pastry chef and makes amazing desserts every chance she gets. She loves her Dad, they are two-peas-in-a-pod and watch all the TV and movies together. Being the baby of the family, she is well-loved by us all. We love our Avery!

 

Why I Let My Kids Stay Home From School On Their Birthday

I am a 2-time cancer survivor. I was staged at 3b and due to the large size and location of the tumor that was removed, I have a high percentage rate of cancer coming back. I was told 50/50 chance in 10 years. I am almost 6 years out from diagnosis. Every year that passes my chances get lower and lower that it will return, but it is a possibility due to my history. Because of cancer, I more than know that time with my 3 Lovelies is priceless.

During treatment, I remember often wondering if I would live to see them all in their teen years, and here I am. I am so, so thankful! What a precious gift life is.

I work very hard to create memories, live in the moment, and absorb the sweet time I have with them before they fly the nest. Letting them skip school on their birthdays is a great way to do this. They will always remember it, and I more than cherish it.

My girls make it easy for me to let them skip because they are such hard workers in school. Missing a day for their birthday is no big deal because they are great students. They all 3 have a great work ethic, complete their homework in time, and care about being responsible with their schooling. If this were not the case, I would be more hesitant to let them skip. Because they show that they value school, I am more than happy to have a day of memory-making fun with them!

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What about you? Do you ever let your kids skip school “just because” or on their birthday?