Seven million school days were missed in Victoria last year. Is this a sign of a growing problem, or are parents finally putting their families first?

A new report has sparked fierce debate about school attendance. Should children ever miss school for a holiday, a family celebration or a mental health break?

Dr Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack what the numbers actually tell us, why so many families are choosing term-time travel, and whether chasing perfect attendance comes at a cost.

They explore what children gain from school, what they gain from time with family, and why the best decision isn't always the obvious one.

If you've ever wondered whether it's okay to pull your child out of school, this conversation will give you plenty to think about.

KEY POINTS
What the seven million missed school days really represent.
Why more families are travelling during school term.
The pressure schools place on perfect attendance.
How COVID changed the way many parents think about school.
What children can learn outside the classroom.
When missing school can be the right choice.
Why every family needs to weigh the trade-offs for themselves.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"If you need to have some time off, if you want to take the kids out of school, do it."

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Herald Sun report on Victorian school attendance.
Happy Families resources at happyfamilies.com.au.

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Make school attendance your starting point, not an unbreakable rule.
Before taking your child out of school, ask what they'll gain from the experience.
Talk with your child's teacher if they'll miss important learning.
Don't let guilt make the decision for you. Consider your child's learning, your family's circumstances and what matters most.

Seven million school days were missed in Victoria last year. Is this a sign of a growing problem, or are parents finally putting their families first?
A new report has sparked fierce debate about school attendance. Should children ever miss school for a holiday, a family celebration or a mental health break?
Dr Justin and Kylie Coulson unpack what the numbers actually tell us, why so many families are choosing term-time travel, and whether chasing perfect attendance comes at a cost.
They explore what children gain from school, what they gain from time with family, and why the best decision isn't always the obvious one.
If you've ever wondered whether it's okay to pull your child out of school, this conversation will give you plenty to think about.
KEY POINTS
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>What the seven million missed school days really represent.</li>
<li>Why more families are travelling during school term.</li>
<li>The pressure schools place on perfect attendance.</li>
<li>How COVID changed the way many parents think about school.</li>
<li>What children can learn outside the classroom.</li>
<li>When missing school can be the right choice.</li>
<li>Why every family needs to weigh the trade-offs for themselves.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
"If you need to have some time off, if you want to take the kids out of school, do it."
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul data-spread="false">
<li><a href="https://apple.news/Acff-ogMKQgy-KJV_5-owag">Herald Sun report</a> on Victorian school attendance.</li>
<li>Happy Families <a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/?s=school+attendance&amp;bp_search=1&amp;view=content">resources</a> at happyfamilies.com.au.</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>Make school attendance your starting point, not an unbreakable rule.</li>
<li>Before taking your child out of school, ask what they'll gain from the experience.</li>
<li>Talk with your child's teacher if they'll miss important learning.</li>
<li>Don't let guilt make the decision for you. Consider your child's learning, your family's circumstances and what matters most.</li>
</ul>

Deciding which parenting advice to follow? Join the thousands of mums and dads who turn to Australia’s most downloaded parenting podcast.

Dr Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie bring real parenting solutions every day, cutting through the noise of modern advice with clear, practical guidance for every step of parenting.

From early childhood challenges to the complexities of the teenage years, each daily episode offers simple, evidence-based strategies to help you feel more confident in your decisions and more connected to your kids.

Deciding which parenting advice to follow?&nbsp;Join the thousands of mums and dads who turn to Australia&rsquo;s most downloaded parenting podcast.
Dr Justin Coulson and his wife Kylie bring real parenting solutions every day, cutting through the noise of modern advice with clear, practical guidance for every step of parenting.
From early childhood challenges to the complexities of the teenage years, each daily episode offers simple, evidence-based strategies to help you feel more confident in your decisions and more connected to your kids.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

7 Million School Days Lost in Victoria

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/7cf90ae7-de6d-46cc-9bab-b48f0021eccf/transcript