When cookbook author and influencer Sarah’s holiday plans with her 6-year-old were suddenly stamped “unauthorised,” it lit up headlines — and sparked a question every parent asks: Is a week off school really that big a deal?

In this episode, Justin and Kylie dive into the tug-of-war between school rules and family priorities. Do term-time holidays harm learning, or can real-life experiences sometimes matter more? You’ll hear the research, the rules (state by state), and the reality for families just trying to make it work.

KEY POINTS
The viral story that sparked the debate: Sarah’s denied leave mid-flight.
Why rules vary wildly depending on your postcode (NSW vs. QLD vs. VIC).
What the research really says about missing school — even just a few days.
The cost factor: why many families can’t afford school-holiday travel.
When family connection, culture, and life experience outweigh the timetable.
Practical tips for working with schools to find a middle ground.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"The real question isn’t about holidays — it’s whether we trust parents to make wise, nuanced decisions for their kids." – Justin Coulson

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Happy Families Website
Connect with us on Instagram & Facebook

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Check your state’s rules before booking — policies differ widely.
Communicate early and respectfully with your child’s school.
Choose timing wisely (avoid early weeks, assessment blocks, or transition times).
Weigh family priorities — cost, connection, cultural experiences — alongside school routines.
Remember the big picture: One week doesn’t define your child’s education.

When cookbook author and influencer Sarah&rsquo;s holiday plans with her 6-year-old were suddenly stamped &ldquo;unauthorised,&rdquo; it lit up headlines &mdash; and sparked a question every parent asks: Is a week off school really that big a deal?
In this episode, Justin and Kylie dive into the tug-of-war between school rules and family priorities. Do term-time holidays harm learning, or can real-life experiences sometimes matter more? You&rsquo;ll hear the research, the rules (state by state), and the reality for families just trying to make it work.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The viral story that sparked the debate: Sarah&rsquo;s denied leave mid-flight.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why rules vary wildly depending on your postcode (NSW vs. QLD vs. VIC).</li>
<li aria-level="1">What the research really says about missing school &mdash; even just a few days.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The cost factor: why many families can&rsquo;t afford school-holiday travel.</li>
<li aria-level="1">When family connection, culture, and life experience outweigh the timetable.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Practical tips for working with schools to find a middle ground.</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
"The real question isn&rsquo;t about holidays &mdash; it&rsquo;s whether we trust parents to make wise, nuanced decisions for their kids." &ndash; Justin Coulson
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.happyfamilies.com.au">Happy Families Website</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Connect with us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drjustincoulson/">Instagram</a> &amp; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/happyfamiliesau">Facebook</a></li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ol>
<li aria-level="1">Check your state&rsquo;s rules before booking &mdash; policies differ widely.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Communicate early and respectfully with your child&rsquo;s school.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Choose timing wisely (avoid early weeks, assessment blocks, or transition times).</li>
<li aria-level="1">Weigh family priorities &mdash; cost, connection, cultural experiences &mdash; alongside school routines.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Remember the big picture: One week doesn&rsquo;t define your child&rsquo;s education.</li>
</ol>

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

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

Leave Not Approved - The Wild School Rule

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/6dfab9a8-bee9-41d1-b28e-b34700c3eed2/transcript