What to Do with a Child Who Doesn't Go on a Trip?
The phrase: “We’re going on a school trip!” usually brings a wave of excitement. After all, any lesson held outside the school walls is a break from routine, a surprise, and an adventure. But sometimes, not every child can participate. It could be due to falling ill or twisting an ankle the day before, parents or guardians not giving consent, the trip cost straining the family budget, or the child fearing the trip for various reasons. What should be done in such a case?
What to Do with a Child Who Doesn't Go on a Trip?
If the withdrawal from the school trip is due to illness or injury, the situation is relatively simple - the child stays home under the care of their parents. In cases where the reasons for not participating are different (such as those mentioned above), the situation looks like this:
if the child attends kindergarten, the director has the obligation to provide care for children not participating in the trip. Although some facilities inform parents that “everyone is going, so if your child isn’t, they should stay home,” parents should know this is against the law and can demand that classes at the kindergarten proceed as usual.
Regarding schools, school trips are considered field lessons, so parents have two options - they can choose to keep the child at home and write a justification for the absence during the trip, or they can send the child to school, where they will attend classes either with another class or in another form provided by the school director.
What to Do When a Child Can't Go on a Trip?
If a child doesn’t want to go on trips due to unpleasant experiences from previous trips, issues with peers, fear of separation from parents, or other fears they don’t want to discuss, it’s worth addressing the problem, not dismissing it, and calmly, without forcing or pressuring, try to change their mind. It’s advisable to talk to a doctor and consider if there are alternative recreational activities that won’t be harmful to their health.
There are ways to help them overcome the feeling of loneliness and isolation. Firstly, it’s important to talk with the child and understand why they don’t want or can’t go on the trip. Often, it relates to financial or health issues.
If funds are lacking, it’s worth seeking financial assistance at the school or reaching out to foundations or organizations that help children in difficult situations.
Organizing Alternative Attractions for the Child
Another way to help the child is to organize alternative attractions during the trip. You can suggest a trip to the cinema, an amusement park, or arrange a special play day at home. This way, the child won’t feel isolated and will have their own unique experiences.
Don’t forget about providing emotional support for the child. It’s worth spending more time with them, talking about their interests, and doing something special together. A weekend trip or a visit to a museum can be an excellent way to create unforgettable memories and break the isolation.
In conclusion, a child not participating in a school trip doesn’t have to mean they remain lonely and isolated. It’s worth seeking financial help, organizing alternative recreational activities, and providing emotional support. This way, the child will feel integrated with their peer group and have their own unforgettable adventures.
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