Holiday Vacation: 6 Ideas for Handling Missed School

By Jae Curtis

Snow is falling, families are gathering and students are eagerly anticipating their holiday vacation—it’s the perfect time of year for a family trip! As a parent, it’s important to schedule winter fun while keeping the impact on your child's schoolwork in mind. Missing lessons, even for a few days, can trip up the most studious kid. So how can you make sure all the holiday festivities won't derail his progress at school?

Before you start to plan your holiday travel, make sure you're clear on the school's policy regarding absences. You can usually find it on the school district website, otherwise you may need to call and ask. Usually there are a set number of excusable absences allowed each year. If your holiday will be longer than that or you've already used up some absences, you may need special permission from the administration to take your little learner out of school again.

During vacation, there’s plenty of time for sledding, sing-alongs, snowball fights...and sneaking in some hands-on learning. Fun educational activities aren't only great ways to keep young minds sharp and avoid a “brain drain” over holiday break—they're family bonding opportunities as well. If you have a craft enthusiast, grab your art supplies for some winter-themed activities. Or, if your kid is a tech-lover, stock your tablet with educational apps and games. If you invest some time in learning during the break, he'll hit the ground running when it's time to go back to school.

Between visiting both sets of grandparents, cooking feasts, sending a hundred Christmas cards, and attending a dozen holiday parties, the "most wonderful time of the year" can sometimes seem like a sprint to the finish. But keeping your kid caught up in school a top priority is worth the pay-off come January—a stress-free, prepared student.

Does traveling with kids have you dreading holiday plans? Check out these 8 tips for a smooth takeoff.