I only would have asked my kids what they wanted to do if I thought the field trip was a dumb waste of time and didnt feel like paying for it, but if they wanted to go to spend time with friends outside the classroom, I would let them go. If I thought the field trip was inappropriate or I was uncomfortable with it, then the only discussion would be me explaining why I thought so, to the level that it made sense to explain it.

I would communicate that I am keeping the child home, just in case that is the reason for their inordinate interest.

If their interest is something else, then I would dig in my heels more. I would have signed the permission slip but stayed home only after a day or two of them asking. After that, its clear that you are hostile to the idea and you will have to fight the good fight now or later. It may as well be now.

Last edited by Chana; 06/12/14 06:55 AM.