ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Mum Won't Let Her Son Accept 100 Percent Attendance Award

Mum Won't Let Her Son Accept 100 Percent Attendance Award

At least she explains why...

Michael Minay

Michael Minay

As a child, particularly as a nipper, you'd love going to school to see your mates. You'd never dream of missing a day. Particularly when there were gold stars to be had.

In fact, when the result meant a day of wearing your own clothes, or the chance to sit on the beanbag, why would you skip school?

One LAD once refused to go on holiday with his family in order to keep his 100 percent record up - mind you his prospects were that of winning on iPad, not bringing in his favourite board game.

At least he got to keep his prize. Rachel Wright's 11-year-old son, JJ, was offered an evening at a soft play centre with his friends for his perfect record but his mum said he will not be accepting the prize.

It may seem harsh, but the British mum explained her decision on her blog Born at the Right Time.

Rachel said: "We love it when school reward him BUT he won't be going."

Her first reason is that the family 'don't reward luck'.

Credit: SWNS

"In this family we will think of as many reasons possible to praise our children. We will celebrate and reward them, but being lucky enough not to get sick is not one of them," she wrote.

"He's lucky to have not developed a fever, had an accident or live with a chronic illness."

Her second point highlights the issue of those with perfect records 'demonising' the weak. Rachel's eldest suffers with severe disabilities and life-limiting epilepsy.

"In this family you are not shamed for ill health, vulnerability or weakness," she said. "In this house we look after ourselves and the weakest amongst us.

"Can you imagine a work place that at the end of each week marked out all the people who hadn't been sick? Where all the departments with the least number of people off were rewarded?

"Can you imagine what kind of atmosphere that would create with people who had days off because of bereavement, mental health problem or chronic conditions?"

Rachel Wright. Credit: SWNS

In fairness, she does make some good points about society, and how having a day off is not just black and white.

Her third point highlights how, with JJ being only 11, the decision to go to school or stay off are made by Rachel herself. Should she therefore not get a reward too?

Rachel's final point is one of controversy at the moment. Recently, Jon Platt was fined £2,000 for taking his daughter out of school during term time.

Rachel wrote: "In this family we value school and work but we also know the importance of making memories and having rest. So our son will finish his school year one week early and got to Italy instead [of] class parties, watching films and playing end of year games."

Credit: PA

It won't be a 100 percent record after all. Maybe she's right not to let him have his reward then.

Some parents on the website came to her aide, while others were not so supportive.

"Is it ridiculous to say I was proud of you when I read this blog?" wrote one.

"You could look at this award as an opportunity to further model and practice gratitude (i.e. health and student appreciation) and graciousness," said another.

Featured Image Credit: SWNS

Topics: School, travel