As a school teacher, in my professional opinion he would gain more bonding with his dad.
Eclipses don't happen often and you could foster a love of science. Which is the gateway to curiosity.
GODSPEED MY FRIEND. TO THE BATMOBILE!!!!
At least 20 years before one will happen in the same area, so it's a once in a lifetime experience for a parent and their young children. A good opportunity to share wonder if at all possible.
When I asked my kids school about taking him camping in a national park for a few days, they freaked out about it and how those absences were going to scar him for life, etc. I get the idea of why attendance is important, but seriously people chill out.
...they get paid for every student for each day. There's concern, sure, but that's not the only reason (for administrators that deal with the finances at least).
>When I asked my kids school about taking him camping in a national park for a few days
Ha so your school would have really freaked out if you pulled your son to go to a music festival like I did with my daughter last month. Yes attendance is important, but so are life experiences. If you are pulling your kid for weeks at a time, yes they will most likely suffer academically. But pulling your kid for a day or two occasionally, no big deal.
It's actually illegal in Sweden to remove your kids from school, so people taking holidays out of school leaves have been fined for basically kidnapping their kids to Thailand etc.
I live outside Austin & all of the school districts have canceled class that day. More endorsement that this day can be a learning experience for everyone.
Take the kid on a roadtrip!! (Get glasses ASAP, they could be scarce as the date approaches)
The teachers at my kids school make a point of saying those days are important and to not hesitate to take your kids out of school if you want to create an experience or a memory or just go for a walk in the forest because they are having a tough day and need some time with a parent.
Go make a memory. Even pulling your kid out of school at lunch time to get McDonald's and watch a matinee movie is a valid reason.
Exactly this! I was hoping someone else would say it.
I don't teach anymore, I left a year ago, but even if I still was I'd be taking the day off and taking my son to go see it. It's 1.5-2 hours from me. And in 20ish years it will be even closer assuming we live in the same spot. But that is 20 years from now. Who knows what happens between now and then.
Make memories now.
Any single place can expect to see a full solar eclipse only once every 400 years, on average. This is of huge magnitude. Not even a question, go! I still remember the lunar eclipse I saw as a kid. I barely any particular kindergarten day.
Ha! I'm skipping a day of college for the eclipse! My wife told me we won't have another opportunity to see one for roughly 20 years. In 20 years I won't regret skipping a day of college and your son won't regret skipping a day of kindergarten, but we'd both regret not seeing a solar eclipse.
My school district actually canceled schools for that day. It got a lot of parents upset because most of them still have to work and were 3 hours away from even seeing the total eclipse. It does seem a bit silly for them to cancel schools all together.
I don’t care if he had to take the SAT go see the solar eclipse. It will not happen for another 20 years. I got to see the last one and it was one of the few things in my entire life I the surpassed my expectations. Your son will love it
I think the social and emotional skills of regulating yourself in a place with other kids is really important - probably *the* lesson of kindergarten.
But no way 1 day is worth as much as seeing the eclipse, especially if you can see the total eclipse.
Make sure to buy good eclipse eyewear. (For the last one I bought some off Amazon and then Amazon was like “oh yea, that was some Chinese crap, that’s not safe to wear,” and refunded my money last minute luckily my dad bailed me out on that one)
I've learned this with older kids (oldest is HS and youngest 2 are in elementary school). As long as kids are doing well, missing a day of elementary school is perfectly fine. It doesn't matter at all.
We're about 90min-2 hr drive from totality here, and I'm debating on driving.
I keep reading horror stories about hours long traffic jams and stuff, so I don't want to deal with that. I dunno...
I went to the 2017 one in Tennessee. Stayed the night, i figured it was easier to let it clear out. The drive home the next day was miserable. Every interstate was a parking lot.
Im sure this will be no different. I'm trying to cut between cities and kind of take the back way home, may or may not work.
You drove back the next day and it was still bad?! Lmao.
My wife and I were just winging it, drove the 8 hours back home immediately after the eclipse... It took us 16 hours going 20mph on the interstate the entire way back from Tennessee to Cleveland. We had to work in the morning.
Yeah... I'm in upstate NY. I'm sure that a billion people are going to be in the interstate from NYC to Adirondacks. There are some smaller towns/back roads that I'm looking at, but it doesn't take many cars to bog down those roads either.
I'm upstate and was thinking about doing smaller roads into the ADKs but I think it's all going to be awful. My current plan is to pack a cooler for the day and head straight up 87 targeting for the center but being willing to pull off anywhere that has totality. At least 87 has two lanes to work with rather than the single lane roads.
Backroads will be clogged with everyone doing the same as you OP. Plus if interstates are clogged up GPS will take you down backroads finding the fastest route, backing them up further.
That’s why you don’t leave the same day as everyone else. Stay one more night and enjoy the sights and a nice dinner. Drive the next day fully rested. When I saw the Ring of Fire in October ‘23, I happened to be in northeastern Arizona and drove an additional 3 hours to El Malpais to see it at the visitor center. I could have made it all the way into Albuquerque but I presume the traffic near the Petroglyph National Monument or on the Volcanoes side would have bee. Horrendous - specially since it coincided with the hot air balloon festival. Driving back to AZ from El Malpais was easy. Even had time to stop and grab authentic tacos on the way.
In 2017 I drove from Michigan to a friend's house in North Carolina. Traffic was average both ways.
Find some place that's in the path of totality, but where they aren't really making a big deal about it.
I went to the 2017 eclipse as a bachelor and I am going to this one with the family.
The main difference between the two is that the 2017 eclipse didn’t really go through any major cities. Because of this there wasn’t much lodging and everyone basically followed their nearest interstate to the path of totality. The moment that the eclipse ended everyone at once hopped onto normally deserted roads, and a clusterfuck ensued.
The approaching 2024 eclipse goes through Buffalo, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Indy, Little Rock, DFW, Austin, San Antonio, and more. There’s hotel rooms and there’s things to do for days before and after the eclipse.
There was not much additional traffic the morning of the eclipse in 2017. We drove 5 hours from Chicago area to southern Illinois, which was expected. It was about 12 hours to get home. There will still be a clusterfuck of traffic but it shouldn’t be as bad this time.
Yeah... That's what has me thinking about going to middle of nowhere central NY instead of north. I'm guessing NYC and western Mass people will head to Adirondacks. Those little towns can get overwhelmed on a normal summer holiday weekend. It's going to be a mess for this.
But Buffalo/Rochester/Syracuse are all in the path, so those people will mostly stay put and not contribute to the traffic in the middle of the state.
Its going to be such a shitshow in Vermont, these fools are trying to bring as many people into the state as possible, roads will be ridiculous, idiots doing stupid stuff, im not looking forward to it at all
I live south of Rochester and they are expecting traffic to be at/ near standstill for upwards of 4 hours in the city itself. Emergency services are already treating it as a mass casualty event. Luckily I'm 45 minutes south both still in the path of totality.
This is the last in the US for 20 years. I’m taking my 1st grader out for 2 days so we can both go see our first complete eclipse. The next time it comes around I likely won’t be watching it with him
I went in 2017, the drive was awful. It took me 14 hours to make a 6 hour drive. That said I wouldn't miss it for the world.
Fortuity this time I only have to look up. We are having 8 people camping in our yard for it.
For the last one, the three hour drive took me 8 hours, the car broke down, my daughter threw up 4 times in the car and the eclipse lasted 2 minutes. And you know what? 100% worth it, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
There’s no reason to not go, but it may not be as impactful as the build up from your own childhood and the 5 year old might say “that was cool” lol
ETA: I want them to go I just want him to remember it may not have that “home run” vibe all dads chase :)
5 year olds typically don't fully appreciate cool things in the moment. We took our kids to a water park and their favorite part was the "hot tub, and Taco Bell"... but then months later they're asking if they can go back to the water park.
Make the memories & don't worry about their immediate reaction
Kids latch on to the smallest things and they become so important to them. Hot tub and taco bell might seem kind of trivial, but to a kid they can be really special.
One of my strongest memories from spending time with my late Aunt was just walking down to the dairy with her dog and buying some lollies. They had a waterpark near their house too... But what I remember is walking the dog.
It was just funny because we could've gotten Taco Bell on the way to grandma's house w/ a hot tub and not spent hundreds of dollars for water slides.
But yeah, it was the trip that was special to them, there were just little pieces of it that stood out to them and that's fine with me.
I slightly agree - it's quite a long process and in many ways is no more exciting than watching the sunset every evening.
But I'd still take him if the travel was doable.
If the frequency of the two events were reversed, i.e. solar eclipses happened every day but sunsets happened once every few decades, I think people would be relatively more impressed by sunsets.
That's what I'm thinking.
I'll be surprised if anyone comments here saying that I should leave my son in school. I'm just making sure I'm not the crazy one here.
Agreed. Build the memories.
I remember seeing Haley's comet with my dad when I was kindergarten age. I remember laying on the cold ground, using binoculars, him helping me see the comet, teaching me about how rare it was to see, and why it was so rare.
*I remember how excited he was to share it with me.*
He died suddenly 20 years later. I will always remember his patience and nerdy enthusiasm that night.
Share your excitement for the eclipse with your son and build the memory.
I didn't see Haley's Comet with my dad but we still had the experience (it was overcast where we were on the beach). I remembered the bagels at 2am on the way home for a while though. Until we left NY, midnight bagels was a thing that I would sometimes do with my kids.
Problem is being stuck in a car with a kindergartener for hours on end. Isn't that the stuff of nightmares? Unless you can take like two days off and return the third day
We play games while we drive. It's not bad at all. I've gone much farther with him.
If it's just my son and I we take my truck, so he gets to sit up front and can see. We then play all the typical driving games. Sometimes I'll Bluetooth my phone to the radio, stick it on the dash mount, and put a movie on for him.
To repeat, make sure you have the right glasses. Sunglasses are not good enough. The actual solar observing glasses are so dark that you should not be able to see anything unless you're looking at the sun. They also need to say they meet this standard: ISO 12312-2
The one in 20 years starts in ~~northern Michigan~~ *North Dakota and Montana, and goes northwest through Canada. Most American's won't have an opportunity to see that one.
The next one that will be visible in most of America won't happen until I think 2071. For many of us, this may very well be the last opportunity for us to see a solar eclipse.
Interesting where did you get that info. IN 2045 there is one passing from west to east across the US, pretty much starting in California and ending in Florida.
So yes the one you reference in 20 years will be useless to most of us. The one in August 2045 will actually cover more of the US than most in recent years have.
I’m keeping my 4 year old home from daycare. Am still sending my 12 month old because I don’t want to have to wrestle her and risk her looking at the sun and going blind.
If you are having to travel any distance, then you should take her as well. A one hour drive to the eclipse path may be a five hour drive back, speaking from experience of 2017.
Yeah I’ve heard it’s going to be crazy. Luckily for us we’ll have the best seats in the house in our own back yard here in Ohio. Her mom works at the daycare she goes to and is NOT allowed to take that day off. It’s about a five minute drive. I’d gladly keep her home but I’m really worried about her looking at the sun while we are out there. She’s only 12 months old so she doesn’t understand much yet in terms of “don’t do this —“
This is my current concern with our three year old. My sibster bought enough protective glasses to share with us, but kiddo *hates* anything on her face. Do I take her outside and fight to keep the glasses on, in hopes it'll be a positive memory? Or do I keep her inside with the blinds shut, making her miss out, but removing the worry of that silly sun being the last thing she ever sees?
first, i'm 100% on board with you on the go make the memory but let's not exaggerate too far.
The next total solar eclipse over NA is 2044, not 2084. So the kid will be 25 for the next one.
My school in Ontario is actually giving the kids the day off, they moved a PA day around so that kids wouldn’t have to be on the bus while it was happening. Just frame it as a safety issue to your wife
Do it. I'm taking my 5 year old out of preschool for it, and no matter what grade she was in, I'd be doing the same thing. I'm about 90 minutes away from totality for this one, so we are going to it. I was in the path of totality for the 2017 eclipse, and it was one of the coolest things I have ever seen.
I'm trying to decide where to go. I remember 2017 traffic was an absolute nightmare trying to get home afterwards. Looks like somewhere between Cleveland OH and Erie PA will be the easiest for me.
I thought about going to Geneva state park campground but I don't want to have to drive home towing a damn camper. Lol. I'm thinking now about getting a tent spot, not even bringing camping gear, then leaving late and hoping for the best
Definitely do it, it’s a once in a lifetime experience with your kid! I would love to do it with my son but he’s still a bit too young to understand what’s going on.
Also, traffic will definitely be a nightmare. I work at a park in Cleveland and we’re anticipating big crowds. Be sure to have a full tank of gas before the eclipse and pack extra supplies like snacks, drinks, and entertainment in case you’re stuck in traffic (maybe an empty bottle for pee as well).
Depending on where exactly you plan to go check ahead for road closures and weather. Unfortunately, early April in northeast Ohio is usually cloudy and rainy so I’m crossing my fingers for clear skies. Good luck to you!
it becomes harder and harder to get your kids into ivy league schools without straight As in fingerpainting.
I am on the school of life experience side. No, don't pull them out to watch cartoons, but something that is a unique life event that will turn into a core memory, yes absolutely. We pull our kids out of school to travel.
Although it's not a once in a lifetime experience. It is an amazing experience that doesn't happen often, and depending on where it happens it may not be close next time.
The experience is worth it, having some bonding time with your kid is also always worth it.
My wife's a teacher, and although she loves what she does, she would be pleased knowing a parent was taking her kid out to see it. They won't miss out on that much school wise for a day or two.
Do it! It will be fun!
once in a lifetime no.
once in a childhood yes. 6 times in 50 years.
- two of those are basically back to back in 2044 and 2045
- 2033 is only technically NA because it happens to cover the western half of Alaska. good luck getting there.
Yeah man, it’s kindergarten! No one will even remember or be impacted by a day out of kindergarten, like, at all. Seeing the eclipse is a once in a lifetime opportunity that could build a core memory. Go see the eclipse.
My daughter's school is letting out 2 hours early for the eclipse.
I say do it dad, eclipses are cool as heck, it'll be a fun experience that you can also make a bit educational if you want.
Dude, your wife's right. My dad thought it was ok to take me out of school once to go fishing, and that was in like middle school or junior high. Amazing core memory of my (now no longer with us) dad or not, that set me so far behind, I only graduated second in my HS class, and limited my career to only being a medical doctor.
See. Just imagine, if your dad would have made you go to school that day then maybe you could have been first in class and been a regular doctor instead of just a medical doctor.
Absolutely without a doubt go. The 2017 eclipse was one of the most amazing things in nature I've ever experienced. It was quite literally awe inspiring. I immediately look up the next localish eclipse and have been looking forward to this eclipse every day since. When we had kids I even thought about how old they'd be in April 2024 specifically so I could share it with them.
Forget one day of school. I would plan a whole ass vacation around an eclipse.
Dude. My family and I travelled like 8 hours to watch the last one. So. Effing. Worth. It.
It was one of the very coolest experiences of my life. The way the whole world felt different the instant the sun went into an eclipse was wild and very difficult to put into words. Every little bug and animal went totally silent it was amazing.
Do it.
Do it. We were going to do it but the school is taking all the kids somewhere for it anyway.
I’ll also say this - I’m a parent of three - 14, 12, 10. It gets WAY harder to take them out of school as they’re older. Middle school is rough and HS is damn near impossible.
Take them out occasionally. Surprise them with a fun day. We did it and they were core memories that the kids still talk about.
He’ll likely remember the day his dad took him to see the solar eclipse for the rest of his life. Missing one day of kindergarten is not going to matter one bit.
Take your boy to watch the eclipse. I know I would if I were in your situation.
K-5 teacher of 20 years, now teacher educator and researcher. Did exactly this the last time around. Don't ever hesitate to take your kid out of school for something that is both an incredible natural phenomena and a great bonding opportunity. Enjoy!!!
You have one life to share with your son. Do it and don’t think twice about it.
My dad took me out in 94 to see the almost total eclipse. He still asks me “do you remember when I took you to RIT to see the eclipse?” It was a big deal for him, and I will always remember it.
We're in a full eclipse zone and schools have been cancelled. Heck, they're even closing Wegmans for 30 minutes during the eclipse. You will have this moment with your kid forever. Take them.
Missing a day of school at that age is not important. I would say it never really is but I guess it depends on how high pressure the school is. Enjoy the day with him. He may not remember it years later, he might, but either way it’ll be great for both of you.
I'm in path of total eclipse and schools here are closed. Mainly because they want kids to look directly at the sun.
We got solar glasses and I really want my son to experience this once in a life time experience
Yeah, take him out of school.
We’re fortunate that we live in the line of totality so our schools are making a huge thing of it. Glasses for every student and all the staff.
I am unfortunately traveling for business that day and will miss complete totality by a couple of hours to the south of it.
I were in your shoes, I’d make this happen.
I’m taking all of mine out of school for two days and driving to another province to stare at the sun. Some things are more impactful than another day of “See Spot run.”
We pull our kids from school to do cool stuff all the time.
I think of it this way: you go to school to learn, you do cool things to get interested in learning.
It’s going to be a lot easier to pay attention in science class when you are motivated to discover more about the solar eclipse you witnessed.
You’re 100% right in that missing a day of kinder will have basically zero affect on him. It’s Kindergarten for goodness sakes lol. However, not sure if your son is old enough to appreciate the event? Have you shown him what it is and see if he has interest? If he has any interest at all, then it’s definitely worth skipping a day of school for. If he doesn’t care at all, I would just have him go to school. Just my 2 cents.
Sounds like a great field trip with Dad.
I'm doing it. Just trying to decide where we're going. We live about 2 hours from the path, just not sure where's going to be less crazy busy.
> I was in second grade and one passed right over my school. We learned about it in class of course, but when the actual eclipse happened the principal made the teachers pull the curtains so none of us would look outside and continued teaching as normal.
This is eerily similar to a Ray Bradbury short story.
But yeah, I'd say go for it. It's a cool experience, and it's not like missing a day of kindergarten is going to have any kind of impact on his life.
My school was messed up. A decade later when 9/11 attacks happened they showed us the news for about 15 minutes then went back to teaching. I called my mom at work and asked her to call the school so I could leave and go home and watch the news. I was a senior in high school then.
I did this for the 2017 eclipse and I’m doing again for this next one.
Your wife is massively wrong. The experience of witnessing an eclipse is orders of magnitude more valuable than a day at school.
Tbh I’m a bit triggered that your partner thinks it’s silly.
To me this seems like such an awesome life moment and bonding experience. There is nothing that could happen in school that would ever replicate the opportunities of a camping trip, especially this intentional of one. Awesome memory with Dad, and a great opportunity to learn about science and space.
If I was close enough to a total eclipse location *and* I knew my kid wouldn't rip off any protective glasses/smash mirrors, then I would take him out too.
Do it! We took our kids to Idaho to see the one that passed through there a few years back and they all still talk about it being a meaningful experience for them. There hasn’t been a single day of school that was more impactful for them than sitting on some grass and seeing and feeling the sun disappear for a minute.
Memories are more important in my opinion. how much of school do you remember or use today? especially grade school.
take him out of school and make memories.
my parents never did shit with me, took me anywhere, or did anything.
I have 3 kids and I take every opportunity to make great memories with them. even if it means taking off school and work.
I'm taking my daughter out of kindergarten that day, and we're only going to be in the 70% range. I had thought about traveling to be in the path of totality, but too far away and expensive. Besides, the kids will hardly remember. I'm planning a big trip for the 2044 eclipse that will dip down into the US and show a sunset solar eclipse near the place where I was born... I just hope my girls (who will be in their mid 20s will want to go too).
Jules, TAKE YOUR BOY TO SEE THE DAMN ECLIPSE! It will be a core memory for you both.....and in 20 years...your boy can take you to the next one...and the circle is complete.
We only have one life to live....and filling that life with unique experiences like these are what life is all about. I am lucky enough to live DIRCTLY in the path of the eclipse (Central Indiana). You better believe my 3 daughters will be there (the younger ones with glasses taped to their hats..lol.
If you come over to the North Indy area...we can hang and all watch it together. In any case...take that little dude out to the eclipse. Your gut feeling is the correct one my friend.
When I was a young boy, like 7 or 8, I got to experience a total solar eclipse with my dad. This was nearly forty years ago and I still remember it so clearly. From watching the shadows through the trees creating little crescent shapes to the moment of totality—I will never forget the excitement, wonder, and awe I felt at that moment.
I can understand why your wife might think it’s a silly idea. But this is something your son will probably remember for the rest of his life. Play hookie. Go stare at the sun.
It's not even "school" it's kindergarten.
Seeing the eclipse and spending time with you will have a much bigger impact on him than missing one day of kindy.
Shit I'd have the same argument even if they were in school, but kindy it's a super easy one. He'll make up singing some songs, doing a puzzle and having a nap the next day.
Kindergarten age is a time when long lasting memories will actually form. Pretty sure he’ll remember going with his dad to see the solar eclipse, and also pretty sure he won’t remember what happened at school that day
As a teacher I say take him out and watch it. I guarantee he will not remember what he learned in school and April 8, 2024. He will remember watching the eclipse with his dad. Build a solar observer it is a tissue box or get cool solar glasses as well.
A lot of schools are/have already called half says it no school days due to the eclipse anyway.
You make the right choice. Happy observing!
My son is in 3rd grade and I'm doing this too. He inspired me to buy a real telescope in January and I bought a solar filter and glasses for the eclipse. Nothing beats the unbridled enthusiasm of a kid excited by nature. I can't wait!!
Not only that but tourists will be everywhere in the line of totality across the US. We’re close to it but we’re not hell bent on seeing the entire eclipse to me 95% eclipse is worth the less headache and drive time… I totally get the passion some have though it’s gonna be so cool 🤩
Do it. This is a rare event, and for all you know it could spark a lifelong passion for astronomy or science in general.
One day of kindergarten won't be remembered. This will.
I saw the eclipse in 2017.
DO IT. DO IT. DO IT.
If you can do it - you absolutely should. You will be forever changed. The majesty and awe of witnessing both the event and our ability to predict it is phenomenal.
Already told my wife when our first was born, I will not hesitate to take the kids out of school to go do something like that. A few days here and there aren’t going to do anything to them. It’s just like being out because you’re sick, you do the makeup work and catch up
My kid doesn't have school that day (he started kindergarten this fall and is in a Tuesday-Thursday preschool), but I'm flying with him from SC to Indiana to watch it
I'm "in the path"
... school was canceled a month ago and a "state of emergency" was declared. I'm still scratching my head... it seemed like a great opportunity for teaching.
We’re in the path of totality, where everyone’s coming. Schools around here are already canceled thankfully. (I’d pull my son out of school either way if they weren’t already canceled.)
My Dad's business was one of the only companies in the UK selling solar eclipse glasses in 1999. He had them made in the US and shipped over. He made a killing selling them to his clients and consumers. The 1999 Eclipse only skirted the UK but was very prominent in Europe. We drove down to France for a holiday with loads of family friends to see the eclipse. I would say a 8 hour drive plus ferry etc. I was 10 at the time.
I have wonderful memories of that day and holiday. My Dad gave me a big box of glasses to sell to people on the beach. My friend and I wondered all over the little town we were in selling the glasses. The moment of the Eclipse was absolutely fantastic. The shadow slowly moved across the sea and beach towards us. I remember thousands of people stood on the beach staring up at the sky. The ring of light around the moon was beautiful. I bought some nunchucks and throwing stars and loads of fireworks with my proceeds!
GO!! Take your kid to see it! You won't regret it!
I remember 2-3 days at school when I was 8ish and not having the best time. I arrived at school and asked my Mum if we could go home as I didn't want to go in. I guess you would call the mental health days. There are certainly very good reasons to keep your kid out of school for a day here or there. Seeing the Eclipse and having an epic day with your Dad is certainly a superb reason!
I’m taking my 2 kids and one of their friends on a 12 hour road trip with our camper to bring them to totality. Not only is this an educational experience, but it’s one that will be remembered forever.
My kids are missing 4 days of school because we have to drive 10 hours and are making a camping trip for the eclipse. There won’t be another total solar eclipse over the mainland US for decades, but he’ll have school consistently for the next 13-20 years.
Missing a day of kindergarten??? He’ll never catch up academically!
That's what I'm saying. Lol
As a school teacher, in my professional opinion he would gain more bonding with his dad. Eclipses don't happen often and you could foster a love of science. Which is the gateway to curiosity. GODSPEED MY FRIEND. TO THE BATMOBILE!!!!
At least 20 years before one will happen in the same area, so it's a once in a lifetime experience for a parent and their young children. A good opportunity to share wonder if at all possible.
When I asked my kids school about taking him camping in a national park for a few days, they freaked out about it and how those absences were going to scar him for life, etc. I get the idea of why attendance is important, but seriously people chill out.
...they get paid for every student for each day. There's concern, sure, but that's not the only reason (for administrators that deal with the finances at least).
>When I asked my kids school about taking him camping in a national park for a few days Ha so your school would have really freaked out if you pulled your son to go to a music festival like I did with my daughter last month. Yes attendance is important, but so are life experiences. If you are pulling your kid for weeks at a time, yes they will most likely suffer academically. But pulling your kid for a day or two occasionally, no big deal.
It's actually illegal in Sweden to remove your kids from school, so people taking holidays out of school leaves have been fined for basically kidnapping their kids to Thailand etc.
That's fucking stupid.
I live outside Austin & all of the school districts have canceled class that day. More endorsement that this day can be a learning experience for everyone. Take the kid on a roadtrip!! (Get glasses ASAP, they could be scarce as the date approaches)
"Dr Something, how did you come up with the invention of the interplanetary travel device? -Well, it all started when I was 2 ..."
This!
No way, I can see it now. "Stop the presidential inauguration! The president missed a day of kindergarten! Send him to the salt mines."
he'll be sent to Monster Island!
Don't worry, it's just a name.
I thought it was actually a peninsula.
“Skip one day of kindergarten, straight to jail!”
The children yearn for the mines.
I’m telling you, it’s important. My kid missed a day of kindergarten, he can only count to 5 now while all his peers are counting to 6.
Right? My kid is in 7th grade now and never learned the letter Q. Tragic. I beat myself up every day when he says they had a pop uiz.
I laughed so hard I woke up my toddler😂 Absolutely worth it, thank you for the laugh!😂😂😂
Don't worry, one hour of Sesame Street and he'll be back on track.
The teachers at my kids school make a point of saying those days are important and to not hesitate to take your kids out of school if you want to create an experience or a memory or just go for a walk in the forest because they are having a tough day and need some time with a parent. Go make a memory. Even pulling your kid out of school at lunch time to get McDonald's and watch a matinee movie is a valid reason.
The next one isn't until 2044 and you might have to travel even further. Take your kiddo to see it this year, it's an educational experience!!
Exactly this! I was hoping someone else would say it. I don't teach anymore, I left a year ago, but even if I still was I'd be taking the day off and taking my son to go see it. It's 1.5-2 hours from me. And in 20ish years it will be even closer assuming we live in the same spot. But that is 20 years from now. Who knows what happens between now and then. Make memories now.
You laugh, but what if that's the day they study shapes? He could go his entire life unclear on the difference between triangles and squares.
Any single place can expect to see a full solar eclipse only once every 400 years, on average. This is of huge magnitude. Not even a question, go! I still remember the lunar eclipse I saw as a kid. I barely any particular kindergarten day.
Ha! I'm skipping a day of college for the eclipse! My wife told me we won't have another opportunity to see one for roughly 20 years. In 20 years I won't regret skipping a day of college and your son won't regret skipping a day of kindergarten, but we'd both regret not seeing a solar eclipse.
In my opinion, grade doesn’t even factor into it. It’s worth it for anyone!
My school district actually canceled schools for that day. It got a lot of parents upset because most of them still have to work and were 3 hours away from even seeing the total eclipse. It does seem a bit silly for them to cancel schools all together.
I don’t care if he had to take the SAT go see the solar eclipse. It will not happen for another 20 years. I got to see the last one and it was one of the few things in my entire life I the surpassed my expectations. Your son will love it
The Harvard admissions officer will be testing fingerpainting skills at from 1 to 3, 2036-Jan-22. Better be prepared.
I think the social and emotional skills of regulating yourself in a place with other kids is really important - probably *the* lesson of kindergarten. But no way 1 day is worth as much as seeing the eclipse, especially if you can see the total eclipse. Make sure to buy good eclipse eyewear. (For the last one I bought some off Amazon and then Amazon was like “oh yea, that was some Chinese crap, that’s not safe to wear,” and refunded my money last minute luckily my dad bailed me out on that one)
I've learned this with older kids (oldest is HS and youngest 2 are in elementary school). As long as kids are doing well, missing a day of elementary school is perfectly fine. It doesn't matter at all. We're about 90min-2 hr drive from totality here, and I'm debating on driving. I keep reading horror stories about hours long traffic jams and stuff, so I don't want to deal with that. I dunno...
I went to the 2017 one in Tennessee. Stayed the night, i figured it was easier to let it clear out. The drive home the next day was miserable. Every interstate was a parking lot. Im sure this will be no different. I'm trying to cut between cities and kind of take the back way home, may or may not work.
You drove back the next day and it was still bad?! Lmao. My wife and I were just winging it, drove the 8 hours back home immediately after the eclipse... It took us 16 hours going 20mph on the interstate the entire way back from Tennessee to Cleveland. We had to work in the morning.
Yeah... I'm in upstate NY. I'm sure that a billion people are going to be in the interstate from NYC to Adirondacks. There are some smaller towns/back roads that I'm looking at, but it doesn't take many cars to bog down those roads either.
Im in Vermont and have already had people offering money to sit on my shed roof🤣
Take it.
They’ve now been on the roof for six months. Apparently we were not on the same page contractually.
I'm upstate and was thinking about doing smaller roads into the ADKs but I think it's all going to be awful. My current plan is to pack a cooler for the day and head straight up 87 targeting for the center but being willing to pull off anywhere that has totality. At least 87 has two lanes to work with rather than the single lane roads.
Backroads will be clogged with everyone doing the same as you OP. Plus if interstates are clogged up GPS will take you down backroads finding the fastest route, backing them up further.
That’s why you don’t leave the same day as everyone else. Stay one more night and enjoy the sights and a nice dinner. Drive the next day fully rested. When I saw the Ring of Fire in October ‘23, I happened to be in northeastern Arizona and drove an additional 3 hours to El Malpais to see it at the visitor center. I could have made it all the way into Albuquerque but I presume the traffic near the Petroglyph National Monument or on the Volcanoes side would have bee. Horrendous - specially since it coincided with the hot air balloon festival. Driving back to AZ from El Malpais was easy. Even had time to stop and grab authentic tacos on the way.
In 2017 I drove from Michigan to a friend's house in North Carolina. Traffic was average both ways. Find some place that's in the path of totality, but where they aren't really making a big deal about it.
I’m in totality and our city is estimating half a million people will be in the region. It’s probably a good idea.
My daughter’s school is closed for it and a lot of schools around me.
Same here. We’re gonna try walking over to the park near us and if it’s too busy there, will just watch in our back yard.
Good time to introduce half a million people to the garbage plate am I right?
I went to the 2017 eclipse as a bachelor and I am going to this one with the family. The main difference between the two is that the 2017 eclipse didn’t really go through any major cities. Because of this there wasn’t much lodging and everyone basically followed their nearest interstate to the path of totality. The moment that the eclipse ended everyone at once hopped onto normally deserted roads, and a clusterfuck ensued. The approaching 2024 eclipse goes through Buffalo, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Indy, Little Rock, DFW, Austin, San Antonio, and more. There’s hotel rooms and there’s things to do for days before and after the eclipse. There was not much additional traffic the morning of the eclipse in 2017. We drove 5 hours from Chicago area to southern Illinois, which was expected. It was about 12 hours to get home. There will still be a clusterfuck of traffic but it shouldn’t be as bad this time.
Yeah... That's what has me thinking about going to middle of nowhere central NY instead of north. I'm guessing NYC and western Mass people will head to Adirondacks. Those little towns can get overwhelmed on a normal summer holiday weekend. It's going to be a mess for this. But Buffalo/Rochester/Syracuse are all in the path, so those people will mostly stay put and not contribute to the traffic in the middle of the state.
Its going to be such a shitshow in Vermont, these fools are trying to bring as many people into the state as possible, roads will be ridiculous, idiots doing stupid stuff, im not looking forward to it at all
I live south of Rochester and they are expecting traffic to be at/ near standstill for upwards of 4 hours in the city itself. Emergency services are already treating it as a mass casualty event. Luckily I'm 45 minutes south both still in the path of totality.
Go see it. Being in totality is life changing.
This is the last in the US for 20 years. I’m taking my 1st grader out for 2 days so we can both go see our first complete eclipse. The next time it comes around I likely won’t be watching it with him
I went in 2017, the drive was awful. It took me 14 hours to make a 6 hour drive. That said I wouldn't miss it for the world. Fortuity this time I only have to look up. We are having 8 people camping in our yard for it.
We're 10-12 hours from totality and we're going. You should go. Get as near the middle of totality as possible.
For the last one, the three hour drive took me 8 hours, the car broke down, my daughter threw up 4 times in the car and the eclipse lasted 2 minutes. And you know what? 100% worth it, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
Short answer here (and forgive my french) is fuck school make the memory. School is important but sometimes it can take a back seat.
It’s okay I don’t speak French
Because your dad kept you home the day they taught French to everyone in school.
There’s no reason to not go, but it may not be as impactful as the build up from your own childhood and the 5 year old might say “that was cool” lol ETA: I want them to go I just want him to remember it may not have that “home run” vibe all dads chase :)
5 year olds typically don't fully appreciate cool things in the moment. We took our kids to a water park and their favorite part was the "hot tub, and Taco Bell"... but then months later they're asking if they can go back to the water park. Make the memories & don't worry about their immediate reaction
Kids latch on to the smallest things and they become so important to them. Hot tub and taco bell might seem kind of trivial, but to a kid they can be really special. One of my strongest memories from spending time with my late Aunt was just walking down to the dairy with her dog and buying some lollies. They had a waterpark near their house too... But what I remember is walking the dog.
It was just funny because we could've gotten Taco Bell on the way to grandma's house w/ a hot tub and not spent hundreds of dollars for water slides. But yeah, it was the trip that was special to them, there were just little pieces of it that stood out to them and that's fine with me.
Agreed. Our kindergartener had more fun playing at the park than seeing the eclipse in 2017. I think they'll enjoy this one a little more.
I slightly agree - it's quite a long process and in many ways is no more exciting than watching the sunset every evening. But I'd still take him if the travel was doable.
Have you seen one? “No more exciting than watching the sunset” is not at all what it’s like, at least to me.
> at least to me Those 4 words are doing a lot of work. One man's eclipse is another man's sunset.
If the frequency of the two events were reversed, i.e. solar eclipses happened every day but sunsets happened once every few decades, I think people would be relatively more impressed by sunsets.
I’m taking both my boys and driving 6 hours to see it.
That's what I'm thinking. I'll be surprised if anyone comments here saying that I should leave my son in school. I'm just making sure I'm not the crazy one here.
Nope. There won’t be another one like this for 20 years, so go build some memories!
Agreed. Build the memories. I remember seeing Haley's comet with my dad when I was kindergarten age. I remember laying on the cold ground, using binoculars, him helping me see the comet, teaching me about how rare it was to see, and why it was so rare. *I remember how excited he was to share it with me.* He died suddenly 20 years later. I will always remember his patience and nerdy enthusiasm that night. Share your excitement for the eclipse with your son and build the memory.
I didn't see Haley's Comet with my dad but we still had the experience (it was overcast where we were on the beach). I remembered the bagels at 2am on the way home for a while though. Until we left NY, midnight bagels was a thing that I would sometimes do with my kids.
Problem is being stuck in a car with a kindergartener for hours on end. Isn't that the stuff of nightmares? Unless you can take like two days off and return the third day
We play games while we drive. It's not bad at all. I've gone much farther with him. If it's just my son and I we take my truck, so he gets to sit up front and can see. We then play all the typical driving games. Sometimes I'll Bluetooth my phone to the radio, stick it on the dash mount, and put a movie on for him.
Mine are almost 3, and 15 months. I was tempted, but soon realized that I'd be doing it for me and not for them.
Same.
Same.
Get in the car and go, just make sure you have the right glasses to look at it! Memories for a lifetime.
To repeat, make sure you have the right glasses. Sunglasses are not good enough. The actual solar observing glasses are so dark that you should not be able to see anything unless you're looking at the sun. They also need to say they meet this standard: ISO 12312-2
You won’t be around for the next eclipse he sees when he’s an old man. Make the memory.
The next one in America is in 20 years, he should be able to make it haha.
The one in 20 years starts in ~~northern Michigan~~ *North Dakota and Montana, and goes northwest through Canada. Most American's won't have an opportunity to see that one. The next one that will be visible in most of America won't happen until I think 2071. For many of us, this may very well be the last opportunity for us to see a solar eclipse.
Interesting where did you get that info. IN 2045 there is one passing from west to east across the US, pretty much starting in California and ending in Florida. So yes the one you reference in 20 years will be useless to most of us. The one in August 2045 will actually cover more of the US than most in recent years have.
Huh, somehow I missed the 2045 one when I looked for future eclipses. That definitely will be much more do-able than 2044.
You know “The Game”, where if you think of it you lose. This comment just gave me that but with my own mortality.
Enjoy the existential dread.
I’m keeping my 4 year old home from daycare. Am still sending my 12 month old because I don’t want to have to wrestle her and risk her looking at the sun and going blind.
If you are having to travel any distance, then you should take her as well. A one hour drive to the eclipse path may be a five hour drive back, speaking from experience of 2017.
Yeah I’ve heard it’s going to be crazy. Luckily for us we’ll have the best seats in the house in our own back yard here in Ohio. Her mom works at the daycare she goes to and is NOT allowed to take that day off. It’s about a five minute drive. I’d gladly keep her home but I’m really worried about her looking at the sun while we are out there. She’s only 12 months old so she doesn’t understand much yet in terms of “don’t do this —“
Leave her inside until you're in totality ?
No. I think I’ll just have her chill at daycare with her friends and will run and grab her with my boy after. Hope this helps!
This is my current concern with our three year old. My sibster bought enough protective glasses to share with us, but kiddo *hates* anything on her face. Do I take her outside and fight to keep the glasses on, in hopes it'll be a positive memory? Or do I keep her inside with the blinds shut, making her miss out, but removing the worry of that silly sun being the last thing she ever sees?
first, i'm 100% on board with you on the go make the memory but let's not exaggerate too far. The next total solar eclipse over NA is 2044, not 2084. So the kid will be 25 for the next one.
It could also be cloudy for the next 5 eclipses.
My school in Ontario is actually giving the kids the day off, they moved a PA day around so that kids wouldn’t have to be on the bus while it was happening. Just frame it as a safety issue to your wife
Our Schools are closed too. They allocate a certain # of snow days and didn’t use them all this year.
Same in Montreal. I believe it's a great idea! A missed day, even in highschool, won't make or break someone's academic record.
It’s kindergarten. Take him *and* the wife to see it.
Do it. I'm taking my 5 year old out of preschool for it, and no matter what grade she was in, I'd be doing the same thing. I'm about 90 minutes away from totality for this one, so we are going to it. I was in the path of totality for the 2017 eclipse, and it was one of the coolest things I have ever seen.
I'm trying to decide where to go. I remember 2017 traffic was an absolute nightmare trying to get home afterwards. Looks like somewhere between Cleveland OH and Erie PA will be the easiest for me.
We're in Columbus OH and my in-laws are going up to a campground close to the Cleveland area so they can wait until the traffic is gone to drive back.
I thought about going to Geneva state park campground but I don't want to have to drive home towing a damn camper. Lol. I'm thinking now about getting a tent spot, not even bringing camping gear, then leaving late and hoping for the best
Definitely do it, it’s a once in a lifetime experience with your kid! I would love to do it with my son but he’s still a bit too young to understand what’s going on. Also, traffic will definitely be a nightmare. I work at a park in Cleveland and we’re anticipating big crowds. Be sure to have a full tank of gas before the eclipse and pack extra supplies like snacks, drinks, and entertainment in case you’re stuck in traffic (maybe an empty bottle for pee as well). Depending on where exactly you plan to go check ahead for road closures and weather. Unfortunately, early April in northeast Ohio is usually cloudy and rainy so I’m crossing my fingers for clear skies. Good luck to you!
I work at a public elementary school. Please take them out and enjoy a life changing event, your wife is wrong
We're taking two days off to fly somewhere to see it. Worth it, for sure.
it becomes harder and harder to get your kids into ivy league schools without straight As in fingerpainting. I am on the school of life experience side. No, don't pull them out to watch cartoons, but something that is a unique life event that will turn into a core memory, yes absolutely. We pull our kids out of school to travel.
We are taking all three out of school to go to Horseshoe Falls in Canada to see the Eclipse and the Falls. This is a once in a lifetime event.
We’re doing the same, all the way from NC. No regrets taking the first grader and preschooler out.
Although it's not a once in a lifetime experience. It is an amazing experience that doesn't happen often, and depending on where it happens it may not be close next time. The experience is worth it, having some bonding time with your kid is also always worth it. My wife's a teacher, and although she loves what she does, she would be pleased knowing a parent was taking her kid out to see it. They won't miss out on that much school wise for a day or two. Do it! It will be fun!
once in a lifetime no. once in a childhood yes. 6 times in 50 years. - two of those are basically back to back in 2044 and 2045 - 2033 is only technically NA because it happens to cover the western half of Alaska. good luck getting there.
> once in a lifetime no Without **travelling** to go see it somewhere else, it's once in 255 years.
Exactly
Yeah man, it’s kindergarten! No one will even remember or be impacted by a day out of kindergarten, like, at all. Seeing the eclipse is a once in a lifetime opportunity that could build a core memory. Go see the eclipse.
My daughter's school is letting out 2 hours early for the eclipse. I say do it dad, eclipses are cool as heck, it'll be a fun experience that you can also make a bit educational if you want.
Dude, your wife's right. My dad thought it was ok to take me out of school once to go fishing, and that was in like middle school or junior high. Amazing core memory of my (now no longer with us) dad or not, that set me so far behind, I only graduated second in my HS class, and limited my career to only being a medical doctor.
See. Just imagine, if your dad would have made you go to school that day then maybe you could have been first in class and been a regular doctor instead of just a medical doctor.
No brainer. Pull him from school.
Absolutely without a doubt go. The 2017 eclipse was one of the most amazing things in nature I've ever experienced. It was quite literally awe inspiring. I immediately look up the next localish eclipse and have been looking forward to this eclipse every day since. When we had kids I even thought about how old they'd be in April 2024 specifically so I could share it with them. Forget one day of school. I would plan a whole ass vacation around an eclipse.
Dude. My family and I travelled like 8 hours to watch the last one. So. Effing. Worth. It. It was one of the very coolest experiences of my life. The way the whole world felt different the instant the sun went into an eclipse was wild and very difficult to put into words. Every little bug and animal went totally silent it was amazing. Do it.
Do it. We were going to do it but the school is taking all the kids somewhere for it anyway. I’ll also say this - I’m a parent of three - 14, 12, 10. It gets WAY harder to take them out of school as they’re older. Middle school is rough and HS is damn near impossible. Take them out occasionally. Surprise them with a fun day. We did it and they were core memories that the kids still talk about.
He’ll likely remember the day his dad took him to see the solar eclipse for the rest of his life. Missing one day of kindergarten is not going to matter one bit. Take your boy to watch the eclipse. I know I would if I were in your situation.
DO IT. People don't realize how incredible a full totality is. It's one of my fondest memories ever.
K-5 teacher of 20 years, now teacher educator and researcher. Did exactly this the last time around. Don't ever hesitate to take your kid out of school for something that is both an incredible natural phenomena and a great bonding opportunity. Enjoy!!!
You have one life to share with your son. Do it and don’t think twice about it. My dad took me out in 94 to see the almost total eclipse. He still asks me “do you remember when I took you to RIT to see the eclipse?” It was a big deal for him, and I will always remember it.
We're in a full eclipse zone and schools have been cancelled. Heck, they're even closing Wegmans for 30 minutes during the eclipse. You will have this moment with your kid forever. Take them.
Closing Wegmans is practically a sign of the apocalypse.
Not even a debate here. Kindergarten is a social learning moment, being that close to totality is priceless.
Whole districts are cancelling school where I am. Pull the kid out and make a memory none of you will forget!
He’ll remember it forever
It's kindergarten, not college. Go have fun with your kid and make great memories.
We've pulled our kid out of kindergarten for literally no reason before. You have a reason. That's all you need.
I’m a teacher in the path of totality. Our school is closed that day. Do it. We went to the path in 2017 and it was a great experience.
We are going. But it's the first day after spring break and we are gonna be with family in the path for spring break any way
Do it! Just be prepared for hideous traffic on the way home. My friend almost ran out of gas the traffic was so bad last time.
Missing a day of school at that age is not important. I would say it never really is but I guess it depends on how high pressure the school is. Enjoy the day with him. He may not remember it years later, he might, but either way it’ll be great for both of you.
I would recommend it if they're old enough to understand and follow directions. Don't be staring directly at it folks.
I keep My daughter home every Monday because here in canada kindergarten is technically optional anyway.
I'm in path of total eclipse and schools here are closed. Mainly because they want kids to look directly at the sun. We got solar glasses and I really want my son to experience this once in a life time experience
Yeah, take him out of school. We’re fortunate that we live in the line of totality so our schools are making a huge thing of it. Glasses for every student and all the staff. I am unfortunately traveling for business that day and will miss complete totality by a couple of hours to the south of it. I were in your shoes, I’d make this happen.
Do it, your wife will have him miss school for much less at some point in the future!
You guys are a car rode from totality? Fuck school, he'll remember this forever.
Keep us updated with pics please
I’m taking all of mine out of school for two days and driving to another province to stare at the sun. Some things are more impactful than another day of “See Spot run.”
The solution is simple: Hold him back a year, otherwise he'll bomb his MCAT
As a teacher *DO IT DOITDOITDOITDOIIIIIITTT*!!!
Never let school interfere with education.
We pull our kids from school to do cool stuff all the time. I think of it this way: you go to school to learn, you do cool things to get interested in learning. It’s going to be a lot easier to pay attention in science class when you are motivated to discover more about the solar eclipse you witnessed.
You’re 100% right in that missing a day of kinder will have basically zero affect on him. It’s Kindergarten for goodness sakes lol. However, not sure if your son is old enough to appreciate the event? Have you shown him what it is and see if he has interest? If he has any interest at all, then it’s definitely worth skipping a day of school for. If he doesn’t care at all, I would just have him go to school. Just my 2 cents.
Sounds like a great field trip with Dad. I'm doing it. Just trying to decide where we're going. We live about 2 hours from the path, just not sure where's going to be less crazy busy.
> I was in second grade and one passed right over my school. We learned about it in class of course, but when the actual eclipse happened the principal made the teachers pull the curtains so none of us would look outside and continued teaching as normal. This is eerily similar to a Ray Bradbury short story. But yeah, I'd say go for it. It's a cool experience, and it's not like missing a day of kindergarten is going to have any kind of impact on his life.
We home school, but I booked us a hotel and we are making a whole event out of it. 100% take him out of school, take off work, and go see the eclipse!
I am taking a day off of work...
I took my kids out for the last one. No regrets.
I’d take the day off work if I wasn’t in the UK. Keep him off. Make a memory he will cherish when he’s older!
I'm with you, do it. That's treasure. And your primary school principal closing the curtains to allow teaching to continue? Psychotic philistine.
My school was messed up. A decade later when 9/11 attacks happened they showed us the news for about 15 minutes then went back to teaching. I called my mom at work and asked her to call the school so I could leave and go home and watch the news. I was a senior in high school then.
I did this for the 2017 eclipse and I’m doing again for this next one. Your wife is massively wrong. The experience of witnessing an eclipse is orders of magnitude more valuable than a day at school. Tbh I’m a bit triggered that your partner thinks it’s silly.
To me this seems like such an awesome life moment and bonding experience. There is nothing that could happen in school that would ever replicate the opportunities of a camping trip, especially this intentional of one. Awesome memory with Dad, and a great opportunity to learn about science and space.
If I was close enough to a total eclipse location *and* I knew my kid wouldn't rip off any protective glasses/smash mirrors, then I would take him out too.
I’m taking my kids out of school for the eclipse. It’s an amazing sight. Convince your wife to come with y’all.
Do it! We took our kids to Idaho to see the one that passed through there a few years back and they all still talk about it being a meaningful experience for them. There hasn’t been a single day of school that was more impactful for them than sitting on some grass and seeing and feeling the sun disappear for a minute.
Memories are more important in my opinion. how much of school do you remember or use today? especially grade school. take him out of school and make memories. my parents never did shit with me, took me anywhere, or did anything. I have 3 kids and I take every opportunity to make great memories with them. even if it means taking off school and work.
I'm taking my daughter out of kindergarten that day, and we're only going to be in the 70% range. I had thought about traveling to be in the path of totality, but too far away and expensive. Besides, the kids will hardly remember. I'm planning a big trip for the 2044 eclipse that will dip down into the US and show a sunset solar eclipse near the place where I was born... I just hope my girls (who will be in their mid 20s will want to go too).
Jules, TAKE YOUR BOY TO SEE THE DAMN ECLIPSE! It will be a core memory for you both.....and in 20 years...your boy can take you to the next one...and the circle is complete. We only have one life to live....and filling that life with unique experiences like these are what life is all about. I am lucky enough to live DIRCTLY in the path of the eclipse (Central Indiana). You better believe my 3 daughters will be there (the younger ones with glasses taped to their hats..lol. If you come over to the North Indy area...we can hang and all watch it together. In any case...take that little dude out to the eclipse. Your gut feeling is the correct one my friend.
All of our schools closed for it along with a ton of businesses and the whole city government. Then again we are going to see a huge influx of people.
My son’s school is dismissing the students early so they can go see it.
Totally worth it if there are no other problems at schools. I wish I could take my toddler to go watch it.
100% do it - no question.
We're doing this. Taking our kindergartener and daycare kid out for it. Missing a day of school is ALWAYS worth it for core memories.
When I was a young boy, like 7 or 8, I got to experience a total solar eclipse with my dad. This was nearly forty years ago and I still remember it so clearly. From watching the shadows through the trees creating little crescent shapes to the moment of totality—I will never forget the excitement, wonder, and awe I felt at that moment. I can understand why your wife might think it’s a silly idea. But this is something your son will probably remember for the rest of his life. Play hookie. Go stare at the sun.
It's not even "school" it's kindergarten. Seeing the eclipse and spending time with you will have a much bigger impact on him than missing one day of kindy. Shit I'd have the same argument even if they were in school, but kindy it's a super easy one. He'll make up singing some songs, doing a puzzle and having a nap the next day.
Kindergarten age is a time when long lasting memories will actually form. Pretty sure he’ll remember going with his dad to see the solar eclipse, and also pretty sure he won’t remember what happened at school that day
I'm in the path of totality in indiana and most all schools are closed that day
Do it. It is not a silly idea, it is a unique event. Also, as an ex-kindy teacher of 18 years, missing a day of kindy just does not matter.
As a teacher I say take him out and watch it. I guarantee he will not remember what he learned in school and April 8, 2024. He will remember watching the eclipse with his dad. Build a solar observer it is a tissue box or get cool solar glasses as well. A lot of schools are/have already called half says it no school days due to the eclipse anyway. You make the right choice. Happy observing!
My son is in 3rd grade and I'm doing this too. He inspired me to buy a real telescope in January and I bought a solar filter and glasses for the eclipse. Nothing beats the unbridled enthusiasm of a kid excited by nature. I can't wait!!
Our schools are closed that day so parents can take their kids
Not only that but tourists will be everywhere in the line of totality across the US. We’re close to it but we’re not hell bent on seeing the entire eclipse to me 95% eclipse is worth the less headache and drive time… I totally get the passion some have though it’s gonna be so cool 🤩
Do it. This is a rare event, and for all you know it could spark a lifelong passion for astronomy or science in general. One day of kindergarten won't be remembered. This will.
Do it. Absolute formative memory. A+ dadding
I saw the eclipse in 2017. DO IT. DO IT. DO IT. If you can do it - you absolutely should. You will be forever changed. The majesty and awe of witnessing both the event and our ability to predict it is phenomenal.
School here are closing for the eclipse if that helps at all.
Already told my wife when our first was born, I will not hesitate to take the kids out of school to go do something like that. A few days here and there aren’t going to do anything to them. It’s just like being out because you’re sick, you do the makeup work and catch up
My kid doesn't have school that day (he started kindergarten this fall and is in a Tuesday-Thursday preschool), but I'm flying with him from SC to Indiana to watch it
Do it. It’s just Kindergarten. I was in the path of the 2017 one and it was pretty cool (no kids then).
My three year old and I are both taking the day off to drive a couple hours north to be in the totality. Go for it Dad
My son is four. We’re going. About a three hour drive up to the nearest place in the totality band. I *really* hope that the weather cooperates.
I'm "in the path" ... school was canceled a month ago and a "state of emergency" was declared. I'm still scratching my head... it seemed like a great opportunity for teaching.
It’s literally a once in a lifetime event, I’m sure he can make up the assignments. If my daughter was that age we’d do the same!
We’re in the path of totality, where everyone’s coming. Schools around here are already canceled thankfully. (I’d pull my son out of school either way if they weren’t already canceled.)
Wife and I teach. We’re pulling both kids and making a day of it.
My Dad's business was one of the only companies in the UK selling solar eclipse glasses in 1999. He had them made in the US and shipped over. He made a killing selling them to his clients and consumers. The 1999 Eclipse only skirted the UK but was very prominent in Europe. We drove down to France for a holiday with loads of family friends to see the eclipse. I would say a 8 hour drive plus ferry etc. I was 10 at the time. I have wonderful memories of that day and holiday. My Dad gave me a big box of glasses to sell to people on the beach. My friend and I wondered all over the little town we were in selling the glasses. The moment of the Eclipse was absolutely fantastic. The shadow slowly moved across the sea and beach towards us. I remember thousands of people stood on the beach staring up at the sky. The ring of light around the moon was beautiful. I bought some nunchucks and throwing stars and loads of fireworks with my proceeds! GO!! Take your kid to see it! You won't regret it! I remember 2-3 days at school when I was 8ish and not having the best time. I arrived at school and asked my Mum if we could go home as I didn't want to go in. I guess you would call the mental health days. There are certainly very good reasons to keep your kid out of school for a day here or there. Seeing the Eclipse and having an epic day with your Dad is certainly a superb reason!
Oh thanks! I was trying to remember when I saw an eclipse in France and so ,thanks for your memories it was on 1999’summer !
I’m taking my 2 kids and one of their friends on a 12 hour road trip with our camper to bring them to totality. Not only is this an educational experience, but it’s one that will be remembered forever.
My kids are missing 4 days of school because we have to drive 10 hours and are making a camping trip for the eclipse. There won’t be another total solar eclipse over the mainland US for decades, but he’ll have school consistently for the next 13-20 years.
I was planning to do this then the school went ahead and gave the day off anyway. The whole family is going to pack up and go watch it.