A former South Carolina principal’s social media post - blasting parents for pulling kids out of school for cheaper vacations - sparked a lively debate on “Live in the D.”
Vanessa Cohen, founder of the Cohen Brand and Motor City Date Night, said she doesn’t chase perfect attendance for her children and sees value in mental health days and family schedules that don’t always align with school breaks.
“I do not shoot for my children to get a perfect attendance award because I think mental-health breaks from the education piece is important,” Cohen said during the show’s “What’s the Buzz” segment. “I’m gonna go on vacation when it’s most convenient for everyone to go.”
Cohen also pointed to pricing spikes during school holidays as a factor. “Let’s talk to these corporations. You like to make the prices more during the breaks,” she said. “It’s not fair.”
Blaine Fowler, of “Blaine & Lauren” on 96.3 WDVD, said his perspective is shaped by his daughter’s experience teaching sixth-grade English.
“I asked her and she’s like, ‘I really don’t mind as long as they give me enough heads up,’” Fowler said.
Both guests said some trips can be educational, depending on the destination and the child’s age. Fowler recalled how a family trip influenced his children’s academic choices.
“Experience is a good teacher,” Fowler said, noting his daughter studied abroad in Ireland and his son later chose London after getting a “taste of that” travel.
Cohen said she wants to take her kids to see notable architecture after they showed interest in becoming architects. “If it happens to be on a Thursday in March, then guess what, we’re going,” she said, adding that advance notice and keeping up with assignments are key.
There are limits, the panelists agreed. Cohen singled out state “Count Day” - when attendance determines school funding - as a time to avoid travel.
Fowler, now a grandfather, joked that his stance may be softened by family status. “I’m in grandpa mode now. I don’t care,” he said with a laugh. “If I say, ‘Hey, we’re going on a trip,’ and Grandpa’s covering it, I’m sure everyone could be okay with that.”
To watch the segment, click on the video above.
It’s 2025 and I actually have parents trying to defend pulling their child out of school for a vacation. I get a death. I get granny is turning 100 and lives out of state. But to get a cheaper vacation- nope. Can’t ever support that.
— The Principal’s Office (@educator4ever36) October 12, 2025