Leaving Home At Eight | Boarding School Children

The documentary follows four eight-year-old girls as they adjust to a new life away from their parents and their homes.
The parents have decided their children will be better off boarding in a private school, in this instance Highfield, one of the best in the UK. All coming from military families that are constantly on the move, every one of these girls parents decided that being in a stable environment as well as getting a top class education was the best way for them to grow up. But what kind of emotional strain does this put on both the homesick kids and their yearning parents.
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[@debbiedavis9523]

When the nurse tells April its really difficult for her parents to hear her distress....so now its the 8 year old child's responsibility to protect her parents emotions on top of everything she is going through !!8 years old is far too young to be separated from the family in this way and will cause a huge amount of trauma for the child.The parents should have taken into consideration the fact that they are an army family who would be moving around alot before having children

[@jivingdodo]

@@debbiedavis9523 Agree. Heartbreaking and so unfair.

[@TheNaturalwoman221]

They pay a lot of money to have their kids taken care of. It's not up to the parents at the moment they're there.

[@debbiedavis9523]

@@jivingdodo definitely!!

[@m.htruth8880]

Medical professionals are some of the biggest enablers and flying monkeys on these systems

[@glee_again2594]

@@debbiedavis9523 I know. It makes me nauseous that they would manipulate children in that way and gaslight them. It’s unconscionable.

[@luvghd]

The father who wanted his kids to go to boarding school because he went at 13 should have at least waited until his girls were 13 instead of sending them at age 8.

[@pammulholland3107]

It's easier to get a child into a private school at age 8 than 13. At 13, there are entrance exams and competition form places. So they parents who want to guarantee spots send their children younger.

[@eedwards5129]

I said the exact same thing - but you were 13 and she's EIGHT! Enormous difference.

[@SJanaS]

what's the point of having kids if you miss out on their entire childhood and have them raised by strangers.

[@PinkSparklerToontown]

to spread on your genetics - it's selfish

[@user-yn7jr8gg5u]

100% agree

[@keeramitrokli5486]

Exactly! There is no way I would be separated from my kids ever! This definitely has to cause some kind of childhood trauma. Kids need to be with their parents.

[@dnjames9758]

Exactly 😢 that’s the point of having children- to raise them.. they’re just paying to not have their kids basically??

[@bambles81]

I just couldn't 😢

[@Kaiandherfloof]

Sending your 8 year old to boarding school is crazy it’s just unnecessary emotional stress

[@Kaithehuman09]

im sure people do it for their own reasons, it may be emotional but they have to get use to it

[@EmilyCheetham]

That depends on the child. My big brother really thrived and lived going to boarding school at 8.

[@peaches4044]

Just think. If you have an anxious and scared child. How are they going to concentrate on school lessons. To me boarding school is too much trauma on children and parents. Better to keep kids at home and let them attend public school

[@rise.n.soar17]

Yet there are circumstances when that’s the best option…

[@ardenpeters4386]

will RUIN these children for life

[@Itsthedramailoveit]

April desperately hugging someone else’s mum made me choke up. Then for that mother to turn her back 😢 I’d love an update on how their lives are now and how this experience shaped their future.

[@Girlmomtosweetandspicy]

I noticed that as well the mom just ignored that other child it was heartbreaking as the child desperately wanted attention.

[@surgeon1016]

This documentary was uploaded somewhere else and Simone one of the twins commented saying that this experience made her and her sister tough and they gained a lot of independence from it so at least from them it seems to have been a good thing I don’t know about the other two though

[@Itsthedramailoveit]

@@surgeon1016 thank you for the update!

[@user-hw5qo4di7u]

@@surgeon1016how do you know where did you find this information

[@surgeon1016]

@@user-hw5qo4di7u I saw this documentary uploaded onto another channel and someone asked for an update and she commented I believe her KZbin name is Simone Hardy so you could just search her channel and her comment should come up

[@rachaelbrown3699]

Stability is staying with loving parents no matter where they need to move

[@jivingdodo]

Totally agree. Instability only comes from being ripped from those who love you. Doesn't matter where you are. Home is with family.

[@knittersknots]

100% true

[@beatrizcanales7649]

I wish I had stability, my 10 year old son I'd with his paternal grandfather who has temporary guardianship of him! It's so hard not being with him but I'm thankful he's with a family member!! I can't wait until Friday to see him, hug him and kiss him!

[@EmilyCheetham]

Not necessarily. Stability is consistency. It is not very stable is a kid is being moved to a different school every 6-12 months having to make new friends, having their education disturbed, having to settle into a new house. I come from a family who was in the Air Force when I was a kid, I was not fun being moved around. My big brother went to boarding school but I couldn’t go because I had medical issues. I was jealous of my brothers who both went to boarding school.

[@maia.6438]

@@jivingdodohome isn’t always with family 🤷‍♀️

[@regoschuh9710]

To tell the child (who is already not feeling well) that their parents will feel too sad if she talks to them, makes her feel like it would be her fault that her parents feel sad. This is wrong…

[@jessicahamilton5243]

Yes I found that disturbing..

[@emilie5603]

And iftheir Sad they cant go home

[@keeramitrokli5486]

Sickening! These poor children.

[@kimle190]

How disturbing. This is why children in boarding schools are the perfect victims for child abuse!

[@hebybabygrobe]

I don’t think children are ever better off , being without their parents, I think moving as a family , is an adventure

[@stephanieburgess8217]

Not to mention if you aren’t with them you can’t protect them.. frankly I would not be ok with a man being the house parent over such young girls or whatever he was. I think there is a lot higher chance for abuse when parents are removed from the picture.

[@glee_again2594]

Yes! My husband was sent to boarding school and while he doesn’t talk bad about it, I can see the trauma from it. His parents were missionaries in medical and aviation. They lived in the bush and it was the days before Internet access or homeschooling. There was correspondence school but their parents felt it too hard to teach and the kids to learn and so sent them. The one nice thing is that because their dad was a pilot, he would fly kids and staff in and out so they got to see him from time to time. The two siblings who were off at boarding school and then sent to grandma for high school in the states, lack in communication skills esp when it comes to emotional and social intelligence. I think it was a protective mechanism instilled at a young age away from home. We did the opposite of his upbringing with home education and treasuring all of the time possible together as a family. Some will say that’s not good. However I see how confident and healthy our children are. They love spending time with each other even though 2 out of 5 go away for university now most of the year. Feel blessed.

[@Partyanimal1066]

I lived in so many countries with my parents,we all learnt together.

[@vickyCA1643]

NO way any man should have any role being charge of female students!! The perfect set up for sexual abuse. So basically these parents had children and then decided that it didn’t fit into their lifestyle. Too bad!! Once you have children they are your priority until adulthood. Poor, vulnerable, children let to be on their own. Lord protect them all!

[@Carole.P]

We moved 6 times over the years and the kids all fit in at local schools, never experienced any significant problems moving house.

[@daydreamer6814]

A grown man should not be running a little girls dorm 😮

[@cherrygrace2023]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@notnoor]

So so sus. Maybe there wasn’t much awareness back then

[@cherrygrace2023]

@@notnoor It's just common sense.

[@nicolatunley1351]

My thoughts exactly. He knocked and entered their room without any consideration as to what state the girls were in. Not even giving them a chance to answer first of all. I would run a background check if it was my daughter.

[@AmyStoneYT]

@@nicolatunley1351pretty sure this was filmed back in the ‘90s. No social media, cell phones not popular and not as much awareness

[@KathrynHolden-op9xc]

This broke my heart. The feeling of abandonment has never left me and I’m in my 50’s. I vowed never to send mine and I never did. I love my kids far too much to make them feel like that 😢

[@katarzynabiel8798]

❤

[@m.htruth8880]

The spirit of abandonment and rejection can be hard to break free from

[@sarahdickinson7439]

My mother was a boarder at one of the best schools in the UK. It was during the 50's. She had a very difficult relationship with her parents, particularly her mother. Later on in life, as the widow of an army officer, she could have sent myself and my two sisters to public school on army scholarships. She declined to, stating that she didn't enjoy her time. I would have been much happier in boarding school, away from the mental and physical abuse I endured throughout my childhood, at the hands of my mother and stepfather. My mother failed to change the pattern of her relationship with her own mother. Boarding school would have been a blessing for me, and my sisters!

[@juliannebigler8669]

I don't know how this is legal. I wonder how many studies have been done on the longterm impacts on children who experience separation in boarding school. I don't think boarding schools for children under the age of 13 should even exist. This is a heartbreaking first world cruelty.

[@Partyanimal1066]

There was a film years ago about a little boy having to go into care whilst his mother had an operation. It was so sad.

[@abbyhillman769]

Sandra--YOU are her stability. She doesn't need a consistent building,, she needs YOU.

[@hebybabygrobe]

It’s not for April, she misses hugs! She is self soothing by sucking her thumb ! She even wants hugs from others sooo much

[@gs-rc3jz]

Italian here! 'Stop it or I send you to boarding school' was actually the ultimate threat my father said when me and my older sister weren't behaving well during our childhood.. I considered it so scary

[@Echo126_]

Same here

[@renataostertag6051]

Me too. Our parents used to say the same - namely, you better be good or we will send you to boarding school. This worked. We were on our best behaviour then. The word "boarding school" was enough to scare the living daylight out of you.

[@Nina_Olivia]

Exactly! We were given the ‘boarding school’ threat too as kids. It was viewed as a very negative, punitive thing.

[@Gioli565]

I would divorce before I ever considered sending my children away. Absolutely not.

[@keeramitrokli5486]

100%

[@stephaniedodds5612]

Ok. A man looking after 8 year old girls. He just basically walked right in. No way in my book.

[@Palmtreepeace]

horrible! there is no relationship between the siblings, parents and children. I dont know why these people had children. this is the future of children not having any connection with family anymore. Bad enough this country doesn't have better affordable daycare for parents so they can work and we need better schools for our kids so they dont grow up screwed up.

[@aaliyahify]

For me, boarding school feels like a place parents send their kids so they dont have to deal with them.

[@Palmtreepeace]

exactly!!!!

[@709SEA]

That’s fair. Kids are a bit much…

[@aaliyahify]

@@709SEA then don't have them

[@Lynn-uf4ip]

For a long time in our history it was quite normal and customary for parents to do this for their children.

[@marwa.R7553]

​@@709SEA why have them if you can't take the on responsibility then

[@cutepetcat7553]

Poor kids. Kids need parents, home and hugs ❤

[@Fazerella]

The mum who said she didn't mind boarding so much because she doesn't have to shout at her daughter to get ready or do her homework. So basically...you're happy not to parent anymore...

[@ashlieleavelle]

Parents are the primary influence. You can't send your kids away in their formative years and be upset if they turn out how you don't want. Kids need to be home.

[@keeramitrokli5486]

Exactly!

[@prismcherry8879]

My dad was sent to a boarding school as a kid and I can see the impact it's had on him. I went to a boarding school when I was 16, and even at that age I found it quite difficult. But the worst part was seeing the younger kids and hearing them talk about their parents... one little girl would brag about everything her parents brought for her, and act out in school to try and get their attention... I always felt so sorry for her, it was obvious to me that she had issues. I hope she's okay now.

[@M1N1Girl007]

The mother with tears in her eyes. Never lie to ur kids and say you are happy when you are NOT! Tears are an emotion that should be expressed honestly and never hidden. Especially with an 8 year old young child!!!

[@pinkosmondfan]

No, she absolutely said the right thing. You don't want the child to think she needs to be afraid or sad. You don't want her to feel responsible for making her mother feel better.

[@Susanj2001]

I went to boarding school from age 10 to 16. Most of my friends parents were in the armed forces and were sent there because their parents moved a lot. My parents sent me there because they were busy with their business in Spain. Even though I had a good education I don't have that emmense love feeling and bond for my parents. I think it's because I grew up seeing them only three times a year. I grew up into a cold person who finds it hard to show my love. I blame it on attending boarding school in those years and the feeling of being left there.

❤

[@EmilyCheetham]

I’m sorry you feel this way. My big brother went to boarding school and loved it. He is also a very caring person and we have a good family bond. It all depends on the person.

[@jean6453]

Oh wow, I could not have made it through boarding school and I can't imagine having parents that only see you three times a year. I really feel for you, it is so unfair and harmful what happened to you.💔

[@paulalougee3202]

My children are in their 20’s and raised by myself and my husband. The time goes incredibly fast (there is no getting the time back) and I continue to miss having them around. For me, I cannot imagine not raising them ourselves no matter the circumstances. However, it is an easy statement for me to make without being in the military but my heart breaks for these children.

[@SJanaS]

I am so sorry. I am not surprised you feel this way. I would have suffered greatly if I was separated from my parents and surely would have been a different (less happy) today if I was. Your feelings are 100% validated and my heart goes out to you.

[@karijobb5770]

Childhood is so short, shipping children off to boarding school is ridiculous. Parents are supposed to be the role model for their children, not some random grown-ups/teachers. Unconditional love on a daily basis is so important. Family is important.

[@bevturner2258]

My parents moved house often when I was a child. I attended four different schools between 6 and 12 years of age. As disruptive as this was, I feel it was definitely preferable to boarding school. I had the security of nurturing parents, providing one on one attention and care. Boarding school simply cannot provide that.

[@amyrivers4093]

My experience was the same and I agree that it was better that I had my parents.

[@gianellab.4953]

Meanwhile I grew up with my abusive parents and was DYING to go to boarding school since I was 8 😂😂 Some kids are better off going. It's a case by case. I don't think it's right to vilify it.

[@glee_again2594]

Agreed. If the family stays together well, not much can’t be worked through.

[@debbieschmidling8158]

❤

[@leannadavies7440]

When I was younger I live with my mum and board 1 night a week 😊

[@kimiisland9802]

There is no reason to do that to your kid. At 8 years old, this is ridicilous. That is almost child abuse. Why do you even have kids, when you send them away most of the time.

[@yellownoiseclub]

did you hear the 1st family story?

[@kimiisland9802]

@@yellownoiseclub Yes?! That is absolutely no reason, why should it?

[@PinkSparklerToontown]

@@yellownoiseclub choosing career over your children is sick

[@yellownoiseclub]

@@PinkSparklerToontown ok then

[@dianegruber958]

I could never do this. Parents and children belong together.

[@Sevenarrowsacademy]

Sorry but it seems like those fathers just dont want to deal with their children. Those mothers are devastated.

[@Silversolstice548]

Agree the fathers wanted to get rid of the children and the mothers were too weak to say no

[@unconventionalmama2023]

These are army families. They’re trying to give them stability

[@Sevenarrowsacademy]

​@@Silversolstice548I agree!

[@Sevenarrowsacademy]

​@@unconventionalmama2023stability is in the heart of the family structure through love and nurture. These mothers were perfectly capable and willing to provide for their own children. These father's obviously saw the children as in the way of their careers. The father's could have went off and served their time and allowed the children and mothers to settle in one spot. Oh no, they dragged their wives along for the ride to sit at home alone day after day and shipped the kids off to boarding school.

[@post_human_luden]

@@Sevenarrowsacademy I honestly see both sides in that yes it does give stability which the MoD recognises and pays most of the fees for but at the same time 8 is way to young, should start at 13 in my opinion since it's an age that kids can do so much more for themselves and won't rely on their parents as much for emotional support which is needed a lot as an 8 year old

[@summerlake356]

At the end, the kids have learnt to handle the pain and control their feelings. But the scar will remain for life.

[@LivvyAlexW]

No. I’d be completely resentful

[@summerlake356]

@@LivvyAlexW Yeah, you are right. But they won't realise that for a few decades though. Then they will look at these clips and realise that they were prematurely and cruelly sent away. And they will realise that something inside them was killed at that young age.

[@LeahDyson-kq4bd]

​@@LivvyAlexW a lot of people shut off the resentment when they're young and then feel it when they're older like in their 30s and then they wonder why am I so angry

[@MiMi-gu8tr]

Rejection is one the worst traumas people have. These children have that trauma for sure. So sad for daughter and mother both.

[@katrin8544]

Ich fürchte, in ein paar Jahren kommt viel Arbeit auf Psychologen zu...Jeder sollte sich überlegen, WARUM er sich Kinder " anschäfft" und ob er in der Lage ist, eine stabile Beziehung aufzubauen .

[@lailaansari7293]

Boarding school saved me - an orphan at 8 I discovered a " family" I felt safe, and now at 78, I still have great memories ❤

[@PinkSparklerToontown]

in your case it sounds like a good thing, but when you already have a family it's just cruel

[@ssmith968]

Ok Harry Potter

[@user-ch9if6px6r]

My aunts were orphaned at 4,6 and 8 but that orphanage was horrid. My uncle got them out when he returned from WW2.

[@keirabreez]

feel so bad for some of these children :(

[@jivingdodo]

11:35. 'The tricks are to keep yourself really busy'... So bury the feelings.. and let them emerge later in life.

[@jessicahamilton5243]

I agree sounds like what you say to and treat adult Prisoners like to make a sentence pass quicker , except one their adults and two they have committed crimes , these young children haven’t.

[@sharond1197]

Yes , very unhealthy way to deal with emotions.

[@jenmattrn]

These poor babies. The trauma response from this abandonment will be evident sooner than later. 😢

[@elizabethgibson5116]

I went to a boarding school from the age of nine, and i loved it. Admittedly, it was tough at furst but i soon got used to the routine, it made the bond with my parents even stronger and made me into a confident, independent woman.

[@darlenegattus8190]

You seem to be in the minority.

[@elizabethgibson5116]

@@darlenegattus8190 how would you know 🤔 😏

[@ThisSideoftheNuthouse]

It broke my heart to see April happy to see Lottie's mom just to have a mom on campus and the mom refusing to hug April until she wiggled into her arms. These kids are desperate for familial affection that they will take it from a stranger. I could never send my child away so young. They are just not ready.

[@fcarbone6068]

This is ridiculous! All this unnecessary stress and anxiety on these kids. Let kids be kids. This makes them grow up faster than necessary. Its gross.

[@admin3433]

Children aged 8-11 need more parental touch and warmth. Many parents enroll their children in boarding schools due to their inability to provide adequate care. The appropriate time to consider boarding school is when children enter their teenage years. This ensures they receive essential emotional support during their formative years, which is crucial for their development and well-being.

[@lucilemcgregor]

I know this is long standing tradition in many families. But 8 still seems very young.

[@junbh2]

The appropriate time to consider a child living apart from their family is around 18 or so...

[@teresajones5093]

I can't imagine sending my kids to boarding school my daughter is just about to turn 8 and she is my baby I would simply not be able to send her away, how heart breaking. 😢

[@Marandimom]

My daughter is also 8 and she had a really hard time during the first week of summer camp this week. She’s now sent me a letter from the camp saying she’s been really happy now. She has a group of friends and she loves archery and going bug hunting.

[@debbieschmidling8158]

@@Marandimom❤❤

[@coeurenpoche]

I cried the whole duration of this documentary. I have lived 16 years away from my parents in another continent. I cried whenever I had to leave them. You can never get used to it when you have attachment issues and separation anxiety. It feels like surviving all the time when you’re away from home and you’re only waiting for time to pass so you can see your family again. I feel like I missed a lot being away from home. It is the hardest thing I ever had to do.

[@cheezincheddar9342]

Is no one concerned that an adult male is in charge of little eight year old girls!!!! That’s sick!

[@wluvmila]

i agree but its only weird if you make it weird x

[@AnneLilley]

It's weird. Especially since he's so removed and cold. Standing in the doorway to say goodnight. Watching the girls try to do their own hair. Not very nurturing.

[@gabrielasofia4919]

Ever since I was born due to my dads job we moved every 3 years to a different country and my “stability” was being with my family 😊. Kids adapt very well to change.

[@kathleengreen6889]

My grandchildren love to travel!

[@mudshine83]

For people who had a good relationship with their parents, this would be hard. Me, on the other hand, I feel like I would have done so much better in life had I gone to boarding school.

[@summerlake356]

You are living 24/7 in an institution, surrounded by kids who are not always friendly.. and adults who do not love you. I did not have a good relationship with my parents. It was very mentally tough anyway. Now I essentially feel like I moved away from home at 12. My parents lived in another country. Boarding school creates a person who is not at all in tune with their feelings. These schools teach you, is to turn off your feelings, get on with peers at any cost, and follow rules, or break them without getting caught.

[@tyc1Z.Z1]

Regimented & regulated in an Institution by people who are there just to do a job & follow a system with little to no emotional investment doesn't seem like a good option. Esp when young children need emotional support, learn values & need to explore n grow

[@MsCrAzYcOoKiE76]

Had a very troubled family life. came home every weekends, which were ok and manageable. School holidays at home were horrendous. I couldn't wait to be back at boarding with my friends! I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for boarding school. At home I would have probably ran away or skipped school etc.

[@junbh2]

Sounds like you needed a foster home.

[@junbh2]

What you're describing is basically a group home.

[@elenarewd9299]

My sister went to boarding school at 15. She had a great experience but her morals are nothing similar to how we were brought up. Because of this, I will NEVER send my children to boarding school. Especially so young.

[@user-ch9if6px6r]

My cousin got sent at a young age as her step father wanted to travel. She said the same.

[@kathrynaston6841]

As an Air Force brat, i attended 3 different first grade schools and 3 different 6 th grade schools. 5th grade was the only school where I began the first day and ended the last day in the same school.. I lived in 5 different countries, moving twice within 3 of them. I lived in 7 different states. I would have KILLED to attend boarding school where I could have stability and friends.

[@lvega5606]

Even when I went out of state to university at 17, I was homesick, so I can't imagine being 8 and going to boarding school. When I was further along at college, we had a freshman girl leave after one week because she missed home.

[@acroiz761]

My dad was in the army and he just travelled around and we never saw him but me, my mum and brothers stayed in the same place so stuff like this wasn’t necessary

[@doriasalmon4790]

Absolutely. The mother in vid should have stayed home and kept those poor “ orphaned” kids home… now that’s stability

[@bevturner2258]

Would be really interesting to do a follow up on these children who were sent away to school when they were so young. I tend to think it would have a lasting emotional effect. Princess Diana’s brother Charles certainly seemed to have had a truly horrible time at boarding school.

[@mementomori7266]

You could see the effect in that assistant. When she recounted that she would beg her mom to take her home and she never did, she teared up. She's an adult and still feels the pain ... That should tell us something.

[@bevturner2258]

@@mementomori7266 True!

[@alientourist4171]

Both my parents went to boarding school and my older brother and sister. I’m the only one that escaped! It was a close call though I had to beg to stay home for years from about the age of six to eleven! Didn’t have a bad effect on any of them. I was just afraid to leave my parents.

[@sharond1197]

@@mementomori7266 Yes , I thought she was about to burst into tears too!

[@user-ch9if6px6r]

I thought of Diana fighting Charley on sending her boys away. She probably knew Her brother was abused.

[@user-yl5ck4gu3f]

I could never have even considered sending my daughter away at 8 years old or my son. They need their parents so much still at that tender age. It made me sad to watch these young girls. Hopefully they are all okay.

[@attilladacook3405]

What a way to blow a family apart! Home is not made of of bricks and wood. Home is wherever Mom and Dad and siblings are. Moving about does not harm a child, removing them from loving family will. Where I come from the threat parents give there wayward teenagers is “straighten up or I’ll send you to boarding school” I can’t even imagine sending an 8 yr old away from there parents and family. There Will certainly be a huge void in their life and development.

[@YaraSchrobback]

TBH I cried when they said Symone had home sickness, cause in the 5th grade we had camp, and I had the worst case of homesickness, and it truly is a horrible feeling, and I felt so sorry for her and she is only 8

[@LeahDyson-kq4bd]

Same exact thing with me 5th grade 10 years old wanted to go home every night at camp in upstate New York I never went back

[@juliadoherty83]

This initially aired in 2010. I hope that the children - now adults - are living happy lives. The carer, making April promise to stop getting upset shouldn't be doing this job. Absolutely appalling.

[@cathystanley5432]

This just makes me sad...Kids grow up much too quickly, cherish the moments you have with them when they are young. I cannot fathom sending an eight year old away to boarding school....

[@v.47]

I have friends who moved in their childhood quite often and one friend who went to boarding school. Moving means it's hard keeping friendships but boarding school can mean that you feel forever like your parents don't want u.

[@donnagibson9613]

I know someone who sent her 8 year old.son boardinf school. He came back a different person, soulless, blank and empty ,she regretted it

[@lukam4005]

As a mum personally boarding school isn’t something I could ever do, my girl goes to school for 6 hours and I miss her and can’t wait to pick her up, I can’t imagine how much it breaks these mums😢 All the mums seem destroyed🥺. I hope the girls are all doing great now!

[@Mariah9_]

I’m sure this kid will definitely get home sick being away from her family for that long 😢

[@klingertam1]

In what world is it okay for a young girls' dormitory have a male house parent? 😢

[@britannia55]

I know it’s not the same for every child but a Friend who father was in the army, she is so level headed and independent and she loved it, she had princesses as friends and she got to travel.

[@lucilemcgregor]

The girls seem rather distant from their fathers.

[@angiemeek4009]

The very best years of my life. Once everyone adjusts a good school is the best experience I've had

[@JudithVeerkamp-Cox-xy5me]

Boarding school was my dream. I was a war baby so when Dad came home, Mum was too old. They were teachers, but no grammar schools within travelling distance. I couldn't wait, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Six years.

[@marie_eva]

5:14 "the children are now the responsibility of Mr. Hesselman". WHAT??! I'm sorry, as a victim/survivor of childhood SA, ABSOLUTELY NOT!! It's not worth the risk, however small. Though in reality, sadly, that risk is always high. Cannot comprehend anyone sending their child to these schools.

[@raylew311]

From a developmental perspective, early elementary school age is way too young to send a child into an institutionalized setting for so many reasons. Hard to believe this is legal.

[@EmilyCheetham]

It depends on the child. My brother really thrived and loved it. Children going this young are usually children who are part of military families or those whose parents are not around much/move around a lot. So boarding school gives children a stable consistent education where they will keep the same friends. Yes it is not for all children but that doesn’t mean it is bad either.

[@Bystander1234]

I went to a boarding school at the age of six for some years and witnessed many things that no child should have seen. Sexual abuse is prevalent in residential schools. I wouldn't recommend a minor to attend one. Not safe.

[@au_barb]

Omg that's horrific. 😢

[@love-ed3vj]

There are people going throw war and they didn't separate with their kids. These kids learn nothing from boarding school is only creating trauma and they are gonna have to deal with it their whole lives. My uncles were in boarding school now they are 65+ and they still can't forgive their parents.

[@beachrose88]

i was a Navy brat and moved every 6 months . MY PARENTS WOULD NEVER EVER HAVE SENT US AWAY.

[@susansymons8074]

could not put my child through this so young

[@anajeute8525]

Boarding school breaks the bonds with your parents, sorry but sent my children only for 1 year and it took a while to adjust again to the family

[@EmilyCheetham]

That depends on the child. My brothers went to boarding school and they never lost their bond with the family. My big brother really thrived at boarding school, my younger one not so much. Every child is different. We cannot judge things on one persons experience.

[@kalegolas]

Then I went to boarding school was the first term horrible but then I got used to it too. It is now 12 years ago and I am very happy that I went to the school and it gave me very much.

[@Nina_Olivia]

Poor little things, I really feel for them being ripped away from their families like this. They’re only babies! Some kids are more sensitive and introverted than others - and would find it particularly traumatic. It’s just cruel to subject young kids to so much life-changing, unnecessary stress. Honestly, why have kids if you’re just going to send them away?!

[@roxzywolf]

I cried watching this for the kids 😢

[@susanwarren398]

It’s hard enough when they are college age. This I can never image in.

[@PersonPerson-yu1hd]

I was about to say the same thing! My daughter will be a senior in high school this year and the thoughts of her going to college next year makes me want to cry!

[@heyitskels5331]

This seems cruel to me.. I’ve never understood boarding school

[@ericw4589]

I went to Knox. The Same school as Hugo Weaving and Hugh Jackman went to in Australia. I was a Boarder for 2 years and I hated every minute of it. I’m a firm believer when I say I was sent there cause my stepdad wanted no kids in the house, as his own kids lived with their mothers. He can kiss my 🫏

[@bethbastian2072]

I went to boarding school at 8 also and then again at 11. Even though it was only 2 years of my childhood it made the biggest impact. All the most awful memories of childhood that still can bring me to tears at 63 years old!

[@524FrmGrl]

I’m so sorry.

[@salihakeyf2516]

I'M 74 and still remember how painful to be away from family and home , remembering those days still makes me cry, After 6 years come back home but but we never had that bond again, but my mother was very proud because I had a good education.

[@susandevinenapoli7649]

In America this happens differently...day care, summer camp, visit with grandmas by airplane. I went to leadership conferences and stayed at a college dorm in summer. Traveling groups to Washington DC, winning the state fair and exhibiting. I became a teacher...this is what the first days of school look like. There are schools like this here too, not many of them. Lots of moms find it hard for kids to ride the school bus.

[@ChronicallyTT]

"Keep yourself really busy and get yourself really tired" sounds like the making of burned out adults with no coping skills. This is awful for children. I already hate the system with parents having to send their children to daycare/school in order to work, only to spend maybe 6 waking hours with them 5 days a week until they grow up. But this, is on another level. What's the point of having children ony to do this to them?

[@MakeMakeShift]

There are no doubt positives for a child to go to boarding school but I don’t think any 8 year old should have to get used to being separated from their parents. They are effectively being made to harden themselves in order to survive and I don’t think that’s right.

[@sarahgokce6507]

Why would anyone put a little girl thru so much pain😢

[@StarkJerk]

I'd be worried if my son didn't want to come home from boarding school to visit the family? Shows how disconnected he's become from his family. I get teaching kids to be independent but this is harsh, and at such a young age. And to the mum who said she hated to see her daughter upset... and then forced her back to school and made her feel bad for crying, telling her she was making her mum cry... lol I wonder if these kids have good relationships with their parents now, as adults.

[@victorianwhovian]

I remember watching this a few years ago and wondering how the children were. They’d be in their 20’s now I believe.

[@LivvyAlexW]

Probably closer to 30. Possibly with children of their own

[@Chumber3403]

@@LivvyAlexWcopyright 2010, I’d assume filmed the previous year so more like 23ish

[@joannewall5499]

April is a model and successful social media star

[@1958BUTT]

@@joannewall5499 where

[@shawnakayfitzback7337]

@@joannewall5499 whats her account?

[@carlygrace2]

Why is there a male “housemaster” looking after young girls?

[@sweetteacurls]

A sacrifice she's making?! 😒😑

[@post_human_luden]

it's such a sacrifice when the government pays most of the fees as well. Surely it's better for the kids if they live with their parents until 12-13 before going to boarding school, especially when their parents could be on the other side of the world

[@Nina_Olivia]

Exactly! I couldn’t believe my ears! She wasn’t the one being sent away - stupid woman.

[@lindabroadhead58]

I was 6 when I was sent to boarding school by the local authorities as ny mum was unwell. There was a lot of crying first few days back but the experiences you have soon take over. Best years of my life. I was 16 when I left. I still chat to friends made over those years, they were family. These children do not miss out on love and nurture. Much better that changing schools multiple times . I’ve known people that that had happened to and they suffered throughout life because of it.

[@summerlake356]

1-2 of these girls are probably crying out in social media right now, or at a shrink. They'll be over 20 now. I went to a school like this, from 12 and I think it is too early. 14-15 is the earliest anyone should send their kids to live away from home.

[@linzimacmillan6182]

I can’t see how a marriage would survive if the mother didn’t want to send the children but the father ‘won’. I’d be forever resentful! I hate sending my 13 year old to secondary school for the day! Also why do the parents weekly visit when most people work! It seems very cruel. I’d certainly be calling in sick or booking annual leave to do that first visit.

[@tashainjena]

My son works at what you would call a boarding school. It's in South Dakota, and the kids that go know that without going they don't have a chance to get out of their circumstances. I don't think it's a good thing, in a normal setting, but when the child is in poverty, will never get a good education, and often times don't have that bond with their parents to begin with, it could have benefits. His kids love him. He's called a 'house parent'. And some of his kids they've had since they started school.

[@wszystkoinic9710]

They just learn to block their emotions, poor kids. Who can truly be OK with being in such a place. You have to freeze your emotions to survive. They are going to have a hard life and probably lots of therapies that may never work as what's done that's done. 😢

[@Lorna1118]

I think some kids are born for boarding school and some won’t hack it, depends on the child, very hard to see the girl struggling

[@summerlake356]

Exactly. But it DOES leave scars, even if you put on a sunny face. Even though I went myself, I am against it, apart from special cases where no better solution exists. And even then, not until 15.

[@EmilyCheetham]

I agree completely. My big bro thrived & loved it. Where as my younger bro not so much and took him a couple of years to settle in. Everyone is different and each child reacts differently.

[@ILoveFountainPensCdn]

Man, you’re missing out on sooo much of your child’s life! Not that what I did was right or feasible for everyone, but once my mat leave ended, I switched my work schedule from full time hours during the day to a 5hr evening shifts while my daughter was sleeping. Once she started school, I switched back to full time hours during the day. She’ll be going to university soon and I’m still not ready for her to move away, even though I’m very confident in her ability to excel.

[@Amy.PCB.home.]

I was pleasantly surprised that the girls were treated so well. I don't think it is for everyone but Europe does things differently than America. The structure, routine, 3 meals and activities appear very helpful for some kids and they appeared happy. I think maybe some should go @ 11 or 12. I liked their parents do visit.

[@katyholmes3603]

I boarded from ages 14-18 and loved it,however it was my choice as all my friends were too, but making ur kids board at 8 years old is just downright cruelty….so sad, theres no need

[@debbiejames3096]

I can kind of understand the parents way of thinking, if they are constantly moving and the kids having to start new schools and make new friends, trying to fit in over and over again, that giving them this constant might be a better option.

[@StarkJerk]

Missing out on those young years willingly is so strange, why would they want to do that to their children? It was so sad to see their parents couldn't make it for the first visit? Especially little Simone who'd been so upset missing her parents and home. Wth?

[@keeshlon]

There are plenty of military children that travel with their parents. Many say they enjoyed growing up while traveling to different parts of the world and meeting all kinds of people. You can't replace real parents.

[@JenniferMaldonado-fp5bb]

They'll remember this when your kids get older and might forget what you did to them and hate you later on

[@Saray...]

I really cried. So sad. For me boarding school would have been better than home though

[@summerlake356]

That is a valid point and true for some. But boarding school should not be considered a desirable goal. It is a solution and works for some kids, but not all. It is usually not better than a home environment - but of course, there can be exceptions. I feel very split about having this experience.

[@Saray...]

@@summerlake356 totally agree.

[@gregbouchard414]

U all doo a rally good job on here keep up there good work on here

[@wrinklesandsprinkles]

I think the children are too young at eight or nine.

[@luvghd]

Yes at least wait until they are 13

[@wrinklesandsprinkles]

@@luvghd agreed!!