School's Back

Dear Diary,

Yesterday was the first day of school for Jonathan (5 yrs.; kindergarten) and Kayley (4 yrs.; pre-school).  In the spirit of the new school year and subsequent school events, I thought it would be funny to share something I read in [...BEEP's...] employee handbook.

School Visitation Time Off Policy:

[...BEEP...] offers [its] employees who are parents, grandparents or guardians time off from work to participate in his or her child's school or child care activities.

Blah, blah, blah... the policy goes on for a bit, and then the funny part shows up.

Policy Continues:

Should both parents be employed by [...BEEP...] and both request time off for the same activity and day, [...BEEP...] reserves the right to allow only one parent time off.  The parent who first gives notice of the planned absence has the priority. [emphasis added]

I wonder how many fights this policy has created for families in this situation?

Mom: Honey.  Jimmy's school play is tomorrow in the early afternoon.  I'm thinking about requesting time off to go since you went last time.
Dad: Sorry dear.  I got a copy of Jimmy's school calendar and requested time off for the rest of the school year.

Mom: [to herself] Looks like someone's getting cut off tonight.

Mom: Oh, okay.  Please be sure to take pictures then.
Dad: Will do sweetie.  Oh, and don't forgot it's date night tonight.
Mom: [smirking] Uh, huh.
.