Children are absent from school on Saturday, many parents are worried.

Late afternoon, parents gathered near the school gate to pick up their children. While waiting for her children to finish school, Ms. Minh talked to a few parents.

- Have you heard the news? Ninh Giang district has given secondary school students a day off on Saturday. Some provinces such as Nam Dinh and Ha Tinh have also given students a day off on Saturday.

Mr. Hai, whose child is in the same class as Ms. Minh's child, asked:

- Really? I wonder if our kids will get a day off?

- Not sure yet, but some schools in the city have given students a day off on Saturdays or only half a day like Marie Curie, Chu Van An, Le Quy Don...

Hearing the information Ms. Minh shared, Ms. Hoa standing next to her expressed:

- If this school lets the kids off on Saturday, I'd be more worried than happy. Normally, I can control Sundays at home, but now that they're off on Saturdays, many of their parents are workers and have to go to work, I don't know what will happen.

Seeing many parents worried about their children having Saturday off. Mr. Hung joined in:

- I see that some schools have applied it, students still study well and also have more time to participate in extracurricular activities.

- It's true that children study a lot and are under pressure these days. If they had Saturdays off, the burden of studying would be reduced, but in the city, not every family can afford to let their children go to the park or join clubs. Many families let their children watch computer games and play games - said Ms. Hoa.

- That's true, but it's up to us too. Parents have the responsibility to guide their children. Instead of letting them play with their phones, why don't we tell them to help with housework, learn to cook, or play sports? - Mr. Hung suggested.

- You talk well! But where is the time? My husband and I still have to work on Saturday, Hoa grumbled.

- What if the school organized more activities on Saturday mornings? For example, organizing skill clubs, sports or volunteer activities. That would help the children not have too much free time and develop their skills more - Mr. Hung said.

- It sounds reasonable, but we have to see if the school will do it? - Ms. Hoa nodded.

Now Ms. Minh spoke up:

- I think parents should also be more proactive. If the school does not organize it, you can also register your child to learn soft skills such as swimming, playing an instrument, cooking...

- It's easy to say, but not all gifted classes are held all day. Gifted classes are very sporadic - said Ms. Hoa.

The story gradually calmed down, then Ms. Minh expressed her opinion:

- I support letting middle school students take Saturday off. However, to avoid getting caught up in useless games, parents should set an example and spend time training their children to learn by themselves, play by themselves, read books, clean the house, help cook, take care of plants... on days off from school. When the children are older, let them ride their bikes to the library, museum or gifted classes to study.

Ms. Minh's opinion is agreed by many people.