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AIBU?

to tell my dad we're not coming?

38 replies

ExasperatedSigh · 09/07/2013 13:36

My dad works in a secondary school. They are putting on a production of Little Shop of Horrors. My dad has been very involved in making this happen and is really keen for DS and I to go along. I can't make up my mind whether to go or not, so am 'canvassing opinions' Grin

DS is 4 (nearly 5) and we live about 20 miles away from the school. In order to get there we will either have to train it into London and then back out again, or drive across the wilds of south London. The performance starts at 6.30pm.

I also have 2yo DD to manage. This means that, in order to attend, I will have to do one of two things:

  1. get train to other side of London during rush hour with both kids, meet DH from work, he takes DD home again while I take DS back across town to the performance, then we train it home afterwards (in and out of London again) so probably getting back by about 10pm;

  2. take DD with me and spend the entire performance trying to stop her joining in, chasing her around the auditorium or standing outside with a grumpy tired toddler.

    I could pay for a babysitter but I know she would get hysterical at being put to bed by a stranger without anyone else there, so that's out.

    My dad for some reason is desperate for DS to see this show Confused He's a very loving grandad, if a bit clueless, and I think he wants DS to see what grandad does for a living iyswim. But it's so hot and the kids are so tired at the moment and I just know it will be a massive hard work nightmare for me. OTOH, DS would probably enjoy it and I'm not averse to the principle of occasional after-normal-bedtime adventures...just the mechanics of this one Grin

    AIBU not to go? What would you do?
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ImTooHecsyForYourParty · 09/07/2013 13:53

I'd say that you can't - describe the journey! - but that if he wants to come and pick your son up, look after him during the performance and bring him home afterwards, you have no objection at all to that.

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ExasperatedSigh · 09/07/2013 13:57

Haha, that's a good idea but I know he'll be rushing round at school sorting out last minute crises workaholic

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WeAreEternal · 09/07/2013 14:05

Do you have any other family going that could give you a lift?

I would be tempted to get a babysitter, letting DD stay up until DH gets home (to avoid the hysterics) and asking DF to drive us home after.

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ExasperatedSigh · 09/07/2013 14:13

All my other family members live on that side of town, unfortunately.

That is an idea re. babysitter...my dad will be needed after the show though, to help take down/put away, so it would mean getting home even later. Which isn't necessarily a dealbreaker, but...

TBH I don't think I can face leaving DD with a babysitter Blush She's going through a seriously clingy phase and I just know she would be really upset to see her adored big brother going off somewhere with mummy, and her being left behind. It's entirely possible I should get over this PSBism, not sure that a secondary school musical is sufficiently special to warrant the stress though.

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Nanny0gg · 09/07/2013 14:15

Dunno that I'd take a 4 year-old to see Little Shop of Horrors anyway. School production or no.

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girlywhirly · 09/07/2013 14:24

I agree with Nanny0gg. Not really a suitable show for the under fives. You have plenty of reasons for not attending; the journey, lack of childcare and the unsuitability of the show's storyline.

I think this is a classic case of your dad not thinking it through from your point of view. I wouldn't be going in your circumstances.

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BackforGood · 09/07/2013 14:26

No, I wouldn't take a 4 yr old to see Little Shop of Horrors either.
Whether you get a sitter and all the stress that sounds like it will cause you and go, or choose not to go is up to you really, but it sounds like a lot of stress for something you are not going to get much out of, it's not even like you are going to support a child in the show for which I would make the effort.

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ladymariner · 09/07/2013 14:30

I'd go simply because as you've said, he's a loving grandad and he really wants you to be there. Wouldn't take dd though, I'd let her stay up with a babysitter till dh came home with a few sweets and her favourite film.

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ovenbun · 09/07/2013 14:32

could your DH maybe go alone after work? or you go without the kids?...It sounds hard and perhaps unsuitable for the kids but clearly its something that's really important to your dad...The days are long but the years are short, and you don't get the time back. perhaps a kind relative could drop you back?

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nobeer · 09/07/2013 15:02

Is the school going to video the performance? Grandad could come round with the DVD in the holidays.

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LastTangoInDevonshire · 09/07/2013 15:04

From your long list of "we'd have to" it is clear that you don't want to go - so don't !

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Idontknowhowtohelpher · 09/07/2013 15:09

Is there a dress rehearsal during the day you could go to see?

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BerthaTheBogCleaner · 09/07/2013 15:10

What nobeer said. There's bound to be a video. Tell your dad you need to see the video before ds watches it in case there are any bits that'll give him nightmares.

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MaxPepsi · 09/07/2013 15:12

Could you not take both Kids for the dress rehearsal?

And surely there is more than one performance so it would all be left in place for the next one?

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MaxPepsi · 09/07/2013 15:13

ah, x post with idontknow

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tabulahrasa · 09/07/2013 15:15

If you've got time to drop DD off with her dad, can't he come and pick her up?

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Hercy · 09/07/2013 15:21

What would be so bad about driving across south London? I do it every week day for work. Mind, if you don't have air con I can see it being uncomfortable. And I have no idea about the suitability of the show for your children. Just think its cute your dad is so excited for your son to go so you should try and make the effort.

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HaPPy8 · 09/07/2013 15:44

I'm with ladymariner - i'd go if he is a loving grandad.

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wouldliketobethere · 09/07/2013 16:00

Can you talk to your mum (assuming they are together still - ignore if not). If it were me I would be sounding out my mum as to what she thinks in terms of how difficult it is with DD and whether dad would be very hurt if you didn't go. if she agrees, maybe she can soften the blow by explaining to your dad how worried you are about the arrangements and whether the show is suitable and suggesting to your dad that maybe he should call you and change the plans. If they are so keen that you go can you stay over at their place?

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digerd · 09/07/2013 16:04

Little Shop of Horrors is an adult film. A 4-year-old seeing it in the flesh - it is a bit scary and sexy-, I'd say NO!

I took 4 year-old DD to cinema for the first time to see the Wizard of OZ and she wasn't interested. The only bit she remembered was the green faced wicked witch, who was scary.

Will his gdad be wearing stockings and suspenders and or be a vampire?

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Eyesunderarock · 09/07/2013 16:06

Hmm,your DS could end up with a phobia of plants and dentists. Grin

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Eyesunderarock · 09/07/2013 16:08

'Will his gdad be wearing stockings and suspenders and or be a vampire?'

Rocky Horror Show?
LSOH has a gigantic people-eating carnivorous plant called Audrey 2.

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digerd · 09/07/2013 16:14

Oh, did I get mixed up? Not surprised as seen loads of musicals/plays in my life-time. Must say the Rocky Horror Show made a more lasting impression than the monster man eating plant which is only a vague memory.
Thought it odd that secondary school would be doing it.Grin

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Eyesunderarock · 09/07/2013 16:19

I have teenagers. I introduced them to RHS and LSOH and they introduced me to Shaun of the Dead and something Australian with weresheep in it.

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ExasperatedSigh · 09/07/2013 16:26

Arf and also barf at the image of my dad in stockings and suspenders Grin

Thank you all very much for your points of view, tis much appreciated. My family relationships are sort of benignly fucked up and posting this has made me realise how much of that informs my choices when it comes to them. My dad and stepmum are loving but due to complicated history between us, I think I keep them at arm's length when it comes to getting really involved with the kids :( Which is all the more reason why I should go, I suppose.

Hercy nothing hugely objectionable about driving across S London, it's just a pain in the arse and I find it hard work. Have done it once this week and will be doing it again on Monday. It also canes my fuel tank with all the stopping and starting, and we're skint.

wouldliketobethere sadly my mum is long dead, otherwise there would be no issue as I know she would have happily babysat the kids and been brilliant with them.

MaxPepsi yes, good point about there being more than one performance, I hadn't thought of that I suspect that is me automatically seeking excuses as to why I can't go.

Like the dress rehearsal idea, I'll ask him about that.

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