Am I over reacting or is my worry justified?

[AudiR8]

DM and DF have taken DC2 out for the day whilst I take DC1 to his hospital appointments.

They picked him up at 7 and I haven't heard from them at all, I've tried calling them many times and the phone just rings to answerphone, on both of their phones.

I'm getting worried now, that something bad has happened. I have rung another family member and they haven't heard anything from them either.

Should I relax about this or would you have the same worries as I have?

[OhNoNotMyBaby]

Relax. I'll bet they're not even thinking of phones or that you would want to contact them. If something bad had happened they would have rung you.

[SirPercyPilkington]

Do you know what they planned to do today?
I'm sure they are just having a ball and have lost track of the time. My parents are awful at checking their phones.
What time are they expected back?

[paulapompom]

Yes I would be worried. Yes you are probably BU. They are probably out having a great time, not even glancing at their phones, but you're a mum, we worry. My DM always had her phone with her, always switched off, She turned it on, made a call and switched it off. If there was a problem you would hear x

[AudiR8]

Sorry I should have said that they were expected back an hour ago.

[sadwidow28]

Before the days of mobile phones, kids went out with trusted family members and Mums didn't worry until about an hour after they were 'late coming home'. I take DN all over the place and my phone is in my rucksack. I don't hear it, but I have it on me if I have to phone out.

If anything bad had happened, the emergency services actually look for mobile phones to try to contact a family member. That is why we are advised to have an ICE number listed specifically. So I have my Mum and a friend listed under their own names, but then I have ICE1 and ICE2 should I ever be involved in an accident whilst travelling.

[sadwidow28]

Okay Audi - you are allowed to be a bit concerned now. I hadn't realised that they were late coming back.

Stay calm though. Can you think of anyone else they might have visited en route?

[Writerwannabe83]

YANBU.

I'm worrying because my DH and DS were due back ten minutes ago and haven't yet arrived....

We are mothers, we are supposed to be fraught and full of worry.

I hope you hear from your parents soon

[AudiR8]

They were going to London, I'll check the train times now. Thank you for your kind replies.

[VelvetRose]

I feel for you Audi. Chances are it'll be one of those "our phones were both out of charge" situations but I do understand your concern. My parents NEVER have their phones on or even near them most of the time so perhaps it's just that.

[VelvetRose]

Trains are notorious for causing lateness and havoc. Also the reception is often horrendous isnt it?

[EeyoresTail]

Maybe they were on the tube when you called?
Hoping you hear from them soon

[chocolateyay]

The tains have be crap out of/in to Victoria this week if that helps.

[restie]

Trains are late, noisy, shite reception or else so jam packed that you cant move your arms to scratch your nose (or use the mobile)...
That said, I hate it when my folks don't answer their mobiles when they have my son too.

[plutonimum]

I would probably be more relaxed, but that is because I don't have a DC1 to take to hospital appointments (plural!). Your background stress is probably a lot higher than other people's, and perhaps you could gently explain this to your parents when they bring DC2 back , so they don't stress you out like this again!

[LiviaDrusillaAugusta]

I don't know whereabouts in the country you are OP but if it's any help the trains are being cancelled in the Midlands - they keep showing as delayed and then cancelled.

[AudiR8]

Thank you for your kind messages, the trains were delayed! They are home safe

[BitOutOfPractice]

Oh thank goodness. I was just about to say that lots of trains have been delayed today.

Glad they are home safe and hope they had a ball

[Angel1983]

Glad to hear it!

[plutonimum]

Excellent news! Now make sure they understand the need to keep mobile charged. They are your parents and no doubt they love you (and want to help, judging from their being happy to take DC2 out!), so it shouldn't be too difficult to persuade them!

[isupposeitsverynice]

Glad they're home safe :) I get the fear when my partner or kids are late but I tell always myself no news is good news.

[Andrewofgg]

Wonderful

[sadwidow28]

Oh I am so glad that they are home safely.

Are you okay after your hour of worry?

[paulapompom]

Good to hear. X

[BlinkAndMiss]

Glad it turned out well for you OP, I was coming on to write that YADNBU at all - my parents do this all the time and I get so worked up every time. Even though I know they have form for it, it doesn't make it any less worrying when they do. I've convinced them to have their phones on at all times and if they haven't spoken to me at least once then they should ring me in the afternoon. It took a hysterical situation for them to realise the effect they were having on me - agreed to have DS for the morning whilst I popped to work. By 7pm I hadn't heard from them and I phoned the police for advice, when they finally turned up I was having a panic attack and being sick. I think they got the message then! They're both in poor health and tend to take risks with driving long distances without thinking it through.