Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Am I mean for not inviting elderly parents on holiday?

34 replies

Needsomesun24 · 21/04/2024 19:15

Hi, for background- I'm single in my (very!) late 30s. I travel alone for a couple of city breaks a year. I don't live with my elderly parents but spend a lot of time at their house (e.g. I've been staying with them this weekend)- not just to help with household jobs but because I get along really well with them and enjoy their company. Every time I mention that I've booked a trip my Dad makes me feel guilty by saying that I should be taking my mother (and by default him) with me. We've holidayed together many times in the past but it's become difficult in recent years due to some health issues my mum has- she tires quickly and has quite specific dietary requirements makes eating out quite stressful. After yet another comment from my dad today I'm feeling guilty about not inviting either of them on my next trip. Am I being mean? In all honesty, I just want to chill out and not worry about anyone else on holiday.

OP posts:
Gingerbee · 21/04/2024 19:32

Could you do a weekend UK trip with them?

TinyYellow · 21/04/2024 19:29

What’s wrong with your Dad that he can’t look after your mum on holiday? There are loads of easy, slow paced holidays they could manage. What would your Dad say if you offered to help him find and book a holiday they could go on together?

Octavia64 · 21/04/2024 19:27

Stop talking about it.

Or organise one for them and you and lots for you.

SecondHandFurniture · 21/04/2024 19:26

Hm. Sounds like what he actually wants is for you to book/organise and then by default be responsible for your mum's health and diet for a few days. It's not what I'd want to use my annual leave for. Agree you should tell him to arrange a trip himself and you'll come. It won't happen.

Coldupnorth87 · 21/04/2024 19:22

Suggest he books something and you'll come along?

Smartiepants79 · 21/04/2024 19:20

Are you able to give the time to take them away once a year for a few days?
If so would they pay?
As my grandparents aged my parents did step in and take them on short holidays. These holidays were purely for my grandparents benefit really and they footed most of the costs..
They were considerably older than you though. Parents in their 60’s with grandparents in their 90’s. Parents were either teaching or retired. So more time is guess.

AnnaMagnani · 21/04/2024 19:20

If your DF wants your DM to go on a trip, he could do it by himself.

PurpleCacao · 21/04/2024 19:18

You are not being unreasonable, but I would stop mentioning it in front of them, then. You sound quite enmeshed, that he would even think to keep suggesting it.

misskatamari · 21/04/2024 19:18

Of course you’re not being unreasonable. Would you be able to book something specifically with them though, if they would like to go away with you? It sounds like maybe they would love to go away, but would like it to be with you as opposed to something they would manage on their own?

Swipe left for the next trending thread