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AIBU?

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Original poster

To not want DS(3) to play with the garden hose?

61 replies

Theonesatthefront · 06/05/2024 17:30

Reasons are that firstly, massive waste of water.

Second. We’re all stuck inside while DS runs amok with hose.

Third, can’t open the door as he sprays the water inside (made a horrendous mess this morning and soaked everyone’s shoes)

Fourth, gets drenched himself meaning more washing clothing changes etc.

So IMO all good reasons. DH does not agree. I’m wondering who is BU. I will take it if you all think I’m just a miserable killjoy.

OP posts:
Smartiepants79 · 06/05/2024 17:45

Just say no when you don’t want him to and yes, 5 minutes, when you’re ok with it.
He’s whinging? So what? Keep saying no and he’ll stop. Offer something else, redirect him.
He’s going to whine for the things he wants. All the time. For many years to come. Time to learn ‘no’ and ‘I mean it’ and ‘ask one more time and it’s going away for a week’.
My teenagers still whine for stuff. They do know to stop when it’s very clear I’m not changing my mind.

InTheRainOnATrain · 06/05/2024 17:41

Absolutely not! I let mine water the plants and fill the paddling pool in summer, and I turn a blind eye if they get a little silly doing that but just out there ‘playing with the hose’ like it’s an activity akin to duplo or play doh or something, absolutely not!! Is it a lazy parenting thing from DH as it means he’s not bothered for a bit and doesn’t have to say no?!

Youcannotbeseriousreally · 06/05/2024 17:40

Ffs he is 3 and you’re the parent! if you want to say no then just say no!! ( it not like it’s hot and it is an insane waste)

Original poster
Theonesatthefront · 06/05/2024 17:39

KrisAkabusi · 06/05/2024 17:36

Why are you stuck inside! Why can't you be out there playing with him?

Why don’t I want to be covered head to toe in freezing cold water? Hmm. Let me think about that one.

I think one of the problems is that it’s hard to impose limits with DS: he’s constantly whining for the hose meaning we’re constantly changing clothes, outside is slippy and dangerous, it’s just a bit stressful for me (guess who does the laundry!) but fair enough.

OP posts:
Tospyornottospy · 06/05/2024 17:38

Get some
water guns. All the fun of spraying people and plants but they have to stop frequently to refill and that’s a fun activity and then it’s not just on all the time.

ManchesterGirl2 · 06/05/2024 17:38

I can see both sides really. Maybe fun as an occasional treat but not for an everyday activity?

KrisAkabusi · 06/05/2024 17:36

Why are you stuck inside! Why can't you be out there playing with him?

BotterMon · 06/05/2024 17:36

You are a miserable killjoy. Pissing down with rain here so no need for hose.

Just manage it as you would any other activity. 5 minutes or whatever with some rules. Why can't he water the plants/fill up the bird bath etc.?

My 3 yo DGS LOVES the hose and being Fireman Sam. He is allowed to play with it with some rules in place such as not spraying us/dogs/chickens etc. Yes he gets soaked but so what - just change his clothes.

SausageRoll2020 · 06/05/2024 17:36

A hose is not a toy.
Get him a little children's watering can to play with instead.

AlwaysFreezing · 06/05/2024 17:34

I don't think yabu. There are lots of ways for kids to have fun with water in the garden. Have you seen those canal water system things? Mine loved them.

And when it's properly warm, a paddling pool, a slip slide, even a gentle sprinkle mat thing.

But randomly spraying gallons of water everywhere? No! Is it going over the neighbours fences too?

NoKnit · 06/05/2024 17:32

I think few minutes fun on a hot day is fine

Sounds like your husband using hose as a toy/babysitter though