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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Would you be comfortable with travel arrangements

78 replies

Terribletasteinmen · 31/03/2025 15:51

Name changed as this is very obviously me to anyone that knows me!

Some background - My exH moved to another European country about 5 years ago, we have a now 15yo DD who lives with me and my DH in the UK. He sees her every 6/8 weeks or so normally. It’s all friendly other than usual ex annoyances!

My DD and her (also 15yo just) friend are joining them on holiday in France in the Summer. This involves a 2 hour train journey from where we live to London, tube to Eurostar, Eurostar to Paris, travel across Paris, then hour and a half train to destination in France.

He thinks they can do this all on their own and I’m babying them saying I’m totally uncomfortable with it. I’m happy to get them to the Eurostar in London if he gets them from Paris (I’m ok with them going on Eurostar on their own). He’s reluctantly agreed but is making me feel I’m being ridiculous / overprotective - at a push I might be ok with the England bit (but as it’s only me inconvenienced by that bit it’s not an issue) but not getting across Paris on their own. It just feels a bit too young still. AIBU?

OP posts:
Terribletasteinmen · 31/03/2025 15:56

I mean I’m not changing my mind - they’re not doing it - I just wanted to know if I was being helicopter parent or if it’s his (in my opinion) normal bad risk assessment - he makes me doubt myself

OP posts:
MiddleAgedDread · 31/03/2025 15:55

For starters, they can't travel on the Eurostar without a responsible adult or the correct paper to go as unaccompanied minors. Travelling with children | Eurostar
Are they familiar with London? I don't think you're being unreasonable at all, would flying be an option?

Travelling with children | Eurostar

Discover our facilities and services specially designed to make travelling by train with children easier.

https://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/travel-info/travel-planning/travel-with-children

ChessieFL · 31/03/2025 15:54

There is no chance I would let my 15yo navigate Paris and then get another train.

And you need to consider the friend - what do her parents say about the plan?