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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think this is cruel on the children?

237 replies

Phillipconnarthy · 21/04/2025 20:31

I know it's not my business, my children etc. But I'm just sharing an opinion.

A friend has two children, a boy aged 5 and a girl aged 9. Every summer, they're shipped off to their grandparents for the majority of the school holidays.
Their grandparents live 300 miles away. Obviously they get updates, facetimes etc. But I think that's pretty cruel, particularly on the 5 year old.

A week or so I could be totally on board with, but nearly 6 weeks? Anyway it's up to them, just wondered what people thought.

OP posts:
ilovesooty · 21/04/2025 20:35

Perhaps the parents can't afford holiday clubs or have limited annual leave.

Phillipconnarthy · 21/04/2025 20:35

I think it's cruel for young children to not see their parents for 6 weeks?

OP posts:
StMarie4me · 21/04/2025 20:35

Families do what works for them. It’s not for you to judge.

Liz1tummypain · 21/04/2025 20:35

Yep I agree. Really mean on the kids. They're going to have a lot of issues. Unless there's some major factor we're overlooking and I can't think what it could be.

ValentinesGranny · 21/04/2025 20:35

Very normal. My Dsis's son did this for years. Coincidentally, they also lived 300 miles away.

Phillipconnarthy · 21/04/2025 20:34

It's funny as there's another thread going where apparently it's not necessary for kids to even have a sleepover at grandparents?

OP posts:
MintTwirl · 21/04/2025 20:34

Presumably they are happy and safe with their grandparents. It’s not something I would choose but I can see why it works for others.

MidnightPatrol · 21/04/2025 20:34

Whats cruel about it? They’re their grandparents.

Phillipconnarthy · 21/04/2025 20:34

Withoutfearorfavour · 21/04/2025 20:33

Presumably the alternative is six weeks in holiday club which every child tolerates at best

True, but even if you did that your parents would presumably be there in the evenings I guess.

OP posts:
cestlavielife · 21/04/2025 20:33

Many people do this. Eg working parents.
They are grandparents not an orphanage.

Phillipconnarthy · 21/04/2025 20:33

Not only summer, but other breaks like Easter too.

OP posts:
Withoutfearorfavour · 21/04/2025 20:33

Presumably the alternative is six weeks in holiday club which every child tolerates at best

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