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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To stop GCSE son going out on a Tuesday school night

38 replies

Tuxedocatty · 21/04/2026 18:14

To tell my 15 year old son he can’t go out to an open mic night on a Tuesday night a few weeks before his GCSEs? He only does revision under the most extreme duress anyway and to be honest keeping him here just means he’ll spend an hour going through the motions and sulking. But apart from anything it’s the principle. Apparently I’m the worst parent ever.

OP posts:
Zanatdy · 21/04/2026 18:30

Unless he is out every night, i’d allow it, but then my DD was v motivated and I had the opposite problem. I don’t know that the heavy handed approach to revision is all that effective anyway.

crowfollower · 21/04/2026 18:28

My GOD! Let him go!

gingercat02 · 21/04/2026 18:26

As an occasional thing I would, we have a levels coming up, relaxation is very important

PinkyFlamingo · 21/04/2026 18:26

Well of course you're not the worse parent but I'm not sure what you are trying to achieve?

redskyAtNigh · 21/04/2026 18:25

I'd let him go too. The GCSE period is long enough and there likely won't be any socialising in that period, so he might as well have a night out to relax while he can.

dunroaminaroind · 21/04/2026 18:25

It’s a balance. My DC is off to football tonight and will be going to cricket tomorrow. They will, however, be revising before they go. They need downtime and normality.

Themumsonthebus · 21/04/2026 18:23

I've always said that the reason I did so well in exams was because I never stopped socialising and doing my sports and hobbies. It doesn't do our mental health any good to cancel life entirely for months on end.

waterrat · 21/04/2026 18:22

Let him go. Mental health matters too.

Beyondamountainandoverthesea · 21/04/2026 18:22

A few weeks before? Poor lad let him go for heavens sake.

Themumsonthebus · 21/04/2026 18:22

Yabu. Get him to commit to a time when he will revise in exchange for permission to go.

frozendaisy · 21/04/2026 18:21

I'd let him go as well

Runningismyhappyplace50 · 21/04/2026 18:21

Agree with PP, let him go- he won’t revise tonight anyway.

beefthief · 21/04/2026 18:15

Let him go and unwind, sounds like he won't be revising tonight anyway