To be worried about my five year old on a day trip without me?

He's only going to be an hour away. Why are you assuming she's incapable of looking after two children on a short day trip? It's not rocket science and if he misbehaves then she tells him off just like she would with her own child.

I agree with you OP. It sounds like he may not be ready for this. I’d explain to the friends mother about his behaviour and say you don’t feel comfortable about it for the reasons you’ve put on here. Make other arrangements for him for the morning.

Sorry it was in reply to another posting saying you could tell them he’s not up to it, as a parent watching someone else’s child I’d worry that if they’re not up to a day trip they should really be at home and would possible rescind the offer of child care depending on how well knew the family etc

I think you sound a bit overly anxious. Do you only have have 1 child?

I have a 5 yo and this wouldn’t bother me at all but I have other children at home so just have to be a bit more chilled/ not able to have this level of anxiety over smaller things

You should pay for childcare then

He's your child and you can set any boundary that you want but it does sound like you're being a bit precious tbh. Do you have any genuine reason to suspect that this other mum can't cope with keeping your child safe and happy on a day out? Is there anything that makes the day out especially risky? Does DS want to go? If it's just that you're being a bit pernickity about a couple of ear infections and the kids possibly falling out then I'd put on my big girl pants and just let him go. Worst case scenario would be that it frazzled the friend's parent a bit and they think twice before offering such a thing again. Do what you think is right but if you raise your child to avoid every minor discomfort/risk then don't be surprised if that's the person they develop into....

Agreed. I had to double check I wasn't misreading the OP's post.

A day out with a friend is probably easier than trying to keep them both entertained at home, and an hour isn't much time to travel at all.

So many people are anxious parents these days

when did this start? Why has this happened?

kids are getting more and more anxious. It’s easy to see why

Unless there's more to it, let him go and have fun. 5 is not a baby. Surely he could manage (and love) a day out without you?

He will be fine

she probably thinks it will be easier to entertain the boys out rather than have them bouncing around inside

let him go.

An hour away really isn’t that far. I think you’re over thinking it.

They are going an hour away. You are talking like she wants to take him abroad. I think you are totally over thinking this.

Hi OP, I would not have allowed mine to go out with a friend at 5 no. My child had no sense of danger at that age and was very impulsive so absolutely not. I say trust your gut.

Goodness me . I was always taking extras on our days out when my lot were that age .I cannot remember any issues . I hope your son has a great day out.

This.
A school kid dhould be able to cope with a day out with a friend! He's 5, not 2. Are you generally a worrier?

No need to overthink. You’ll be worrying and staring at your phone all day so won’t get any work done anyway!

“l’m so sorry Brenda, young Fred has got yet another infection/cold etc so he won’t be able to come. Hope you and Tarquin have a lovely time.”

Everyone happy. 😊

How can your dh be expected to work from home with a 5 year old to look after? 🤔

He will be fine, he will probably have fun.

Whose friend is it, yours or your DCs? If it was my friend that I’d asked to look after my child then I think id mostly be happy for them to spend the day as they wanted. When I used to swap childcare with other friends we would nearly always go out for the day. It’s much easier entertaining kids somewhere new and exciting.

If it’s DCs friend and they asked for a play date, I’d expect to be asked about taking them out for the day rather than told that’s what was happening after asking for a play date which I’d assume was at their house unless told otherwise.

Overall, I think you are overreacting. I’m sure she knows what taking two 5 year olds out entails. What makes you think your child would be distraught? I’d work on that, what happens if you get poorly and they had to go elsewhere for a couple of days etc.

I think you're over thinking this. Let him go. The other parent will look after him. I've taken various children out and never needed to call a parent. You deal with the child in the moment. Have you ever been called because he's inconsolable before?

He’ll be fine.

But it is your friends decision if she feels that taking them both will be manageable and a good idea. There is nothing 'surprising' about that.

If you don't feel it is suitable then of course decline, but that should be for the whole day.

I can definitely see why she’d want to take them out. I can also see why you’re worried about it. I think just say that he isn’t up for a long day out just now and keep him home. And say this soon so they can find another friend to come along.

I highly doubt he’d miss you on a fun day out with his friend but can see that his current health issues make things a bit trickier.