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Original poster

Urgent help: what to do about trip tomorrow

138 replies

Whattodoabouttrip · 25/07/2023 22:40

DC is 5. As part of holiday club tomorrow they're meant to go to an adventure park 2.5 hours away. DH has only just taken the time to look into it and has said he'd prefer him not to go. It's too far, he won't know anyone, has never been anywhere like this without us, might get lost etc.

I just don't know what to do. DC had been looking forward to it but didn't really know what it entails. They also only know 2 other children at club who won't be there tomorrow which I've not sure they've realised.

I think it's quite a bit undertaking and to be honest I've been very stressed and tearful about it myself but had come to conclusion they'd be fine.

I'm really annoyed DH has only just now decided to chip in.

I'm meant to wake DC at 6am if they're going to go. If I don't wake them up and they wake later and are really upset as they wanted to go, I'm going to feel so guilty.

There's going to be a fallout either way. I have to idea what to do.

OP posts:
lilsupersparks · 25/07/2023 22:41

Can you go with them?

NeverDropYourMooncup · 25/07/2023 22:41

Take the kid on the trip. A man's anxieties shouldn't affect a child's age appropriate experiences.

lilsupersparks · 25/07/2023 22:42

You could plan something else really fun to do? Softplay, trampoline park? Say you want to go to the Adventure Park later in the summer as a family instead as it will be so fun to go together.

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nocoolnamesleft · 25/07/2023 22:42

Surely if your DH is not happy for him to go, then your DH is planning to take the day off work to look after him, and have a compensatory fantastic time with him?

CheesusWept · 25/07/2023 22:42

Is your husband taking the day off work to look after the kid if he doesn’t go on this trip?

BreadInCaptivity · 25/07/2023 22:43

nocoolnamesleft · 25/07/2023 22:42

Surely if your DH is not happy for him to go, then your DH is planning to take the day off work to look after him, and have a compensatory fantastic time with him?

This.....

LittleOwl153 · 25/07/2023 22:44

Well surely your DH needs to take some part in this as it's his decision to stop it?

Who gets to take emergency childcare if he can't go to the trip? Hopefully DH has let work know...

It really irritates me when people (dad's) leave it to the last minute to make such decrees without any concern for the consequences.

Morechocmorechoc · 25/07/2023 22:44

Can't really offer advice unless you tell us what the trip is

YouPistonWhat · 25/07/2023 22:46

A total of 5 hours travelling on a coach/mini bus to go to an adventure park?
Not exactly a great day out tbh.

fivetriangulartrees · 25/07/2023 22:47

I'm with your DH but I hope he's not leaving you to deal with everything.

TokyoSushi · 25/07/2023 22:47

2.5 hours for a 5 year old who doesn't really know anybody is quite a lot...

Has DH made alternative arrangements for tomorrow?

Original poster
Whattodoabouttrip · 25/07/2023 22:49

So actually we're both off work anyway so no issue there. Very outing, but I guess too important a part to leave out, is that we are abroad (my home country). So there's also the fact that DC will need to communicate in their second language (which they are proficient in) but I guess it makes it seem even more daunting to DH.

They've been going to holiday club here for a couple of days and have already done a (smaller) outing and have been perfectly fine. DC has really surprised us so far, taking everything in their stride and really enjoying it!

I just absolutely hate being flaky and bailing last minute as well. I also really can't tell how upset DC will be about missing out, I'm sure they would have loved it so I feel sad for them.

But it would be a massively long day and they're really exhausted already from many late nights.

OP posts:
Fillyfrog · 25/07/2023 22:50

I wouldn't be letting my 5 year old go on a trip like this without me. He's only 5, he will easily be consoled with something else.

Rainraingoaway21 · 25/07/2023 22:55

I'm with your DH too. Far too young.

Original poster
Whattodoabouttrip · 25/07/2023 22:57

Honestly I was with DH too at the beginning but he's been telling me all this time it would be fine until I was convinced then changed his mind!

There will also be 3 and 4 years old on the trip so it made me question whether we were helicopter parents.

OP posts:
EezyOozy · 25/07/2023 22:57

I’m with your DH. wake up early to send the message to the holiday club that he won’t be going, then go back to bed… then do something nice together.

NeverDropYourMooncup · 25/07/2023 23:04

Whattodoabouttrip · 25/07/2023 22:57

Honestly I was with DH too at the beginning but he's been telling me all this time it would be fine until I was convinced then changed his mind!

There will also be 3 and 4 years old on the trip so it made me question whether we were helicopter parents.

He's being the helicopter parent but putting you in the position of the bad guy. Stuff that. Your DS will love it, as will the other little ones.

853ax · 25/07/2023 23:06

5yo getting up at 6am to go on a 2.5hr journey - gosh I don't think many would go for that. Sounds like work for you up and out early. Tiring for child and do they have to manage food, money ECT? When they get to park find own way around?
I don't think I know any 5 year old who would manage and enjoy.
Guess if 3,4 yo going will be lots of supervisors and assistance.
Is it a country with siesta ? Maybe they will all nap while afternoon making it more manageable

Canisaysomething · 25/07/2023 23:09

A 2.5 hour each way trip for kids that are 3 -5, it sounds bonkers!! When I drop my kids at holiday club I want to know where I'm leaving them and that I can get there if they have an accident and need collecting.

Neolara · 25/07/2023 23:15

Taking 3 year olds to an adventure park 2.5 hours away on an organised trip (as opposed to a family outing) is completely bonkers!

Bodybop · 25/07/2023 23:16

Why did you say yes? peer pressure?

Mirabai · 25/07/2023 23:18

I agree with DH. Just tell your kids it was cancelled and distract them with something else fun to do instead.

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 25/07/2023 23:19

If you're not working cant you jump in the car and take him yourselves? Then he can still be part of the group fun and see the place but can be looked after by you?

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 25/07/2023 23:19

Mirabai · 25/07/2023 23:18

I agree with DH. Just tell your kids it was cancelled and distract them with something else fun to do instead.

Or this

FrenchieF · 25/07/2023 23:20

If you are all on holiday all go to the outing together