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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To tell grandparents DS is too young for them to take to sports match

33 replies

hippohead · 08/09/2010 19:49

My parents are big fans of Rugby and quite often watch 'their' team on a Saturday. Its one of the top teams so this is not standing alongside the pitch stuff but big stands, serious fans, crowds etc.

We are very lucky that they love having DS (3y 6m). He enjoys spending time with them and stays over about once a fortnight. I think they find him a lot of fun and I'm so pleased that they have a close relationship with him.

They want to take him to the rugby. I don't feel comfortable with that. I can't quite put my finger on why- I think its something to do with the huge crowds, needing to sit still for a long time, big stands and the fact that, as yet, football and rugby don't hold his attention.

My Mum is really disappointed and has got quite stroppy about it. She really wanted to share this experience with him and feels he would be fine. She thinks I am being unreasonable.

I do feel bad about saying I'm not happy about it- I don't like putting constraints on their time with him but somehow it feels like a bad idea. I don't think I am generally an overprotective parent and love having adventures with DS so I'm out of my comfort zone feeling like I'm babying him.

The club do try to foster a family friendly atmostphere and in a few years I feel it would be fine for him to go.

Anyway, enough waffle- I would very much value your opinions......

OP posts:
MmeLindt · 10/09/2010 09:51

Just realised (because of increased traffic to my blog) that I put the wrong link in a couple of days ago. Sorry. One thing to add to the review, linking on the iPad is not so easy. Blush

In case anyone is interested, I mean to link to these temporary tattoos for children. I bought them for DS.

Waspie · 10/09/2010 12:30

Most premiership clubs have family stands and baby changing facilities, places to leave buggies etc... I've taken my son to watch Wasps play rugby at Adams Park since he was 6 months old. I only don't take him if it's too cold. Sometimes he gets bored but then so do I if it's a particularly tedious match Wink

Some clubs are really great with children. Franklins Gardens is particularly fab IMO, and it's one of the biggest stadiums in the premiership if you're concern is for the numbers of people. When we've been there has been face painting, bouncy castles, jugglers, mime artists, loads to keep little ones amused.

pagwatch · 10/09/2010 13:00

we are season ticket holders at Harlequins. We have taken DS2 who has SN since he was about five and DD has ben going on and off since she was bout three.

She has always taken a little bag so that she can just sit in her seat and play if she gets bored but she loves the noise and loves getting a jelly baby everytime there is a score Smile plus chips at half time.

It is not at all scary except possibly the crush atthe end. But we let that clear a bit before we leave.

It is very child friendly. The guys who sit next to us tend to apologise if they swear and I have to take bigger jellybaby bags as they are allowed to sahre ifthey are sitting nicely Grin

Rowgtfc72 · 10/09/2010 13:07

DD went to her first football game at six weeks and her first England game at Wembley at six months.Shes 3.6 now and has been to a few more games .I just take lots of sweets/distractions.Shes perfectly safe just gets bored! Let them try it,youll probably find theyll leave it then till hes older and less fidgety.Enjoy the free time!

fedupwithdeployment · 10/09/2010 13:15

DS first went to Saracens when he was 4. And again when 5. Enjoyed it but got a bit fidgety towards the end. However lots to look at eg Sarry's Camel and also all the emergency services!!

He is almost 6 and desperate to go again.

Saracens do some "family days" - good atmosphere and very cheap! See if your club does?

so YABU I think.

zipzap · 10/09/2010 15:26

Just out of interest - when did your parents first take you to watch a rugby match?

Around the same age as your ds or significantly earlier or later? And do you remember it - if so, did you like it or not?

But would be interesting to know if when they had you the didn't take you until you were old enough at 8 say and yet think your ds is old enough at 3...

Might be one way to talk to your mum about it.

diddl · 10/09/2010 16:02

Well if you don´t think he would enjoy it then say no.

What would put me off is that your mum got stroppy tbh.

You haven´t said never-just not yet.

Why is it such a big deal to her?

babybarrister · 10/09/2010 17:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

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