To be p'd off at the child age restrictions impossed by holiday companies.

[WelliBob]

Ok, I probably am being a teeny BU but it's so frustrating.

DD1 is 4yrs. Very able across the board academically and physically. We're looking to book a holiday and I've spent the morning on the phone to various tour ops about holidays we've seen that are active for the kids. Apparently, she's not allowed to join as she's not 5yrs. Ok, I'm presumming it's an insurance thing but why not insure from 4?

What's really getting to me though is that the clubs for her age are all, well, sedate. Nothing physical, active or adventurous at all. She does not want to sit and play ring a roses and do a craft activity. Why can't they sort out active stuff for her age group even if she can't do the other stuff??

We had the same last month at Center Parcs! She couldn't do lots of the stuff that her older sibling could and so had to sit with her little sister!

At home she does climbing wall, karate and archery and loves it. No insurance problems.

Why oh why even if insurance causes a problem with the 'bigger' activities can't the clubs for her age be more active.

Ok, rant over. AIBU?

Thanks, Grimmathenome. I have looked at Neilson and they do look fab. We will definitely do something with them over the next few years but thought it best to leave whole day, full on water sports things until the youngest is about 5yrs so we all get the best from it. But thanks as it's all useful and I'm less ranty than I was when I came off the phone from FC.

Or Mark Warner, which is more "english"

Have you tried Mark Warner? -pretty sure they would have activities for a 4 year old.

Sorry, Coatgate. I think I'm being touchy on that because it seems that childcare is exactly what they do offer for 4yr olds rather than activity sessions IYKWIM.

Just frustrating. Not sure even my 4yr old would like being kissed+cuddled by a stranger.

Haven't looked at Mark Warner as I somehow assumed their emphasis was on childcare rather than the odd hour long activity if that makes sense. So, I don't want to drop her in the morning and pick her up at the end of the day so I can have a separate holiday.

I want us to have a family holiday where the older 2 can go off to an activity 9-10 then another 2-3 sort of thing. But I'll have a look at MW, thanks.

this is what you can expect for her age range

I expect you could dip out of the boring stuff though.

Just looked at Club Med but their website is very difficult to get around. Can't really find any details on the club and what activities are on offer.

Thanks for that, Scurry. Really useful! The mini sailing looks interesting and as it's included I guess she could just go for that. I will give them a call. I've calmed down a lot now and managed to put it all in perspective!

Stay calm when you see the prices

Thanks for the tip!
I had looked at them for skiing but DH broke his leg in the new year so first ski trip with the 3kids posponed until next year. Partly why I want to get the summer one so right.

I think ominolaps suggestion about school age children is probably spot on and not arbitrary at all.

Also MMQC when DD started school they would not allow Reception children to join after school clubs or learn an instrument in school time but that was because they had the view that the normal school day would be long enough and tiring enough for most children that age. I think DD would have been able to cope with it, but it was only for one year.

I think some of it is to do with staff ratios. The ratios for child to adult in the UK are quite high for the under 5s, I think 1:5 or maybe lower. Once they are 6 and over it is much lower so activities are cheaper to run, easier to staff and insure.

Hmm, I think saying all children can take part in something once they turn 5 but not before is arbitary in the sense that nothing much changes overnight and that waking up on their birthday does not automatically mean they are suddenly so much more capable.

Oh I don't know. I just find it frustrating as I'm sure the vast majority of 4yr olds would much prefer to be participating in an activity.

arbitrary even.

Thanks, Pinkteddy. I'm sure you're right and it is to do with ratios and insurance etc. Just frustrated by it.