I don't want 3 yr old DS to go on a day trip to the zoo with school. AIBU, DH says yes.

[pombal]

DS1 3.5 yrs has the opportunity to go on a day trip to the zoo with school.
It will be his class (nursery) and the class above (reception), so about 22 children aged 3 - 5 years.
There will be 2 teachers and 2 assisstants going with them. The Zoo is an hours drive from school and they will leave at 9am and be back by 4pm.
We live abroad and it'll be hot.

I think he's just a bit too young for an all day outing in a big group like this, and we can take him to the Zoo another time.

DH is literally sulking that I won't let him go and has asked me to put it to the mumsnet jury.

AIBU to say no?

I'd let mine go. But YANBU?he won't really notice not going at that age.

Why is he "too young"?

Genuine question before I can decide if YABU or not!

I understand your concern. No rush for school trips, so yanbu.

I am sure he'd be fine, but you know him best anyway.

ds1's school go on a bus to a local beach for their trip. 20 mins away. I am happier with that tbh.

I think you are being a bit precious, yes but it's your call. Presumably you'll supply sun cream, sun hat and plenty of water?
Mine loved the zoo trips most of all!

That doesn't sound many adults to me. Not sure what the ratios are at that age but it sounds a bit on the low side to me. If there were more adults I'd let him go.

Don't think I'd let mine go, seems like a big group for the number of staff.

I'd let mine go. Well actually at dd's Belgian maternelle, they took them all over the place. They didn't always tell you in advance either.

Hmmm, mine went with nursery at the same age, BUT it was a 5 minute drive from nursery and home, it was a 3 hour visit. There were 20 children and 8 staff, the children had a wrist strap which clipped to a length of rope so they couldn't wander off.

In your position I would also say no.

Well, if your DH wants your DS to go, can he take the day off and volunteer to take the day off and go with them?

I would let him go the ratio would be 1 to 5 or 6 so not too bad. What harm do you think he will come to? my DD2 is 3.10 and would be gutted if her preschool went on an outing and she couldn't go , particicularly if it was with big school.

Could you offer to be a parent helper ?

You know your child best. This is the sort of age where some kids are absolutely fine, but others are indeed 'too young'.

Maybe you should have a chat with one of his teachers and see what they think?

I probably wouldn't

What is the transport like - does it have seatbelts/booster seats? My DD is 4y3m and only just heavy enough to be out of a stage 1 seat.

Doesn't sound like much supervision. Will they be careful about hats/suncream/water (I wouldn't expect a 3.5yo to be careful of his hydration)

I'd probably only agree if I was going to TBH. Could you volunteer?

My DS went at 5, and he was SOOOOOO exhausted (and we're in UK so not hot!!!) It was a very long day for him and he got really tired with all the walking. It was one of the only times that he has ever, in his life, zonked out at 7pm when his head hit the pillow!

I think 3 is too young for that sort of all day/coach trip scenario. I wouldn't be keen.

I just think it's unecessary - at that age, a little class walk to the high street to go to the post office is an adventure and is educational enough!!

Also kids of three are highly unlikely to even remember it tbh.

Better done at least at age 5 or older, imo.

22 pre-shool children and 4 adults? 2hr round trip? In high heat?
Sounds hellish.

Can you accompany?

I seem to remember the ratio being 1-4 when DD was in reception (including parent helpers) and lower in nursery. Actually the trip when DD was 3 nearly all the parents went!

If all the others are going I wouldn't let him miss out. Volunteer to go as helper.

Curry - I just have visions of him coming back as a dehydrated tomato. I think at his age he'd enjoy it more if he went with family and we could go at a slower pace, and I would make sure he was slathered head to toe in factor 50, and had a drink when he needed.
I'm also worried about the teachers being able to keep track of them all in such a big space.

I also think the ratio of adults to children is too low. I'm thinking 1:3 for trips in this country but I'm not sure where I've got that from! I don't know where you are. I wouldn't myself.

It´s the fact that it´s to a zoo that I would object to!

no way, i wouldn't let my 3 yr old go out all day on a trip like that I don't think. it's a really long time isn't it?

those staff ratios are terrible! esp considering the age of kids they'll have

plus i really don't like zoos anyway, so probably would say no on principle anyway!

exotic, cyb - I have DS2 who is 11 months, otherwise I would volunteer.

notquitenormal - yes that sums up my feelings

sleepingsowell - I agree

Purveyorof Baloney - the school has it's own coach which has air con and seatbelts but no boosters etc. Here on the continent the health and safety thing hasn't really caught on :)

I wouldn't be happy with that for my 4yr old at all.