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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Am I being unreasonably overprotective?

35 replies

Monkley · 27/04/2012 15:26

DS(6) has been invited to a birthday party next Saturday. It will be from 10 til 3 and the family will be driving all the children to another city for bowling and macdonalds. I like the family but just feel quite nervous about the whole thing, especially the driving. I realise I am likely being very unreasonable about this btw!

OP posts:
AKMD · 27/04/2012 15:29

Aww, YABU but it's quite sweet. Are there lots of children going and if so, could you volunteer to be a driver?

Five hours is quite a long time for a 6yo but I'm sure he'll love it.

DawnOfTheDee · 27/04/2012 15:30

As long as they're not the sort to pile 16 kids in the back of their car like friend's parents did when we were kids it's fine. Let him go! You are not BU to be nervous for him though...i think it's natural Smile

SquishyCinnamonSwirls · 27/04/2012 15:31

I think you're being a bit unreasonable, make sure he's got an appropriate car seat and book yourself something nice to do while he's out. He'll have a lovely time.

Dropdeadfred · 27/04/2012 15:33

I wouldnt let my 6 yr old be taken to a different town without me or SH being there. We would take her to the party ourselves and then take her home

Dropdeadfred · 27/04/2012 15:33

DH not SH

Helltotheno · 27/04/2012 15:37

YANBU. There are some truly shit drivers out there and I'd want to know what I was dealing with before I committed. Say you'll bring him yourself have a day out shopping?

Prepares to be called a helicopter parent

FruitPastillesForever · 27/04/2012 15:37

I would tend to agree with dropdeadfred but then I probably am overprotective.

Purplehonesty · 27/04/2012 15:39

Nah i wouldn't want mine to go. I'd meet them there and as someone else says go shopping or something!

Choufleur · 27/04/2012 15:39

Oh I wish someone would invite ds to a party like that! How many kids are going? Provided there are enough adults to supervise it'll be fine.

Choufleur · 27/04/2012 15:39

Oh I wish someone would invite ds to a party like that! How many kids are going? Provided there are enough adults to supervise it'll be fine.

valiumredhead · 27/04/2012 15:41

I would want to know the family and how they drive tbh - I'd meet them there and go shopping then come back and collect. 5 hours is a long time for bowling and Mcdonalds -how far away is it?

Choufleur · 27/04/2012 15:46

If someone was just taking your dc out for the day would you feel as worried?

Dropdeadfred · 27/04/2012 15:49

Chofleur - it would depend where really. But I would worry that there may not be sufficient adults to watch all the children and if the child is in an unfamiliar place they cOuld easily get lost just going to the toilet etc

fluffyanimal · 27/04/2012 15:50

How many children? I recently let my DS, 6, go all day with his friend and friend's cousin, including a trip to McD's and Lazerzone, in the care of friend's dad who is a Beavers leader. DS had his booster seat for their car.

Dropdeadfred · 27/04/2012 15:50

I would not like to think that the parents could be busy ordering food or organising the bowling games and a child could wander off ... I am a bit Orr compared to some parents I guess but there is no one size fits all in these instances. I think you do what you are comfortable with..?

Original poster
Monkley · 27/04/2012 15:52

I think there will be 6 kids and 2 adults, which I am happy with. It's about 25 minutes drive away. They are nice, reasonable people and I'm sure they'll understand if I say I would rather take him myself/do some shopping

OP posts:
Dropdeadfred · 27/04/2012 15:54

So what are you going to do op?

crunchbag · 27/04/2012 15:55

YABU , it sounds like a great idea.

With regards to wanting to know how a family drive, how on earth would you find out? Follow their car for a couple of days?

libbyssister · 27/04/2012 15:59

Oh blimey! I'm taking my son and 4 friends bowling next weekend for his 7th birthday trip (there will be a couple of 6 year olds there) but we're not going to McDonalds after and it's 11-2.30 Wink

It's in our nearest city about 20 miles away. I have a seven-seater car and booster seats for them all. My DH and I will be in charge...leaving DS2 and DS3 at home.

I hadn't thought that some of the parents will be anxious and questioning my driving! But I might double check now Blush there is one parent who has offered help several times though (and another who will be skipping down the road after dropping her DS off for 2.5 hours Grin)

Choufleur · 27/04/2012 16:50

One adult to 3 kids is quite high ratio - some people have more kids than that and manage on their own.

everlong · 27/04/2012 16:58

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

overmydeadbody · 27/04/2012 17:01

YABU

Let him go. He'll have a great time.

Dropdeadfred · 27/04/2012 17:08

I have a similar issue this weekend. My dd aged 6 is going to a party in a busy shopping centre with a trip to McDonalds . I will take her... And sit in McDonald but away from their party ( with my just as protective DH)

SecretSquirrels · 27/04/2012 17:24

Just check the car seat / seat belt arrangement.

SunflowersSmile · 27/04/2012 17:27

Must be a posh big car?