To not let my DS learn to dive.

[Sandy11]

My DS is 16 and wants to lean to dive. He says he has found a club for beginners of his age and really wants to learn. He is quite shy and has not had many hobbies. The only problem is that the lessons would last from 4 - 6 pm on a Sunday. The centre is miles away in the city and I am not prepared to drive so he would have to go on the train. I am worried that something bad would happen to him he is 16 but I don't think as a parent I should let him travel far about an hours journey on the train at them times. It would not affect his school work but you don't know who lurks about today. He is really shy and feel guilty for not letting him do this and it is not expensive either. Am I being unreasonable stopping him?

So what if its a fad? He's allowed to have them, its his life. Even if he doesnt like it he might enjoy himself finding that out. Is that allowed? Were you ever allowed to discover anything for yourself? If he never tried anything in case he didn't still like it in a few years time he would literally never do anything.

And anyway your argument doesn't even make sense. A fad? What about tennis which you have pre-approved? Who says he will like that at all. He doesn't even want to do it yet that's ok?

Seriously overbearing op.

You do realise that you just added another silly excuse to stop him doing what if wants don't you?

*too

So what if it's a 'fad'? I'd hedge a bet that most Olympians were inspired by watching athletes in the Olympics when they were younger. If it gives your son's confidence a boost, then it's been a success, even if he doesn't make it to Rio .

Is this for real? If so YABVU and I think selfish putting your own needs for a worry free life over your sons needs to grow up and learn some life skills.

Stop making excuses, he may get good at it or he may be crap but do it for fun because he actually enjoys it!

But tennis is close and even if it was a fad he would still not have to travel as far and spend as much money.

Tom Daley type diving. And he has never really made journeys on his own and he is quite skinny I just worry over him.

Well there is always a first time and at 16 that first time is already rather late. And if he is skinny, so much the better as there will be more room for the person sitting next to him on the train. YABVU to attempt to stop him pursuing this new hobby.

"Diving just seems to be a bit of a 'fad' due to the Olympics, Splash and Tom Daley etc.. It seems way to far to travel for something that he may not like in the future."

And your problem with that is what exactly?!

Even if he only does it for a year, and then packs it in, it's healthy, good for him. Travelling into Birmingham regularly will no doubt do wonders for his self-esteem and confidence. If he doesn't try it he won't know. On the other hand, if you stop him going, he may resent you! (With good reason IMO).

What is your problem with this really? Why do you keep coming up with new reasons?

Why not just let him go?

I could understand driving all that way if he was younger and good at it but starting diving at 16 just for a hobby seems to far. I mean he said it could lead to competitions if he is any good but it just seems to be a complete fad.

But starting tennis, squash, badminton at 16 is ok?!

Right so you won't drive him because he's too old, and he can't go alone because he's too young. Is that right?

There is nothing wrong with starting a hobby at 16, or 66!

Stop making excuses, what is your problem with this, really?

Jennamy kids have tried lots of things, our 'rule' is they must stick it out for a term before quitting, purely as you tend to have to pay for things termly so they go for the sessions we have paid for. As adults we try things because we want to,why the hell should a 16yr old not be allowed to?!!

I won't drive because of the costs and distance when he may not commit to it and it won't be that constructive.

The travelling is actually a positive benefit. Especially if you've never let him do this kind of thing before, it'll be really good for him to do this journey regularly by himself.

Yabu - to the most ridiculous extent i am wondering if this op can be true

Its his time travelling and his money he's spending by the sounds of it.

So that's yet another silly excuse!

He isn't having to travel that far and its his money, but even if it wasn't his money I would hope a parent would support their child to try something new.

Sandy, give it up, just let him go please!

Does it not say anything to you that people are unanimously saying YABU?!

If he was doing his DofE he would have to take up a new sport. If he has gone to the trouble of finding out the info for him self he is obviously serious about wanting to give it a go.

Please let this be a reverse aibu!!!

Is this real?

If so, stop being such a drip.

I won't drive because of the costs and distance when he may not commit to it and it won't be that constructive.

Who says it won't be constructive? What's your definition of constructive? He'll probably enjoy it, get a bit fitter. Is that not good enough? Why is badminton more constructive in your opinion?

And another silly excuse . . .

Loving the way you don't accept that yabu.

Hoping that this isn't real.

What's a DofE?