Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Flip

Original poster

To send my child to this weekend to help another child

17 replies

Redcliff · 19/05/2014 11:07

I went to a parents meeting at school today and there was a charity there promoting subsidised weekends away – it wasn't spelt out but I get the impression it was for mainly low income families which I am not. Although things are tight we are getting a family week away in the UK caravan park.

My DS’s best friend is just the child that this sort of thing is aimed at but I think his mum would struggle to find to money (its £15) and also to get him to the drop off and pick up point as it’s a train and a tube ride away.

Would it be too odd if I put an application in for my DS on the understanding that she puts one in for hers – I would offer to pay (I could sell it to her by saying my DS will only go if her DS goes which is true) and I could take both boys to drop off and pick them up as well. I think they would both have a great time and I could donate to the charity as well. The charity are actively recruiting children from our area as there is a low take up (I suspect due to the train/tube issue). I don't know if my son would go for it as he hasn't been away from home before but I thought I might sound him out tonight.

OP posts:

Nanny0gg · 19/05/2014 11:10

Sounds like a plan to me.

Lovely idea.

One question though, how old are they?

FreeSpirit89 · 19/05/2014 11:10

All you can do is ask

BettySwollocksandaCrustyRack · 19/05/2014 11:10

How old is your son?

Do you even think the other boy would want to go? It sounds like you have good intentions but don't get carried away without knowing if it is actually feasible first.

GermanGirlinLondon · 19/05/2014 11:11

YANBU. Very kind and generous of you.

BerniesBurneze · 19/05/2014 11:20

What a lovely idea.

aderynlas · 19/05/2014 11:23

What a lovely idea. See how your son feels about it and i hope it works out.

Original poster

Redcliff · 19/05/2014 11:36

Thanks - wasn't sure if it was a bit crazy and was a little worried about my DS taking a place when we can afford a holiday of our own. TBH I think my DS's fried would love it but not sure about my DS so will sound him out first. They are both 7 and it would only be two nights.

OP posts:

BettySwollocksandaCrustyRack · 19/05/2014 11:40

Hmm, to be honest at 7 I wouldn't personally do this, I think it's a bit young. Forget about helping this other boy out, would you otherwise be ok with your son going away without you.

All kids are different though, personally at 7 my DS wouldn't be ready to go away with another kid on a non family holiday. Sleep overs fine but I think even 2 night away with a friend and his parents would be pushing it, let alone and friend and no parent.

Nice idea but...........

Original poster

Redcliff · 19/05/2014 11:43

Fair point Betty - I will be led by DS and if he isn't keen I wont push.

OP posts:

Martorana · 19/05/2014 12:16

Make absolutely sure that neither boy knows about the financial side of it, though!

cestlavielife · 19/05/2014 12:20

they bit young.

if older eg 12 I would say yes go for it.

but would be better for you to point out to the organizers that they need to organise pick up from home. otherwise its pointless. email the charity without giving names but point out that you know of a child who would struggle tog et to the pick up point and have they thought about mini cabs/drivers/escorting from home etc?

and surely better they offer a subsidised holiday to the whole family if the kids are that young?

cestlavielife · 19/05/2014 12:21

it sounds like the charity are well meaning but have not thought it through... so give them a heads up.

Johnogroats · 19/05/2014 12:22

My DSs are 7 and 9 and have been away with cubs / beavers. The first to go (for one night) was the youngest when he was only 5 - he had a fab time and wants to go again and again. 7 may be too young for some, but not all.

cestlavielife · 19/05/2014 12:27

I think if it's a group they know already like cubs/beavers or school with teachers they know then fine...if you going to send your 7 year off with some unknown charity then it's different...

better something for whole family like www.familyholidayassociation.org.uk/

cestlavielife · 19/05/2014 12:30

or day camp places www.kingscamps.org/supporting-families/

Ioethe · 19/05/2014 12:31

I think it's a lovely idea but you should be honest with the parents and not tell them your DS won't go if their DS won't. It's best to know up front if they're going to be OK with you paying.

Original poster

Redcliff · 21/05/2014 19:17

Thanks for all your messages and has given me a lot to think about. I did say to the worker that I can see the pick up could be problematic for the group they are targeting the weekend at and I think she did take that on board . I am going to wait after the summer holidays and see how things stand - I think my DS might be a bit young right now .

OP posts:

Flip