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AIBU?

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Original poster

To take DS2 to cross country with me?

33 replies

Chertsey · 20/02/2015 22:04

I'm running in the National Championships tomorrow. Have been entered for months and would be letting the team down not to go.

DH and DS1 have a mutual hobby they love and which they were supposed to be doing with friends on Sunday, so DS2 would be with them tomorrow. However, their plans have changed, either through a communication mix up or just faffing about, I'm not sure, so they're now going tomorrow.

DH has said, quite willingly, that he'll stay home with DS1 (11yo) and drop DS1 (13yo) off so he can still do his thing with friends.

However, if I take DS2 with me, Dh could still go. It involves and hour or so on a mini bus, hanging around in the cold/wet while I run in the ladies race, about an hour, then another hour while we watch the men run. There will be people there from the club who aren't running, so there will be people about, although he doesn't need a babysitter as such. He'd have food and books/gadgets to keep him occupied and IMO it's a fab sporting event to see, with some top quality athletes on show (not me!).Also a stunning location, Parliament Hill.

He says he's happy to come but I'm a bit concerned that he's going to be cold, bored and miserable. WWYD?

OP posts:
26Point2Miles · 20/02/2015 22:08

I'd take him! It's not that cold

BloodyDogHairs · 20/02/2015 22:09

How long would DH and DS be away, is leaving the 11yr old at home a option? My 11yr is happy staying home alone with only the ps4 for company.

Bowlersarm · 20/02/2015 22:09

Id take him. Make sure he has lots of clothes to keep warm, plus things to do, books, phone, etc.

AuntieStella · 20/02/2015 22:10

How old is he?

If the others in the bus really don't mind him being there, I'd take him. Even if he hates it, you can rebrand it as character-forming, and turn it into a treasured family memory.

WorraLiberty · 20/02/2015 22:10

If he's happy to come then he's happy to come.

AuntieStella · 20/02/2015 22:11

(apologies - I can read, really Blush )

byhec · 20/02/2015 22:11

I've taken my dc to the national, they enjoyed it!

peutetre · 20/02/2015 22:12

Def take him, its not for that long. Anyway usually second children don't mind this as much as they grew up waiting around for their older siblings. Perhaps hell be inspired to take it up!

ragged · 20/02/2015 22:17

Can't you give him a nice treat as a thank you, trip to cinema, fiver to spend?

Tobyjugg · 20/02/2015 22:21

I was "marking" at cross country events at that age. Take him!

Original poster
Chertsey · 20/02/2015 22:22

DH will be out from 8:30am til after dark. We'll be leaving c. 10am and back tea time. I'd leave DS2 for an hour or two, but not all day.

OP posts:
wigglesrock · 20/02/2015 22:23

Does he want to go? If your dh has faffed about making plans for the wrong day, then it seems that you're doing what you want, your husband and other son are doing what they want, but your younger son who thought he was spending a Saturday with his dad and brother is being brought with you for the guts of four hours or so because there was a mix up with dates. If he's keen on it then there's no bother but if he's not I could understand a lot of grumpiness.

wigglesrock · 20/02/2015 22:26

Sorry just re read your OP, if he's happy enough to go then that's it sorted.

Original poster
Chertsey · 20/02/2015 22:27

DS2 is a people pleaser. His Dad has said he'll stay home and he means it and they'll have a good day, but DS2 has said it's ok and he'll come with me.

My concern is that I'm not sure how much he really wants to come and how much he's agreeing because he knows that's what everyone else wants IYSWIM. I think he'd be entitled to feel rather miffed, but he says it's OK.

OP posts:
Seriouslyffs · 20/02/2015 22:28

Take him- it's good for him to see you doing it.

fredfredgeorgejnr · 20/02/2015 22:29

If he's happy, of course take him, he's not going to get cold unless you're asking if it's appropriate to not give him a coat and force him along.

Good Luck.

Original poster
Chertsey · 20/02/2015 22:30

Poor thing has seen me doing it loads of times before. Has often been at races and has volunteered as a marshal or handing out water on numerous occasions, but yes this is a top event to see.

OP posts:
hmc · 20/02/2015 22:32

Blimey, I am sure you do your fair share of hanging around at clubs, events etc which you dc are involved in but you are merely the chauffeur / spectator. I think it is positively good that the boot is on the other foot for a change and it will do your ds no harm at all

Seriouslyffs · 20/02/2015 22:32

I really don't understand why you feel he'd be entitled to be miffed. It's a one off, you're doing something amazing, he'll be safe, maybe a little bored. Life's not all beer and skittles.

Tizwailor · 20/02/2015 22:34

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Tizwailor · 20/02/2015 22:36

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Nanny0gg · 20/02/2015 22:38

Take him.

And then do something he'd really enjoy next weekend.

SylviaPouncer · 20/02/2015 22:39

Take him. You would watch him run, he can watch you and be proud of you. Not everyone's mum is that fit!

stealthsquiggle · 20/02/2015 22:39

Take him. Better all round that way. Take what he has said at face value and don't look for issues where there aren't any. If he does it with good grace, buy him something nice to eat after your race.

Good luck with the run!

Original poster
Chertsey · 20/02/2015 22:39

Yes, I know, it's not a bad thing for children to have to fit in with others'plans etc, it just always seems to be DS2 who has to do it.

OP posts:
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