to object to after-school activity finishing at 9.30pm

[kitnkaboodle]

... twice a week, including term time! Am I the only person here who feels this is too late for pre-teen kids (or even early teens)?

I raised some objection and have definitely been made to feel that IABU by the organisers.

Not wanting to out myself, but it is a musical activity, so if my DD opts to leave early each night, she will obv. be missing some practice/instruction. What do others feel about this? DD is 12 and normally she's in bed at 9, lights out 9.30 - and my DH usually goes to bed at 10!

[MythicalKings]

I'll remember that if it ever happens. Not very likely as our parents are very polite.

[Quartermass]

It's likely that it won't be possible to change the times, but sometimes times are set for a reason which then ceases to apply - eg one of the organisers, who needed to start late, leaves.
Mythical - you sound like a joy, if you think that it is unacceptable and rude for a parent politely to ask about the possibility of a change being made if it would suit other people including yourself. That's exactly how things are improved.

[MythicalKings]

You suggested that they got together to ask us to change the time. That's not one polite parent, is it?

I am a joy when I'm with the DCs and the parents. I just get peed off with people on forums not reading posts properly and telling me how I ought to do something they know nothing about.

[Oldtile]

That is way too late. I like to be in bed myself for 9.30. Activities are stimulating and it takes time for brain and body to wind down, so kids at this activity will get to sleep really late.

[Yorkshiremummyof4]

As a child I played in a orchestra from 6-8pm when I was about 11/12 I was moved into the senior orchestra which was 7-9.15pm I always seemed to cope well. My sons a chorister and often they have services which finish late in term times, but we just adjust his day accordingly x

[Outofthewoodwork]

I run an activity that ends at 9.30 and includes primary aged children. It is also music related and involves a number of adults who couldn't get there before 7.30. The late sessions are only running for about a month and a half as we approach the main performance and previously I have worked very hard with the children at an earlier time. I have been clear that children can leave earlier if necessary but inevitably that means there will be things they won't be able to do as they haven't been there for rehearsal. I find most parents are very supportive and understand the input needed at this stage. I wouldn't be at all offended to be approached about a change of time but unfortunately wouldn't be able to accommodate this as it is a collaborative effort with the adults and has always been advertised as such. I suspect some parents probably do think I am demanding of their child's time but I hope they recognise how much of my own time I invest in this activity (which is provided for free).

[ragged]

Fantastic to see that there are so many enthusiastic MN moaners volunteers standing in the wings, chomping at the bit to go out & start your own groups. Starting and ending exactly when you approve of. Seems like there's a huge demand for the hours and service you can provide. What are you waiting for? Shall I list some numbers here for Scouts, Guides, music groups in your area? Happy to help anyone with the googling to find your local association contact details.