AIBU to want DS to go on trip?

[Janeyjanejane]

DS (14) is supposed to be going on school trip to National Holocaust Memorial. He doesn't want to go as he thinks it will be too upsetting. AIBU to think he should go to show respect to the victims?

Unless there is any other reason for him not wanting to go and assuming he is being honest with you about it being upsetting, I would push him to go. It is upsetting but it's something we should all know about, understand and respect. I can remember studying this at about his age.

I am sure the visit will be educational and very sensitively handled.

Would you be able to go on the trip or take him another time. I think you are right to encourage him to go but if he is very clear he doesn't want to go then I would leave it for now.

What would he do instead?

I think he should go (at some point) but if he's the sensitive type then maybe something in terms of warming him up to it would be better.

We can't let the holocaust be forgotten and it wont be long until it is past living memory so it's an important part of education IMO.

I think he should go. He's old enough to understand that some things are upsetting and he's old enough to understand that upsetting events have to be faced and handled in life. If he backs out of this it's sort of sending a message that it's ok to avoid upsetting things. This won't help him deal with other upsetting circumstances such as conflict or tragic life events in the future. I would say he's old enough to face up to this and should go.

I went on a school trip to Auschwitz when I was 14. I think everyone should go where possible. I can't find the words to describe it but I'm very glad I had the opportunity.

It depends-I'd want to find out what is worrying him about feeling upset. I now avoid reading newspaper stories about child abuse because I can't switch off from them for a long time afterwards and get intrusive thoughts.

Can you show him the website and give him an idea of the type of things he is likely to see then he can make a more informed decision.

I wouldn't push him to go if he really doesn't want to, but I would encourage him if he's just a little afraid.