WIBU to tell my 62 year old dad there's no point in him doing A-Levels!?

[redsector]

My dad has apparently been inspired by his grandchildren! to do a couple of A-Levels. He's a brainy old folk and has recently been told of a discount in tutoring (what my dc used as family friend) so would like to give it a go. Surely it's a waste of time/ effort/ money, etc!? Or do I just roll with it?

My dad never stopped studying until he died of lung cancer when he was 64, 20 years ago. He got a degree in music, french, he already had a pharmaceutical degree. I think it kept him going through tough times, enabled him to keep using his brain, kept his brain sharp, kept him part of the world/young and I was so so proud of him.

YABVU - 62 is young! Maybe he will not 'use' his A-level in getting a job - but maybe he will. It will certainly keep his mind active and mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise at any age. As for failing - well, yes he might. But if he is altogether enough to want to do A-levels then he is altogether enough to deal with it. Don't just roll with it - be interested in whatever he is doing and excited for him. Be there with the champagne when he succeeds and the tea and sympathy and encouragement if he doesn't.

Wow! I'm shocked with your outlook on this. I know it's the one thing my mum regrets leaving school with very little education.

I think this would be fantastic for your dad. Would give common ground with his gc and give him a focus in life. You should be 100% behind him and help him all you can

I think you're being incredibly horrid! There are people older than your father returning to university to do degrees. I think it's a fabulous idea and if he wants to then he should go for it!

I try and learn something different every year. Some things work out better than others, but I've never regretted giving them a go. Best of luck to your dad, hope he does really well in his exams!

Mum and dad are older than your dad and they are members of university of the third age.
They are currently learning astronomy history of art (dad) and Italian and Greek philosophy (mum) totally loving it.
Good luck to your dad!

I would tell him to go for it you are never to old to learn new things

I am 73 and still learning (and working part time). It's fun to learn new things. It's much easier to learn new stuff now than it has ever been. Last year I took a MOOC (Massive Open On-Line Course) run by Otto Scharmer at MIT. It was fascinating and even free. Many of us elders still have our marbles you know! Four cheers for Dad. Best wishes, Nick

I'm utterly stunned that someone would assume it's their place to 'tell' their parents they can't / shouldn't do anything , especially something educational.
As others have said it's never a waste of time , and you have no right to suggest otherwise. So yes , 'roll with it ' you might even learn something too.

I think it's brilliant that he wants to do this..if it was my mum I'd be right behind her helping every step of the way

Going by your poor grammar, you could consider further (basic) education yourself.

Fairly predictable to think anyone in their 60s can't possibly achieve/want to achieve anything.. I wonder what's behind your blinkered, resentful response...

Possibly an A level ?

Lucky you having a dad who wants to carry on learning.

Good grief .... what's the matter with you ? Hats off to him I say.

I'd wish him the best of luck and let him get on with it, I think its great :). My Gran was in her 60s when she did her degree and 70 when she got her MA. Never a waste of time to do something you enjoy :)

better than him sat festering doing nothing and having no interest in life keeping brain active is much better too

Good on him and you should support him. Keeps his mind active and you only live once

You are never too old!! I am writing this from Germany, where I am doing a German course - at 58, most of the others in the class are young enough to be my children, but so what? I may not find it quite so easy to remember things as I did when I was their age, but we are all here to learn and have fun. Go your dad, I say!

Boudicca
If you had bothered to RTFT you would have seen that the OP has changed her mind and was talking about what she might study too.

But don't let that get in the way of you putting the boot in.

I waste time doing a million useless things - why would soeone be wrong to do something like this

He's 62! That's no age! And even if he was 102, what difference would it make? You are never to old to learn new things and why shouldn't he set about getting himself some A levels?

Hope you both enjoy the study experience op. Good on you for changing your mind and supporting dad. He sounds ace.

I kind of want to do my biology highers and standard grades again. I loved it. I passed with flying colours and did biology at uni for a year. But would just enjoy it.

Have you never heard of learning for learning's sake?