should we take the kids to church or the park?

[Sugarmagnolia]

My folks are visiting for exactly 7 days. They come once a year because they live very far away. the first day is pretty much killed by jet-lag and 3 days the kids were in school. So that leaves 3 days for them to spend with the kids. And they want to spend an entire morning of one of those precious days going to church. Would the kids like to come, they ask? No, I say, they would like you to take them to the park and help them ride their bikes. They didn't like this answer.

Sooooo, am I being unreasonable?

FFS RunForBurritos this thread is 12 years old!!!

RunForBurritos this thread is THIRTEEN years old, how the fuck did you even find it nevermind why did you bump it...

If the kids are up for seeing a church as a novelty then that's okay. II wouldn't object mine going anymore than I would to a synagogue or temple as a cultural experience. If they'd rather go to the park then let them and meet the grandparents after for brunch or ice cream or something.

Personally I'd ask the kids what they'd rather do if they're old enough to voice an opinion. Dragging kids along to things just makes them resent them rather than enjoy them for any activity (not just church)and far less likely to come to them themselves naturally. Easy to say to parents as well I've asked them and they said X. You never know some of them might want to go after all off their own backs.

Is there a church Sunday club or similar for them that they enjoy? I'd hate to sit through a 90 min service personally and I'm an adult but at least I have the choice. Suppose it depends how good the service is whether it's engaging, lively and enjoyable or dreary, lecturing, stationary and cold also!

Just realised this is a ghost thread after posting - 13 years!!!

If you want the children to spend time with their Grandparents let them take them to church! Yabu to expect people who regularly attend church to not want to go. I imagine going to a different church with a different speaker can be interesting if you are into that sort of thing. Also you seem to be writing off 4 days of the trip. They will still see the children on the days when they are jet lagged and can do activities with them after school at 3!

If you want the children to spend time with their Grandparents let them take them to church!

The thread is THIRTEEN YEARS OLD
I think they probably resolved the issue looooooong ago.

Bloody hell you are right guys, I have resurrected a zombie thread after 13 years! And I have no idea how it happened, I could have sworn it was somehow bumped on the top of AIBU... but that can't be right?
Oops!

Nice touch swearing at people for another mistake though

Honest mistake

It always makes me laugh because I didn't notice the date immediately either!

Yabu. Stop being so controlling!

midnight lol

As a PP said, for some people church isn’t the optional extra you drop. It’s the one non-negotiable thing. That may not be you but it seems to be them. They’re coming a long way to see you and I think you should respect their need for this one hour.

How did mass go 13 years ago?