AIBU?
To think 33 minutes (driving) is too far for DS's extra curricular activity?
Allieson · 29/06/2017 00:26
DS really wants to start ice skating. The closest to us is 33 minutes away (by car) he doesn't do anything else so I'm undecided. He's 10 so old enough for it to not be a spur of the moment thing (he has been asking for a couple of years 
).
It's only for an hour lesson! AIBU to think the travelling to and back shouldn't be longer than the actual thing itself!? So WIBU to say no?
I admit that I could take him (I work part time but off on that day).
KeepServingTheDrinks · 29/06/2017 00:32
We used to drive DD 45 minutes for a 20 minute horse riding lesson and back again. AND it wasn't especially cheap.
I'd say if you can afford it and your child wants it, then do it.
But I come from a place which prioritises the child. I grew up in an environment which was predominantly around the relationship between my parents. You have to choose where you are. But if cost is an issue (it wasn't for us at this point, but would be now) then this has to factor in.
Up to you.
FWIW, I absolutely idolise the parents who prioritise their kids and their wants and desires. I try and be like them, as I think they are ace.
BackforGood · 29/06/2017 00:34
As you can do it, and it's the only thing he wants to do, then I don't think it's too far at all.
Lots of things take that long to get to (in traffic) even in a City where there are lots of options,. I should imagine if you live rurally then that is a standard journey for most things.
It's fine - get yourself a good book, or charge your phone up and turn your data on, and you get a peaceful hour to yourself whilst you wait. Rather nice to have that time to yourself, for most parents 
Perihelion · 29/06/2017 01:02
Check whether the rink has a Learn to Skate session, where there are group lessons and then more time on the ice after. I do this with DD. Here it costs a fiver each for almost 2 hours on the ice. And as it's just turn up with no pre booking/paying there's less pressure to commit every week to it........however we've been skating since the start of the year and hardly missed a week as we're both so into it now....my arse and legs haven't been this toned for at least a decade. 
If he ( and you ) like it, I recommend getting your own skates too.
I'm lucky it's only a 25 minute drive without traffic, but have met people there who drive for an hour to get their skating fix.
GardenGeek · 29/06/2017 01:14
This reply has been deleted
Message withdrawn at poster's request.
Unadon · 29/06/2017 01:25
YABU. When I was in Uni my dad drove 90 minutes once a week to have dinner with me straight after my Wednesday classes. Told him he didn't have to go through all that trouble but he did it anyway because for us it was tradition to eat at this particular place.
Years have passed and I still appreciate him for that.
WellThatSucks · 29/06/2017 01:51
I took DS2 on the bus to his activity, 45 mins each way plus time added on waiting for late/skipped buses. Honestly OP, an hour or so round trip for something he really wants to do isn't much. If he's waited 2 years already and still keen it's not like it's a passing fad. Maybe there's someone else who wants to do it near you so you might be able to arrange doing it turns?
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