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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To want to take my son to this event?

436 replies

ShadeOfRed · 23/08/2017 16:39

Ive name changed incase this is identifiable.

I have a 9yo DS. His dad and I split up when he was 6 months old, and he has been with his now wife since DS was 1. We all get on fairly well.

About 4 years ago, my son's stepmum started taking him to a martial arts class on a weekly basis. She also started having lessons herself so she could help him practice, which I obviously appreciate. I have never really been involved with it because it has very much been their 'thing' with DS and has always been done on their time with him. His stepmum takes him to 2 lessons a week and also practices at home with him. I should add that they have paid for all of this (I'm guessing actually his stepmum pays as she is the high earner).

Anyway, a few years later and it turns our DS is VERY good at this and has been invited to take place in a sort of showcase/tournament overseas in a city I have always wanted to visit. The event is on a weekend that DS is with me and my husband so I want us to take him and make a bit of a holiday out of it. We would also take my two younger daughters (who I have had with my current DH) and my mum who can babysit them when we watch the event.

When my ex told me the dates I said I would get back to him to let him know if we could swap weekends, and I have now let him know that actually DH and I will be taking DS. He has gotten really upset about it (apparently his wife, my son's stepmum, is in tears) as they wanted to be there to cheer him on. There are only 2 tickets allocated per child so we can't all go, and as well as we all get on I really wouldn't want to spend a whole 3 day even with them.

I honestly don't think I am doing anything wrong as it is my weekend with my DS and I am not obliged to swap. He has never competed in an event like this before and I think it's important for him to see his mum in the crowd cheering him on! But I mentioned this to my sister and she seems to think IABU and she has made me doubt myself. Should I be letting his dad and stepmum take him?

OP posts:
FuckingHateRats · 23/08/2017 17:42

I was going to suggest you all go together before I saw your update. Would be lovely if you could go with his SM so he could see you both sides by side supporting him.

She sounds like a brilliant woman. Your son (and ex!) is very lucky.

Madwoman5 · 23/08/2017 17:43

You can visit the city at any time but this one is about your ds/exh/dsm. Step away gracefully and hand this back to them. Tell him you will be keeping everything crossed and are proud of him and let him go with them. This is their thing not yours and ds will not think you are unsupportive....quite the opposite. If this were the other way around I am sure you would be upset. As to whose weekend it is? Irrelevant.

meltingmarshmallows · 23/08/2017 17:43

Well done OP & a nice touch to send the flowers. Instead of worrying about this now, look forward to the holiday. You DS is lucky to have such a nice, functional family unit. I hope his comp goes well.

ineedamoreadultieradult · 23/08/2017 17:43

Well done ShadeOfRed and thanks for coming back to update and not just disappearing. It's hard to admit you are wrong. Best solution all round in the end.

2cats2many · 23/08/2017 17:44

Well done you. What a reasonable and grown up outcome.

Friolero · 23/08/2017 17:44

I'm glad you've come up with a solution, I'm sure DS will be very happy to have you all there supporting him. Good idea to see his step mum flowers too, she does sound lovely!

Snausage · 23/08/2017 17:44

Apologies for the cross post, OP. I'm very pleased that you've found a solution!

GahBuggerit · 23/08/2017 17:44

So it was really just because of the cheap jolly then.

I'm glad you have done the right thing. Cringe tho!!

Maryz · 23/08/2017 17:45

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Dawnedlightly · 23/08/2017 17:45

Great update ShadeOfRed
Your son is lucky to have such a great bunch of adults in his life.

PigletWasPoohsFriend · 23/08/2017 17:45

So it was really just because of the cheap jolly then.

Yep seems like it. Hmm

Namechangetempissue · 23/08/2017 17:46

Fab result OP. Well done for taking this all on the chin (so many don't when they are BU). You sound a lovely bunch and its great you all get on so well. Enjoy the event!

Madwoman5 · 23/08/2017 17:46

Cross posted. Good outcome for all.

Tilapia · 23/08/2017 17:47

Well done OP. You have apologised very graciously.

ShadeOfRed · 23/08/2017 17:47

I feel like a complete dick but I do think I just got over excited and didn't really think about how I would feel if it was the other way round. Embarrassed doesn't quite cover it Blush she was very gracious inbthe phone and very grateful. I'll make sure I take her out for dinner when we go to apologise and thank her.

OP posts:
Goingtobeawesome · 23/08/2017 17:47

I hadn't seen your very gracious reply when I posted my last comment so huge apologies and I'm actually feeling rather tearful that it went okay and that the both of you come out of this better though she want in the wrong. Her for the offer of the hotel etc and you for the flowers you'll send tomorrow. Again, apologies.

MoiraRosesMeltdown · 23/08/2017 17:48

Sorry but YABU - but everyone reading this will understand why.
Let your DC's dad and Step-Mum take him.

ALittleMop · 23/08/2017 17:48

If you have shown so little interest thus far, you really would be being incredibly selfish and really just taking the absolute piss only to want to go now he's doing so well at it. Plus of course, as you know nothing about it, you obviously won't be able to support him properly in the showcase etc.

Your comment re showing your support now will send a terrible message to your son - not interested enough to show up for the weekly practice in the grotty village hall down the road, happy to go on a lovely holiday and take the glory.

I suspect though this is a reverse, I can't think what the father and stepmother could do really. Apart from point out that son will need/want to be at the venue for 3 days solid doing something they will find boring.

akkakk · 23/08/2017 17:48

You both sound fantastic people - able to support each other's needs and your son - and compromise and admit when you get it wrong...

well done - your son is very lucky having you all involved...

TempusEejit · 23/08/2017 17:48

Nice update OP, it must have been hard to read all those replies. Have to say the SM sounds like a really lovely woman - you're all very lucky!

Good luck to your DS in his competition!

whiteroseredrose · 23/08/2017 17:50

Really glad you've worked it out and fingers crossed for your DS. Let us know how he gets on.

Floralnomad · 23/08/2017 17:50

Great result OP , she obviously really loves your son which must be lovely for him . Hope you all have a great time and he does well .

DudeHatesHisCarryOut · 23/08/2017 17:50

OP - you've upset me. I was all prepared for you to be one of those posters who refuses to be wrong, and was looking forward to spending the evening arguing with you!

On the other hand, that was a lovely update. Am so thrilled you've managed to come to a compromise. And it will be wonderful for DS to have you all there supporting him. The absolute best solution all round.

Can I suggest that, if there's a 'main event' sort of thing that you let SM go, simply because she'll enjoy it more and get more out of it. On the other hand, could you maybe go to one show with her, so that she can explain to you what's going on? Might be nice for the pair of you to do some bonding over this.

MoiraRosesMeltdown · 23/08/2017 17:50

Sorry - posted without reading the whole thread. Well done for being so understanding.

Loungingbutnotforlong · 23/08/2017 17:50

Nice update- so glad it will work out for you all