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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Brownies a bit meh

39 replies

CradleCat · 06/01/2018 20:23

I have 3 dds. Two are young teenagers now. They used to go to Brownies one loved it the other found it mostly boring (same unit, same leader).

Now dd3 has asked if she can go but she is already doing dancing and piano. I am obviously chauffeuring all 3 girls to their various activities and don't really want to add any more commitments, we are a very busy family.

AIBU to think that Brownies is not a must? It's ok, some activities are fun but on the whole dd3 wouldn't miss out hugely if she gave Brownies a miss or am I wrong?

OP posts:

Maryann1975 · 06/01/2018 21:07

I’m a brown owl, so obviously think (hope) that the girls in my unit are getting a lot out of the experience. If they say they aren’t coming back I always tell them I don’t mind as long as they replace brownies with something (unless they are finishing becasue they have too many commitments already). I don’t want them finishing brownies becasue they want to sit and play Xbox on their own, I think that’s sad for them and I want them to have fun, be active and do something that will better them, whatever that is.

NoqontroI · 06/01/2018 21:07

Why not try the cubs? My dd goes and she has learnt such a lot. She did try brownies but the pack here was really boring. Sure it's not the same for all of them though....

llangennith · 06/01/2018 21:08

DGD14 started in beavers, progressed through cubs and scouts and is now an explorer scout and has loved every minute. They do very adventurous things and she is pleased that her scout troop now has 7 girls and 21 boys.
I was a single parent of 3DC and got myself organised so they could do the activities they wanted. Nobody HAS to do any activities, it depends how much they want to do it and whether you’re prepared to go the extra mile to make it happen.

Wineasaurous · 06/01/2018 21:10

I adored brownies. I was teased quite a lot at school for going but I couldn't care less.
I knew how to sew, pitch a tent, cook, basic first aid etc, I experienced so much including wilderness walks, abseiling, rafting, archery....

I think it's so worth while

Pennypickle · 06/01/2018 21:23

My DD hated Brownies - She found it boring so she swopped to cubs and loved it!

If your DD is already doing two activities and you are short on time suggest she gives up one of the activities she is already doing if she wants to attend Brownies. Just tell her you don't have time for all 3. Let her decide

Bowerbird5 · 06/01/2018 21:24

What about her school friends? Could you hook up with another parent and share taking and picking up or offer a regular play date in return.

My daughter loved brownies and lots of the young girls I know do too. They talk about it at school before and after brownies. My friends daughter has continued and is now a leader. She has been to camps abroad and has had a fantastic time. It is hard having to juggle after school activities but I would say try if you can.

UrgentScurryfunge · 06/01/2018 21:35

Units do vary. Ours tends to have at least the number of girls as the nearest two units together. One is very much colouring in and games, the other a bit more mixed. We're very mixed and get outdoors a lot. Even DS's scouting group leader had to grudgingly admit we were decent

Be honest about what activities will and won't work. Ideally all your DCs should have a fair opportunity to choose interests according to their needs while being logistically viable.

SparklyUnicornPoo · 06/01/2018 21:36

I say this as a leader from a long line of leaders and with a Brownie daughter. no Brownies isn't a must, as much as most of my best memories are of Guiding and I would be a totally different person without it, every girl is different, plus every unit is different and girl led so can be totally different from one term to the next depending on the girls they have at the time.

The bigger issue in my opinion though is that if DD is asking to go, and her sisters were allowed to and she isn't allowed to try it, and you mention ferrying them all round to different commitments and that one DD didn't like it then I think you might get some resentment.

Original poster

CradleCat · 06/01/2018 21:37

"My greedy arse thought this was a thread about the delicious chocolate cake bites."
Haha, i can see why lol. Sorry.

DD3 does not want to give up her other activities.

OP posts:

PeppaPigTastesLikeBacon · 06/01/2018 21:41

I am so disappointed and also relieved (due to wanting to eat) that this isn’t about delicious brownies!

I loved brownies when I was younger (funnily enough hated the chocolate variety). Guides was meh!

Damn I want a brownie 🐷

HariboForBreakfast · 06/01/2018 21:41

@GroovyLass
Apart from Girls Brigade, of course.

monkeysox · 06/01/2018 21:44

My dd does beavers and rainbows.
She is the only girl at beavers but they seem to do lots more there than rainbows. She does love rainbows though as it's all girls.

Notso · 06/01/2018 21:51

Two of DS1's female friends have just switched from Rainbows to his Beaver group. He was telling them how much fun he has and all about his first night away.

Original poster

CradleCat · 06/01/2018 22:00

DD3 is keen and it would be unfair not to give her the opportunity. On the other hand 3 years of drop offs and pick ups in addition to the many we already do feels overwhelming right now. I am feeling reluctant but I know IABU, damn.

OP posts:

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