Aibu to think their is nothing wrong in sending my son

[Metoodear]

It’s my 5 year olds first sports day however the assembly is the week before I already too time off for that
Dh has taken all his leave to cover the summer and the childminder haveing a funeral in two weeks

I don’t have much leave because I am pt and started half way through the year

So Aibu to send my 18 year old to go and watch her

I think they just want somone they know cheering them on

YANBU

I think that’s absolutely fine! As long as they have someone there, they are happy.

Also just to add I would have been able to attend but the school chanaged it from the Friday to Thursday I don’t work Fridays

I know their are a fair few parents who can’t come because they booked the Friday and now it’s been changed they can’t get the Thursday off

I feel awful about the whole thing

Absolutely not! My 17 year old DS goes to events to watch the younger DDs when I simply can't make it due to work.

That would be a lovely thing to share with a sibling.

This is why I loved having siblings who were much older than me. YANBU, and your DC will be just as happy to have them there in your place

Sounds like a good solution. Do it!

I took a half day for sports day this week and it was the dullest two hours so far this year. I would have jumped at the chance to outsource my attendance. (Admittedly, DS coming last in each of his three races may have coloured my view slightly )

Why would you feel bad? Many children have nobody there at all so an older sibling would be lovely.

Of course that's fine (said as a teacher of 5 year olds who've just had sports day!) Your child will love it and the school will be really happy a big brother or sister is able to attend. Our children at school always have various family members or family friends watching due to parents working. It's not unusual.

I think that’s a great idea. And sports day is so fucking dull outsourcing is absolutely the right thing to do.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that OP and actually really lovely that an 18 yo would be willing and want to do that.

I’ve been really unwell recently (contagious too) and DP had to work during DS1s leavers assembly so my Dad went instead because I didn’t want to chance infecting a whole hall of people! DS1 had a friendly face in the crowd and was delighted.

I do think changing the day at such short notice is a bit shit of your school.

Perfect solution. I reckon LO would love that. Having a much bigger brother/sister carries much kudos

That's absolutely fine - they'll love it.

I've not made a sports day yet and sometimes its just I nominate another mum or dad to cheer and send me a photo.

DD's school do a picnic lunch on Sports Day, with KS1 doing their bit before lunchtime, and KS2 after. This year neither me nor my husband could make it, so I asked my DS, who is 19, to go with his GF. They took a picnic and stayed to cheer her on. DD, who is 8, was delighted!

YANBU at all. Am sure it's considered much cooler to have an 18-year-old brother there instead. Will he do the parent race?

Our primary/junior used to regularly change the days of things , DH and I have to give a months notice for A/L so its a pain.

YY to send your 18yo, but if they're anything like my 18yo you'll need to bribe them

Neither dh nor I have ever managed to do a sports day. It doesn't help that they're a whole day and infants are on different day to juniors. Gp generally manage to go, although not all day.

Absolutely fine. I have a big age gap and my older ones love being involved with the little ones.

Way cooler to have an older sibling cheering for you. I am sure they will be delighted, a great idea.

Send your 18 year old, it's fine.

I often send one of my teens to open morning/afternoon, assemblies etc. Youngest dc is delighted that someone anyone is there to see them. Yesterday our school had an event in the afternoon and I sent my 19 year old until I could get there. Youngest dc barely acknowledged when I arrived as they were showing off their big brother 😂

Also, if your school indulges in the godawful hell that is a mothers’ race, your 18 year will be younger than all the other competitors. Perhaps she could win it for him?
At dd’s prep school, it was always one of the young, fit au pairs who would win.