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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to think I've lost the battle to get them out today?

46 replies

OutdoorApathy · 14/04/2019 14:16

Given that my 9 year old DS is sat on DD's quilt (sorry, picnic blanket) bottle feeding her doll?

DH is working, its cold, I've tried several times but they say they want to stay in. I've turned off all screens and in protest the toy kitchen that was last touched 3 years ago has been brought out and set up in the middle of the living room. AIBU to give up trying to get them outside when all they will do is moan and be miserable anyway?

OP posts:
user1474894224 · 14/04/2019 14:23

Give up. Then put a movie on at 4:30. Early tea. Long bath. And tomorrow get them out. (I would open wine too!!). Of course if they didn't go out yesterday or tomorrow then YABU.

pinkpushchairs · 14/04/2019 14:25

I have no idea why not going out is a problem 🤷‍♀️

Original poster
OutdoorApathy · 14/04/2019 14:29

We're definitely going out tomorrow as DS has an appointment and meeting friends after. We didn't go out yesterday but every day last week they did sport's club from 9-1630.

OP posts:
Original poster
OutdoorApathy · 14/04/2019 14:30

It feels lazy and unhealthy pink.

OP posts:
MitziK · 14/04/2019 14:32

Maybe they're just tired and want to chill out indoors for a change?
Kids need downtime, too.

Anyway, as they're showing they can amuse themselves without screens, you definitely don't need to provide them all the time from now on - a bit of imaginative play is good for them.

eddiemairswife · 14/04/2019 14:33

Me too pink. People on here seem to think that everyone must go out all the time. I'm the type who would let my children (particularly when they were teenagers) loaf around in their pyjamas all day.

ThisIsTheEndgame · 14/04/2019 14:33

You don't have to go out every single day. They are doing independent play. That's fine. Put on some music and have a disco party or go bounce on the beds if you want them to exercise. There is zero problem having a down day at home.

Sparklesocks · 14/04/2019 14:35

I think it’s ok to have the occasional chilled day inside, as long as they don’t leave the house all week! The holidays are a break for them, some of it is ok to be downtime.

caughtinanet · 14/04/2019 14:36

There's no rule that says you have to go out every day, sounds a little exhausting, why beat yourself up about something's that not a thing.

DavetheCat2001 · 14/04/2019 14:36

Ahh the good old 'parenting guilt' rearing it's head again!

We certainly didn't go out every day when I was a kid.. infact a trip to the park was considered something of a treat!

Why do we feel compelled to be 'doing something' with our kids every 5 seconds??😳

SchrodingersBrexit · 14/04/2019 14:39

I'm in the opposite position, DD wants to go out to the park and I want a chilled out day! I reckon she will win this one Grin

ThisIsTheEndgame · 14/04/2019 14:40

SchrodingersBrexit do you have a travel mug so you can bring a coffee? It will probably be less annoying to just go and let her blow off steam than to.listen to her moan.

ArchieStar · 14/04/2019 14:42

Good lord have a day off! You don’t need to go out every day! As PP has said, kids need down time just as much as adults.

Damnpeskykids · 14/04/2019 14:44

We're in the same boat OP! Had all intentions of going somewhere for a lovely walk this morning (when it was sunny!) then weather has turned it looks like rain 🙄 and v.windy! DS2 has not long woke up and older 2 have been set up with playdoh & fingers crossed are playing happily... for now! So yeah staying in as the viable choice for us today!

HoraceCope · 14/04/2019 14:48

even at school they have to go out for fresh air unless it is raining, I would get them out, but I am also a fresh air fiend. each to their own

Acis · 14/04/2019 14:49

They've been doing sports club for over 7 hours a day for 5 days and you think they're lazy and unhealthy? Give the poor kids a break!

HoraceCope · 14/04/2019 14:50

I get cabin fever but if you are ok then you dont need to ask

SchrodingersBrexit · 14/04/2019 14:50

@ThisIsTheEndgame Good idea! A coffee might give me the energy I need.

She's currently telling me that I'm losing the race to get ready to go! Grin Currently very jealous of all the parents with DC who are keen to stay indoors, it looks freezing out!

MatchSetPoint · 14/04/2019 14:53

I have to go out everyday and with the children, I find it much harder to entertain them in the house than outside.

Butterymuffin · 14/04/2019 14:53

One day isn't going to matter. A day chilling at home seems perfectly healthy to me in the context of a week of going out and doing sport every other day. More so than insisting they do something they don't want just for the sake of it.

I take it your DH is allowed a day where he doesn't go out if he's working? Does this rule only apply to kids?

WorraLiberty · 14/04/2019 14:56

We didn't go out yesterday but every day last week they did sport's club from 9-1630.

It feels lazy and unhealthy pink.

If you think spending 2 days indoors with your kids playing off screens, feels lazy and unhealthy I'd say it's very much your problem and no-one else's.

Please don't be 'that parent' or by the time your kids are teens, they could well resent you and any kind of outdoor activities.

My friend had a dad like this and their relationship suffered because of it.

dustarr73 · 14/04/2019 14:57

I used to have to get out of the hose every day when tey where smaller.But now they can go out themselves and i stay in.No harm in having a chilled day.They need to recharge their batteries.And yoube going out tomorrow so its ok.

IHateUncleJamie · 14/04/2019 14:57

It feels lazy and unhealthy pink.

Good lord. I don’t think their Vit D is going to plummet just because they’re indoors for one or even two days in a row. Confused

They’re playing independently, they’re not on screens - let them have a “lazy” day. If you’re out every day, when do you get household jobs done?

Drogosnextwife · 14/04/2019 14:57

Yes have a cosy day in and relax. I'm at the park with mine and it's bloody freezing, wish I had stayed in, I've got so much to do when I go home 😭

WorraLiberty · 14/04/2019 14:58

Ahh the good old 'parenting guilt' rearing it's head again!

This sounds more like obsession than guilt to be fair.