AIBU/WIBU to take DS(15) Xbox on holiday next week?

[afromom]

Under normal circumstances I would NEVER consider this but...

Yesterday I took DS to A&E after he hurt his ankle on Saturday playing football. It seemed like a sprain at first, but started clicking yesterday when weight bearing. It's fractured!

DS turns 15 on Saturday. He has some mental health issues around previous hard times when he was younger and birthdays have always been really important and special for him. His main presents are trainers (which he now can't wear for months), he had loads of plans with friends, some of which are now not possible. He's also very conscious of his image (anxiety related) and is struggling with the concept of being centre of attention and being in public on crutches. He's massively down in the dumps!

On Tuesday we go on holiday (UK in a travelodge) for a few days. We ALL really need a holiday, massive workload for DP and I, DSD12 had a rough year, DS had a tricky year too. Currently DS is refusing to go.

My plan is to still go, but let DSD and DP go out in the day and explore beach etc, then plan some less mobile activities each day also that we can all do together (cinema, train ride)

I'm currently mid MBA and have loads of work to do, so my plan was for DS and I to stay in the room for half of each day (me studying and him on Xbox) whilst DP and DSD explore. Is this a reasonable plan? Would an Xbox work in a travelodge- not tech savvy so hoping someone who is can advise? Don't want to suggest if a no go anyway). I know devices on holiday are a no normally, but WIBU to do this under these circumstances?

If it will work for you and enable everyone to still enjoy the holiday then I would say absolutely yes ! Sometimes we just have to do what we can to make life easier for everyone x

Id probably ask ds instead of mn

Sounds quite reasonable to me under the circumstances.

If it will work for you and enable everyone to still enjoy the holiday then I would say absolutely yes ! Sometimes we just have to do what we can to make life easier for everyone x

This - have a good holiday 😊

It depends how the TVs are in that particular branch as in some it wouldn't be possible to access the HDMI ports and some are set up with software that means it wouldn't be possible to display something through the port.

Sounds fine. We bring the xbox on holiday with us sometimes, especially if there's a risk of bad weather. I once got major props from the guy in security at the airport when I appeared to be travelling on my own with it. He definitely felt this was dedication to the cause.

Thanks user, perhaps I need to contact the travelodge and ask, I was just concerned they may say no you can't regardless though. Sounds like people don't think it's an awful idea though, phew!

Crosspelican glad to hear I'm not the only one to consider it. Must have been a pain to carry through the airport!

Araiwa I don't want to even suggest to DS as an option if it's not, hence checking MN opinions and suggestions first.

The Internet connection might be a problem but sounds like a good idea.

If it will work for you and enable everyone to still enjoy the holiday then I would say absolutely yes ! Sometimes we just have to do what we can to make life easier for everyone

This again!

I’d take an extension lead / adaptor socket thingy in case there aren’t many convenient sockets. Particularly if you’re going to be using a laptop. Also maybe worth paying for the WiFi if the free stuff is limited/ rubbish in case he wants to play “live”.

Hope you have what sounds like a well deserved holiday and that ds has a speedy recovery.

Just a thought re his gift if finances permit is it worth getting him some nice sports socks eg Nike so he has some new footwear he can put on? Sports direct some some bundles. Ditto some sliders - against all that the fashion police say dnephew wears his with white nike socks. I know that’s how teens wear them but urgh- sorry to digress!

I was just thinking that pika. We've bought the WiFi package so have constant connection, but I was wondering if it would be strong enough to work the games?

It works for my laptop when working and streaming Netflix, but I'm not sure how much internet speed the Xbox requires. Can the games be played offline? I'm guessing that's not really how it works? He seems to always be playing with friends.

Good idea Orchid
He does like his sliders actually, although I'm not sure if they would work with crutches and his foot is encased in the cast. But he does need new socks!
I am planning on popping to town on Thursday and getting him a new Xbox controller and some aftershave to pad out the trainers and tracksuit he has.
I was wondering about a big sock to cover the cast too, his toes are out and he's really conscious about his 'gross' (his words) toes 🤔

Must have been a pain to carry through the airport! We travel VERY light - carryon only - so it was certain a commitment, but it's actually quite a light item, and packs easily.

Extension lead also a good call, we normally take one anyway as DP has sleep apnea and Travelodges never have plug near the bed! Sometimes when we've forgotten we've had to rearrange the room furniture to make it work!

I'm Definitely not a light packer crosspelican! That must have been a struggle with hand luggage only.

Id probably ask ds instead of mn
And if he wants to take it, let him. Your plan sounds very good.

I know devices on holiday are a no normally...
Are they?! There's no way my teens would come on holiday with me if they couldn't bring their phones.
I would definitely let him take it. He sounds sad. Poor kid.

Definitely a good idea in these circumstances. Also, it's the kind of thing that is not such a bad idea if you are taking DC on holiday somewhere with a likelihood of bad weather: if it's the sort of trip where you would have packed books and boardgames and DVDs a few years ago, packing a computer game is no different.

This is a no brainer. Of course you should bring the Xbox with you under these circumstances-you and your son would probably drive each other nuts in that room otherwise! Enjoy your break (unlike your poor sore-footed son ) OP

Thanks everyone! Pleased i haven't been blasted for considering it! It really hadn't crossed my mind in previous years to take it with us, but it seems lots do. They do both always have phones attached to their hands, just never considered laptops and Xbox's.
Fingers crossed he will see it as a good option!
I do feel sorry for him, we are having some mum and son time today watching funny tv box sets. It's quite nice to spend some one on one time together and a reminder he still needs his mum (even at 6ft tall!)

Phone the Travelodge and ask how good their WiFi is in the bedrooms. I would think it's ok as lots of people stay there on business trips.

Yes, it's fine, but prepare for the possibility he can't connect the xbox to the TV

I doubt the wifi will be good enough for online gaming.

What about something like this op? My parents have one for when they go to their caravan.

Sorry that all my suggestions appear to involve cost! That’s not my intention!!

I do think you can play off line but it’s just one player game iyswim. Your ds may take that over no xbox though!