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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To expect dc to go in the sodding pool

63 replies

Poolrefusers · 02/08/2019 14:13

At eurocamp place in Europe and leaving tomorrow for a few days in a city. Had a few days out and dc have done ok with limited access to screens, which ds2 in particular is a nightmare for.

Neither were keen on going in the pool but I nagged and cajoled and they enjoyed it this morning. Now ds2 has a miniscule cut on his foot and won't go back in and ds1 was the least keen of the two anyway, so that's it.

What a fucking waste. I know they'd love to sit in the chalet on screens, I'm full of a sodding cold and, as a single parent, I just want them to get on and use the facilities I've paid for so I can relax, but no.

I'm surrounded by kids all having fun and mine are hunched up under towels with faces like thunder. What a waste.

OP posts:
Looneytune253 · 02/08/2019 14:20

Don't take screens on holiday. It's the only way to make sure everyone (myself included) joins in with the holiday

BeanBag7 · 02/08/2019 14:24

I agree with PP. "Whoops must have forgotten to pack the tablet/charger!"

hadthesnip2 · 02/08/2019 14:32

Are you me @Poolrefusers...?? I could have written your post....even the bit about having a sodding cold (currently typing with a smoother in my mouth to ease my throat & tissues everywhere).

I'm a pragmatist around screens & phones. I used to read a lot & at their age on holiday my nose would be in a book.....or in a bookshop buying the latest Enid Blyton novel.

Butters83 · 02/08/2019 14:33

Hide the chargers. They may have a tantrum but they will soon get over it and go outside!

edwinbear · 02/08/2019 14:35

Are the pools cold? Mine hate getting into pools with a temperature anything less than hot tub heat.

MillicentMartha · 02/08/2019 14:37

How old are they? I gave up on pool/beach holidays with my boys in their teens. We now do mini city breaks. Expensive but at least they actually join in.

LagunaBubbles · 02/08/2019 14:39

What age are they? We are just back from a lovely Eurocamp and my 11 year phone addicted DS loved it, couldn't get him out of the pool. His phone and tablet etc were only used at night, when we were in the caravan relaxing.

Pineapplefish · 02/08/2019 14:41

It's so frustrating isn't it! Keep on holding out with the no screens OP. Don't bother cajoling them either - they can have fun with the facilities or be bored at the chalet if they choose. Maybe they'll change their minds and go back in later.

Floralnomad · 02/08/2019 14:42

My dc ( now adult) were never that interested in pools apart from the odd water park so I never took them on that type of holiday . I also fail to see the issue with them having a fair bit of screen time , I never limited screen time unless we were actually out doing something else and both of mine have turned out ok .Good internet access is something I check before I book a hotel for myself so why would I expect my dc to be any different .

sackrifice · 02/08/2019 14:43

Tell them either they go in the sodding pool or their technology will.

ReanimatedSGB · 02/08/2019 14:46

FFS. Leave your DC alone - it's their holiday too, and if they want to spend it using technology, stop pushing them to do something different.

It's such a stupid-person thing - to insist that your DC spend their leisure time doing what you think they ought to do, then spending money and whining at them to guilt trip them into resentfully obeying you.

Gizlotsmum · 02/08/2019 14:46

Would they accept an hour on tech then back out doing something? If they have done 2 days of stuff maybe a bit of downtime would help everyone?

TinklyLittleLaugh · 02/08/2019 14:48

How old are they? Chances are they would like you to get in the pool with them. Sometimes you have to lead by example.

jimmyhill · 02/08/2019 14:49

How about letting the kids enjoy their holiday by allowing them to do what they like, instead of having a battle.

Evidently they don't like the swimming pool. Be a shame to spoil their holiday by forcing them into it.

Caspianberg · 02/08/2019 14:49

I think its ok. I won't go in a pool if it is at all cold either, and never have done.

Surely it isnt just pool or tv, they could do something else

HennyPennyHorror · 02/08/2019 14:52

Could they be coming down with something?

HollowTalk · 02/08/2019 14:53

SGB, why are you so angry all the time? There are ways of saying things that don't make the OP feel bad. There's no reason to call her stupid.

IAskTooManyQuestions · 02/08/2019 14:54

YABU - I absolutely detest swimming pools; full of everyone elses hair, dead skin, piss, old plasters, spit, clinkers [sick]

ppeatfruit · 02/08/2019 14:55

Like jimmy says Give the kids break fgs. it's meant to be an enjoyable time. Are you on your i phone? Why should they HAVE to do what you don't do.

HennyPennyHorror · 02/08/2019 14:57

I also hated pools as a child. I found the splashing and screaming upsetting and it was as far from fun as I could imagine.

Cohle · 02/08/2019 14:58

I think it's more likely to be your irritation that spoils the holiday rather than the kids preferences for activities.

Pineapplefish · 02/08/2019 14:58

It's meant to be an enjoyable time yes, but also an opportunity for them to try new things and be active and interact with each other and other kids. It sounds like they spend too much time on screens - the OP is right to try and limit them when there are lots of other options available.

justasking111 · 02/08/2019 15:04

ooh those gadgets would be in the bottom of the pool by now. Just remove them and go sit in the sun yourself.

ppeatfruit · 02/08/2019 15:09

Me too Henny I hate chlorine . A cut on the foot could be worsened by the chlorine.

Yes I agree Cohle

Did you all discuss the type of holiday that would suit the boys, before spending money on it?

IHaveBrilloHair · 02/08/2019 15:11

I'm with SGB on this.
If they're happy, leave them be.