To expect dc to go in the sodding pool

[Poolrefusers]

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.

i also offered a park holiday with pool and entertainment on site, but they are both body concous so wouldn't use the pool.

FWIW I don’t think you are lazy at all, but don’t create problems where there are none. Pick your battles, it’s supposed to be a holiday for all. Enjoy the rest of it, OP.

Chill out OP you’re coming across as a right snapper.

When we were kids we couldn't wait to get in the pool on holiday. Then again we didn't have screens in my day.

You might be putting too much pressure on yourself. Sometimes we feel like we are not doing our job if they are not occupied all the time. Kids need to chill too and if it is only for today then there is no harm. They might like the pool in a day or two.

You said its a Euro Camp.... is it one where shorts are banned in the pool and they have to wear speedos? If so, I wonder is that's playing a part in not enjoying the pool? I really like the look of Euro Camp but I know my nearly 12 year old DS wouldn't entertain wearing speedos in a pool so it would be a waste.

You can wear Lycra trunks rather than budgie smugglers!

What is the obsession the french have with budgie smugglers?? My teenage sons would have been so self-conscious about wearing these.

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

I thought this too. Maybe the OP’s children aren’t feeling too great also. The first time I went to a europcamp as a child I got an throat infection from the swimming pool which ruined everyone else’s holiday as I didn’t feel like doing anything but it couldn’t be helped.

We have a policy of not taking screens on holiday. It really helps. If they know there’s no point in cajoling you and sulking about it because the wretched things are miles away at home, then just accept it and find other ways of amusing themselves.

"What is the obsession the french have with budgie smugglers??"

It's supposedly for hygiene and safety reasons.

I agree that the speedo requirement really doesn't go down well with teenage boys these days.

Personally I think that if screen time is an issue, whilst you're on holiday isn't the best time to tackle it.

We have a policy of not taking screens on holiday. It really helps. If they know there’s no point in cajoling you and sulking about it because the wretched things are miles away at home, then just accept it and find other ways of amusing themselves.

Exactly what I do.
I find everything improves - from mood, to concentration to behaviour.