To not want my MIL to do this?

[footballworries]

My 9 and 6 year old are staying with my MIL for a week for childcare purposes. It's 200+ miles away, I don't have a huge amount to do with her as we live so far away, she's quite hands off generally but she is great in this respect and does lots to keep them busy. They love going.

She has asked to take them 200+ away to a football match, and 200+ back to theirs that day. These are my concerns;

1. I hate other people driving my children, sometimes it's unavoidable when they're being looked after of course, but this seems an unnecessary risk and A LOT of driving.
2. She's in her 60s (full of energy but just in case anyone was wondering her age) but won't be able to share the driving, will have BIL but he won't drive. She has form for this, they have season tickets and she rarely stays anywhere, insisting on doing it in a day. But that amount of driving after a long day, especially if they play up could leave her tired.
3. I think my 6 year old will hate it. He will hate being in the car that long and will be bored silly at the match. My 9 year old will love it, big football fan, he will have the patience for it all.

Writing it out I don't think AIBU, but interested to hear opinions before I broach it with MIL (she's only spoken to DH on the phone about it thus far) we rub along nicely so want to tread carefully whilst putting my children first.

Get the kids looked after by one of the other members of the family for that day. Then you can relax. The older one can go to one of the home games next time.

YABVU to let your anxiety stop your kids for normal, enjoyable experiences. It’s a lovely thing to do and yes, a lot of driving. But she’s no more wanting to kill your kids than you want her to so will take breaks, drink coffee, open the window etc as required like we all do.

YANBU! I think this plan is crazy! My dc would hate 8 hrs in the car in one day. And I share your fear of other people driving them. Ask another family member to look after them that day.

The driving wouldn't be an issue for me but it would be good if someone else could look after the 6yr old who doesn't like football and won't enjoy it

YANBU. An 8 hour trip in a car in one day is a big ask for a 6 year old to sit through and for a 9 year old too for that matter. Has she considered the amount of toilet stops she'll have to do and the amount of "are we there yet?" questions she'll get thrown at her. Her gesture is really kind but I would try and maybe find a babysitter for the 6 year old or maybe suggest she find a hotel to stay in, make a day and night of it.

YANBU. An 8 hour trip in a car in one day is a big ask for a 6 year old to sit through and for a 9 year old too for that matter. Has she considered the amount of toilet stops she'll have to do and the amount of "are we there yet?" questions she'll get thrown at her. Her gesture is really kind but I would try and maybe find a babysitter for the 6 year old or maybe suggest she find a hotel to stay in, make a day and night of it.