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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

A school one.

85 replies

Inthepurplerain · 09/03/2020 16:04

I have a son in reception, at what point do you turn your niggles into a complaint?

For example- freezing cold winds today and I hear from my son that he’s been playing outside- with water. When I took off his coat when we got home from school it was absolutely soaking wet. He has been full of cold and poorly a lot since the end of October, with all the viruses spreading recently (i am not referring to coronavirus here) I can’t help but feel that this should be something that can be avoided?

I guess I just feel a bit let down? I try hard to keep my house warm so I’m disappointed that I’m sending him to school to be stood outside in a soaking wet cold when the wind is so cold.

Would you complain about this or just let it go?

OP posts:
Stompythedinosaur · 09/03/2020 16:06

Let it go.

Mulledwineinajug · 09/03/2020 16:15

Let it go. It’s just water and really won’t do him any harm. I’d be happy that they’re playing outside.

Clangus00 · 09/03/2020 16:15

Let it go.
You can’t catch cold or anything from playing outside in water.

Mulledwineinajug · 09/03/2020 16:16

He won’t get a cold or virus from being cold. I’m sure he had access to shelter or indoor space if he felt cold or unhappy? Most foundation classrooms have free flow to outside.

EdersonsSmileyTattoo · 09/03/2020 16:17

Please don’t be that parent.

Finfintytint · 09/03/2020 16:19

Could you get him a waterproof coat?

Lolly86 · 09/03/2020 16:21

Let it go, pick your battles.Smile

cantdothisnow1 · 09/03/2020 16:22

Yes that's one to let go.

Original poster
Inthepurplerain · 09/03/2020 16:24

He’s already ill- I’m not trying to be that parent- the neverending illness is getting ridiculous however.

Warmth is important, his coat is waterproof but the underlayer insert was soaking, so I’m guessing his coat wasn’t done up.

I don’t mind the outdoor play it’s literally just playing with water outside in this weather what is bothering me.

He’s come home a few times now in the freezing cold with wet clothes.

I’m not going to complain about it but can’t help but feel this constant illness for the kids could be managed better- giving them better attendance rates in the process.

OP posts:
edwinbear · 09/03/2020 16:24

Definitely let it go. There will be far more important battles, keep your powder dry for those.

Original poster
Inthepurplerain · 09/03/2020 16:26

And of course I understand the logics of catching a virus.

A virus causes a cold/ flu. But being cold/ the cold is what makes these viruses thrive- which is why elderly people for example are given a winter heat allowance- to keep them warm, so they’re less likely to contact an illness.

OP posts:
HugeAckmansWife · 09/03/2020 16:26

As pp have said, being wet and cold doesn't make you ill. By all means casually mention that he needs help to zip his coat but otherwise, nothing really needs saying.

Yupimahelecopter · 09/03/2020 16:37

I'm that parent, if I'm not happy with care my child is receiving while in someone's else's care I'm saying something! I'm clearly an awful parent for caring!! As ate you op! Hmm

spongejack · 09/03/2020 16:40

! I'm clearly an awful parent for caring!! As ate you op!

Not necessarily awful, just over zealous!

northernlittledonkey · 09/03/2020 16:41

Teach him how to zip up his coat, ensure that he knows to. Suggest that he asks a teacher / adult or another child if he's can't. I used to be a TA, and it's likely that he just forgets!

spongejack · 09/03/2020 16:41

OP if your child didn't enjoy playing with the water, he just wouldn't do it! You say it's a few times, so he must be playing with water as the cold doesn't bother him and it's worth getting cold because of the fun he has.

EatPrayQueef · 09/03/2020 16:46

You're trying to keep him in school and not sick at home, and the teacher wants the same thing. Instead of declaring battle, maybe ask the teacher to help him get his coat fully fastened, or ask for advice on whether a different could would protect him better?

GhoulWithADragonTattoo · 09/03/2020 16:47

I don't know where you are but the weather here is lovely today. It is chilly but sunny and I certainly wouldn't mind some water play today for my kids.

DonkeyKong2019 · 09/03/2020 16:48

Yabu here too. If it's anything like ours they have been cooped up so much recently because of the vile weather that they are trying to allow them to be out as much as possible.

Mulhollandmagoo · 09/03/2020 16:48

Could you get him a puddlesuit? Or an over the head waterproof coat so it not being done up won't be a problem?! Or teach him to make sure his coat is done up so his clothes stay dry? I'd be a bit Hmm about him keep coming home soaking too if I'm honest, have you said anything to his teacher even in passing? I wouldn't full on complain, but just say at drop off, could you make sure his coat is done up of he goes outside as he keeps coming home with wet clothes.

I also think the constant colds/virus'/illnesses are par for the course with infant school children, they'll all be passing them about between each other

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 09/03/2020 16:49

What water play is he playing? As in a school activity or him and his friends found the water fountain?

Orchidflower1 · 09/03/2020 16:50

Yabu. He must like the water or he wouldn’t go outside!
Can he fasten his coat himself?

FrenchJunebug · 09/03/2020 16:51

YABVU constant illnesses is normal when a child start nurseries due to socialising.

Iminaglasscaseofemotion · 09/03/2020 16:54

Well it's freezing and lashing of rain where I am. That's right, different places around the world, even around the country have different weather.
I don't think yabu op. I don't know why it would be necessary for children to be playing with water to the point they are soaked through while they are outside in freezing cold weather. Being cold doesn't cause illness, but it does make you more susceptible to illness. Also doesn't help if you are already a bit ill. I would ask them why they are allowed to get so wet while out in the cold. If children are soaked through, they aren't likely to be very warm.

Mummyshark2019 · 09/03/2020 16:56

Say something if you're not happy...