To let my primary aged DC watch the football if England get to the final

[footballdisharmony]

If (a big if I know) England get to the final I think we should let them watch it (DC are 7 are 9). DC aren't really that interested in football to be fair, but everyone at school is talking about it so I wanted to give them a chance to be part of it. They are keen, but have never watched a football match before so not really sure how exciting they will find it.

DH thinks this is a terrible idea as it is a Sunday night and they will be shattered for school (true I suppose), the children don't really like football (and he thinks they will be bored) and it will put him off the match if they are about watching it and complaining that not much is happening!

Who is right? and are you letting your DC stay up to watch it?

I was 7 at the time of the '66 final and was doing my homework!

We are normally strict about bed times but we have let him watch the England games and he will definitely be watching on Wednesday and Sunday if they get through. DH and I have no interest in football but we have enjoyed the England games so far. It’s very much watch though not on iPad etc. He finishes school on Friday so they aren’t doing huge amounts this week. Sunday is more awkward as we are going on holiday the next day but he can’t miss it and he can sleep in the car!

I have zero interest in football but yes they should be allowed to stay up. It will be a fantastic memory and imagine if England won and they missed it.

Mine are 8 & 10, happy for them to watch if they want to.

If they want to, I'd probably let them. My ds isn't bothered about football, but he will happily watch it if it means he can stay up later

I was woken up to watch Torvil and Dean at the Olympics, so I'm in the 'yes' camp.

I think you should let them watch it. It will be amazing if England win and all their friends will be talking about it so they will feel very left out if they are made to go to bed. Obviously if they get bored then they can be sent to bed but otherwise let them stay up. So what if they are a bit tired and grumpy for school, it’s no big deal.

Mine both love football, have had a rubbish 18 months, and we will be with snacks (dreading Monday morning get up for them - and me!)

Yes absolutely yes.

Why would t you let them? My dc have watched all the England matches so far. They aren’t hugely into football normally but have really enjoyed it and can’t wait for tomorrow. They are aged between 5 and 10.

If they're interested then I would definitely let them but they would have to promise not to be moody in the morning. Early night on Monday.

I have three primary age kids, they're all staying up to watch the semi final, well as long as they can, youngest is 6.

If we get to the final then schools will be full of tired children (and probably hungover staff!) on Monday!

Ds isn’t interested in football but if he wants to watch I would let him

@SmokedPaprikaHotChilliPowder

If they want to, I'd probably let them. My ds isn't bothered about football, but he will happily watch it if it means he can stay up later

Mine are the opposite, 7 and 6 and ask to go to bed at 7.30

Oh good lord yes!!

It could be a once in a generation event. My mum remembers watching the 1966 World Cup final (and she's not remotely interested in sport) when she was at primary school.

And I say this as a primary school teacher!

I don’t have any DC, but if I did I would let them watch it. It’s a momentous occasion, one that will be talked about for years to come. If they aren’t interested or fall asleep so be it, but a one off late night near the end of school time surely won’t hurt too much?

I'm considering keeping my two year old up just because it's an occasion.

Watched the quarter and will be watching the semi and hopefully final. Definitely not a normal football watching family.

Rules are, in pjs and ready for bed. No being silly and talking. Any messing about straight to bed.

I think you should, if they complain and arent interested then they go to bed or if they fall asleep on the couch then move them to bed. Can always have an early night on the Monday if tired.

Thanks everyone - your comments are swaying my DH. Particularly the comment about him being a fun sponge for not letting them stay up! 😂

Of course!

Yes, as long as they are in pyjamas, washed and teeth cleaned.

Just be really clear that it's watch the football or bed. No other options

I would, if he's interested- at least let him watch the first half. If he doesn't like it or stops being interested, then it's off to bed.

We're not into football but I'd let children stay up for an equivalent event so in the interest of fairness, if they wanted to try a match, I'd sit through it with them.

Let them watch it if they're interested. They'll be tired on Monday but will catch up on sleep that night.