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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

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

113 replies

footballdisharmony · 06/07/2021 21:08

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? Smile and are you letting your DC stay up to watch it?

OP posts:
FlyingBattie · 06/07/2021 22:27

If they get bored and wander off, fine.
I'd let them watch as much as they can stand to

Vanillaradio · 06/07/2021 22:28

I'll let my 7 year old watch both the semi final and the final (if England get through!) if he chooses. He'll be in pj's and ready for bed before the match.
He asked to watch the England v Ukraine match which was the first time he'd shown much interest in watching football but declared that "its a bit boring when they just kick the ball around" and took himself to bed at 3-0 on the grounds that England were definitely going to win at that point!

His school are going big on the England match tomorrow (everyone wearing red and white or football shirts) so I'm expecting he'll be wanting to watch!

MarcelineMissouri · 06/07/2021 22:30

My 9 year old has been staying up, he will watch tomorrow and Sunday if we’re through. He’s not massively into football but his friends are and I don’t want him to feel left out! My 6 year old has been told he can stay up to watch the final but I am anticipating that he will ask to go to bed before it finishes!

ForeverSausages · 06/07/2021 22:30

If it helps my 6 year old will be (it wouldn't be worth my life if I didn't let him Wink).

Odisia · 06/07/2021 22:34

Of course you should. Some of my happiest memories are of being allowed to stay up late to watch major sporting occasions with my dad. He's no longer with us (I'm in my 50s) but they are some of my most vivid memories. These things happen very rarely.

Sally872 · 06/07/2021 22:34

From Scotland so unlikely to have this dilemma! But yes I would let them stay up. If they are tired or bored or result going the wrong way then off to bed at half time. But if they win you wouldn't be gutted they missed it. Enjoy Football

Sally872 · 06/07/2021 22:35

Would not wouldn't be gutted Hmm

jakeyboy1 · 06/07/2021 22:51

If it happens it's a once in a lifetime experience. However my two (same age) watched one of the matched with my husband and drove him mad with all their questions - maybe that is why!

Eatenpig · 06/07/2021 22:53

Every primary age kid I know will be watching. Schools will expect it. It's a big event in a grim year. I'd find it odd if people don't let them stay up

waterrat · 06/07/2021 22:54

God so what of they get tired. I'm afraid to say my similar age kids have stayed up for all the 8pm games so far. Yep zonked next day but they survived.

StevieNix · 06/07/2021 22:54

I think if they want to it could be fun.
You could do some nice snacks and make it a mini occasion. Obviously they may be tired the next day but it’s nearly the end of term and if they would like to watch it I don’t see the harm

Twistiesandshout · 06/07/2021 22:58

You're right! Of course they should watch it!

Crazycakelady17 · 06/07/2021 23:00

My DD couldn’t care less about football but has watched all the england matches she’s loved it and she’s really bonded her with DH

VerySmallPears · 06/07/2021 23:00

My 10yo will, but in pyjamas with her teeth brushed, so she can go to bed if she gets too tired. She’s a keen footballer, and it’s been the talk of the playground all this week. I might have decided differently if she didn’t care about football, as she’s guaranteed to be unpleasantly whiny through tiredness on Thursday.

TheTeenageYears · 06/07/2021 23:00

It's a one off event so I would. During the World cup in 2014 kids were taken out of school for matches (we live abroad) and towards the end of the tournament they were showing matches at school at the British School DD attended Smile

Original poster
footballdisharmony · 06/07/2021 23:07

Thanks everyone 🙂.DH has cracked and agreed to let them stay up! He's agreed to make a party of it and get some nice food/snacks in 😃.
DC will probably get bored and want to go to bed after 10 mins now 😆.

OP posts:
Crazycakelady17 · 06/07/2021 23:10

Let’s just hope we get through bow op!

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 06/07/2021 23:12

I have memories of staying up with my brother to watch the games in Euro 96.
I was born in 88.

^^
This is funny as I remember not being allowed to stay up in 1986 - I was born in 1978 Grin

1996 was obviously another thing altogether!

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 06/07/2021 23:13

I’m not sure what we’ll to do tomorrow and Sunday - mine and 12 and 7. The 12 yo is obviously old enough to stay up but if he does the 7 yo will want to - he hates getting up in te morning at the best of ties!

MobyDicksTinyCanoe · 06/07/2021 23:16

Lets face it they won't be as shattered as all the hungover teachers....... I think your partner needs to get rid of the thistle in his arse and learn to live a little.

Parkmama · 06/07/2021 23:24

Yes my DC aged 9 and 6 will stay up to watch if we make it that far, we have homemade flags in the window already so they're excited. I'm not too bothered about they staying up late as we're almost done with school now but I am slightly concerned they will get bored and dick around so am fully expecting to shooo them off to bed in half time. Mine can function ok after 1 late night, but they will need an early one on Monday!

Dancingalong · 06/07/2021 23:26

Mine 6 and 8 will be staying up tomorrow to watch and will watch Sunday if we get through too. They’ve stayed up for the other matches although DD who is 6 did fall asleep on my lap for one. They want to be part of it.

Frazzled2207 · 06/07/2021 23:26

Ours 6 and 8 have been told if they actually want to watch that’s fine but any mucking about and off to bed. If England win though, and obviously they probably won’t, it will be something to remember.

Looubylou · 07/07/2021 06:26

YANBU - your husband is being selfish. However, if they didn't settle to watch, they would be sent to bed. I predict they will enjoy the novelty of being allowed but will fall asleep before 1/2 time.

MikeWozniaksMohawk · 07/07/2021 06:37

DS 6 will be staying up for it if England get to the final, but he lives for football. He watched the Germany game and will watch the Denmark game tonight. If we are in the final it will be a massive occasion to share as a family.