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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To still take DD to appointment?

63 replies

GoOrNot · 19/07/2022 10:27

My childless brother has me doubting myself, please say if IABU.

DD aged 7 has an appointment later, physio.

It’s walking distance from school as its at our GP surgery but run by a community physio (if that makes sense).

Surgery is not airconed but is right next to the canal and river. And in the shade for the most part.

Had a text from both the GP surgery and the community physio team to say appointments are going ahead as usual but more time will be given to each patient due to the heat.

I was planning on still taking DD, she needs this appointment. I don’t have a car as it’s in for MOT so can’t take one – I’ve always walked places if I can though, and taxi will be over £10 which doesn’t seem worth it for such a short walk.

I’m picking her up from school at 2.15, appointment is at 3.30 so we have roughly an hour to walk 0.5m to the surgery. I plan to take a big bottle of water, plus school will fill DDs water bottle before she leaves school (I’ve already asked them to do this and they were fine with it) and part of the route is under trees so we’ll walk under those. DD will also have a hat on (she’s generally pretty good at wearing it).

School have let kids wear their PE kit for today as well so DD is nice and cool in pale blue tshirt and baggy shorts.

My brothers had ago at, told me I’m disgusting, there’s a health warning for the weather, I should cancel or risk DD being very ill.

Everytime I tried to defend my decision he shouted me down, told me I was disguating and didn’t I know children can’t sweat like adults.

DD isn’t that bothered by the heat as long as she has a cold drink and a hat. I plan to go straight to the appointment then straight home.

But I still feel guilty that I’m not cancelling and like I’m putting DD at risk. Brothers still texting me asking me to reconsider the appointment, doesn't seem to understand cancelling one appointment affects the rest of DDs treatment.

I’m a single parent and ExH is only involved for 48 hours a month (2 overnights) so I question every decision.

So WWYD? Cancel or go ahead? Worried if I cancel we’ll get taken off the list as DDs treatment has already started. (She has a muscle condition, walking helps but she has physio in the summer to strengthen her muscles for winter when they're weaker and can be damaged when it's slippy due to wet/ice)

OP posts:
cheninblanc · 19/07/2022 10:28

With the sensible precautions your taking I'd take her

YouCantBeSadHoldingACupcake · 19/07/2022 10:30

Ignore your brother. You are taking precautions and you know your dd needs her appointment.

Hbh17 · 19/07/2022 10:30

Of course you should take her!
And it is none of your brother's business, so stop giving him information about you and your child.

martha4clark · 19/07/2022 10:32

Of course you should still take her. Why is your brother even commenting on this? You're her parent.

JemimaPuddleducksWaddle · 19/07/2022 10:32

Depends how hot it is going to get where you are.

Here, it is due to get to 41, so no I probably wouldn't. We are stuggling indoors with fans on and curtains closed.

SamMil · 19/07/2022 10:33

It's only half a mile, in the shade and you've left plenty of time so it will be a slow stroll. I would not cancel either 🙂

DoNotGetADog · 19/07/2022 10:35

Can your brother give you a lift?

ErrolTheDragon · 19/07/2022 10:35

Wtf is it to do with your brother?Confused

If you're worried about your dd not sweating as much as an adult, you could take a water spray or wet flannel to damp her down with to achieve the same effect.

If you're really worried, can you phone the clinic to ask if they think the stroll to them sounds problematic?

Bonbon21 · 19/07/2022 10:36

You know this child better than anyone else.
You are taking sensible precautions.
She needs this appointment.
You brother needs to butt out.
He is a twat.
Trust yourself... you are doing fine.

Singinginthesnow · 19/07/2022 10:36

I took my dd to an appointment yesterday. We had to walk because bt blocked us in and dug up the road! It was a 20 minute walk. She was fine. I was fine. Uour brother is a twat. One because its none of his business and 2 because of the way he is talking to you. And 3 because its not the bloody Sahara dessert. Lots of people don't have cars and are going about their business.

If he was really that bothered he can take you or pay for a taxi!

ginnybag · 19/07/2022 10:37

Well, he could always volunteer to pick you up and drive you, if he's that concerned for her, but I suspect he won't be that helpful....

Your plan sounds fine to me, given that the treatment is needed. Ignore him.

coffeecupsandfairylights · 19/07/2022 10:38

How hot will it be?

SquigglePigs · 19/07/2022 10:38

Physio is important and you're taking precautions and not rushing. The temp will likely be a couple of degrees cooler by the canal too. Another idea is could you take an umbrella to carry while you're walking to provide shade for you both?

Notanotherwindow · 19/07/2022 10:39

I'd still take her tbh but make sure you reapply sun cream before leaving. Or could you cycle? Would be faster but not really anymore effort than walking and wouldn't be out as long.

DoNotGetADog · 19/07/2022 10:39

Stop asking/telling your brother about things you don’t want his opinion about.

Mariposista · 19/07/2022 10:40

Of course you should go - it's a medical appointment that she needs!

MrsSkylerWhite · 19/07/2022 10:40

Would depend where you live, if I were you. 30, yes I would. 40/41, I’d postpone.

either way, though, it’s none of your brother’s business. Why does he believe he has the right to comment?
you need to tell him, loud and clear, that he has no such right.

Sunbird24 · 19/07/2022 10:40

If you think you need to take any additional precautions than what you’ve already planned have you got a big umbrella for some extra portable shade? Maybe wet a couple of tea towels (or something similar!) and put them in the fridge in a plastic bag so they’re nice and cool to go round your necks for the walk later?

bluegardenflowers · 19/07/2022 10:41

You are the parent, he can mind his own business. Take her.

DockOTheBay · 19/07/2022 10:41

Your brother is being ridiculous. Unless he is offering a solution i.e. he gives you a lift or he pays for a taxi, he has no business commenting.

Unbored · 19/07/2022 10:41

As the clinic is still running I would go. Some children will be doing a longer school run in the heat today.

Mosaic123 · 19/07/2022 10:42

Sounds fine to me. Add a few extra minutes to the journey time perhaps so you can walk slowly or sit on a wall for a minute for a rest

bigbluebus · 19/07/2022 10:42

I'd still go in those circumstances. Your brother is being ridiculous.

Blackdiame · 19/07/2022 10:43

I'd take some umbrellas too for a bit more sun protection but it's totally fine.

BlindGirlMcSqueaky · 19/07/2022 10:44

I don't see any reason why you shouldn't take her. Stay hydrated and in sensible clothes.

It's half a mile, not a trip to Mordor.