That they've been gone over an hour

[YingMei]

My DH took the DC out for a walk over an hour ago, said they would be half an hour DC are 7 and 10. We are in a rural location . DH hasn't taken his phone, helpfully, it's almost dark and no sign of them. I am a bit prone to anxiety but I'm so worried - why would they be so long? Why would he not have returned when it's getting dark?

Maybe they're just out enjoying themselves.

Are you very far north? It's 'getting dark' here from the inside, but outside there is a least 30mins left.

My guess is they were enjoying it so went a bit further than originally thought?

Will they be on hills etc, or on well known paths?

I’d be willing to bet they’re just having fun, I used to do the same with my dad and brother, we could be gone hours on a relatively short route just playing/my dad teaching us stuff.
so try not to worry - do they often go for walks or is it unusual?

Even if it's dark I wouldn't be overly concerned

Yeah we go for walks it's not unusual. I didn't go along this time - but the Dc were keen to get home in time for the football

Probably having fun. Please please try to talk to your fears kindly so when they come back you can greet them with a cheery, "how was it?".

If they were on their own I’d be worried. But they’re with your husband who is presumably a fully functioning adult who can make sensible decisions. So just have a cup of tea and enjoy a little more unexpected peace and quiet.

Could they have stopped at a pub for a drink and they had the football on there?
Does DH know how anxious you would be if they did not return within the half hour?

Bit prone to anxiety???
This is not a normal reaction to your husband taking your son for r a walk, I suggest you start to take control of your anxiety and go and see your GP

I would have my feet up, enjoying the peace! They're with their dad, the chances of anything bad having happened is very slim.
An hour isn't long at all.

Any reason to think there's a problem, or just longer than usual? Had to take a detour due to a flooded path for example

(Its almost dark here... South Yorkshire!)

(Its almost dark here... South Yorkshire!)

It may be getting dark, but it's 4.30 in the afternoon and they are out for a walk with their father. It's not like they've been gone for hours.

Find something you enjoy watching without kids on TV- guarantee they'll be back five minutes into it!

So hard once the worrying sets in but honestly it hasn't been very long. Try not to worry. Easier said than done.

Quite easy to find something interesting to look at and be longer than you expect. They will be cold when they get back! Maybe sort some hot chocolate ready if you have any?

Ages ago I had to go find DH when he went for the girls after nursery. I'd have taken the car he walked. I found them dawdling along the road as the girls told him about their day. They'd apparently stopped to pet a dog, get a sweetie and were heading to the little play park which wasn't quite on the way.

As long as he knows the area/ has a torch/ map there’s nothing wrong with walking in the dark.

They’ve not been long at all and there is nothing worrying! If they aren’t back once it’s properly dark I’d be worried if they don’t have torches but there’s nothing wrong with extending a walk a bit. Enjoy the peace!

Theres not much you can do, theyve probably stopped of for mcdonalds or something similar. don't worry, but tell DH to take his phone next time.

@TeenDivided we’re Teesside and it’s been absolutely pitch black outside here for around 20 mins!

maybe they’ve just lost track of time op - hope they’re back now

I presume they're home now?

Not yet. But taking your advice to chill out

Crikey. I'm not surprised you're worried though. I'm sure they're fine but it was very irresponsible of him not to take his phone. I realise people managed pre-mobiles but even if you witness something that doesn't affect you, your phone could really help someone else.

He should take his phone op - what if he fell and broke an ankle?

Try not to worry but instead set a time when they definitely should be home and call for help then.

Hopefully they are walking through the door as I write this!

Haha. You sound like my parents and I'm in my 60s! You never stop worrying about your children...apparently!

They’ve lost track of time. It is easily done!

He should take his phone with him in future, ideally.