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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Dh to take Dd camping?

98 replies

Dontmentionchristmasyet · 28/08/2023 16:16

Dd is 5, I’ve been ill recently and sadly don’t feel well enough to go on a short camping hol, even though I want to.
Dd is desperate to go camping, it would be for one night (two full days) and around 1.5 hrs away.
I’m probably being really overprotective, but haven’t been away from her overnight, do you think it’s a good idea or you wouldn’t like it?

OP posts:
DustyLee123 · 28/08/2023 16:17

It’s a great idea. Let them go !

BCBird · 28/08/2023 16:18

Give them your blessing to go.

Oysterbabe · 28/08/2023 16:18

If DH is capable and trustworthy, it is of course fine. If he's the kind to get drunk while she falls in a river then no.

HewasH20 · 28/08/2023 16:19

Why on earth do you not trust your DD with your DH or vice versa? Presumably he is her father and not someone who has just been in her life for a matter of months.

somewhereovertherain · 28/08/2023 16:20

Definitely he should take her camping.

Parker231 · 28/08/2023 16:21

Why would there be a concern - she’s going with her father. No different than if she was going somewhere with just you.

ExperiencedTeacher · 28/08/2023 16:21

Assuming he is her father and there isn’t a massive drip feed to come it’s a great idea

somewhereovertherain · 28/08/2023 16:22

Our DDs went away often with their Dad and loved it.

now in their 20s they still go with him to the rugby 7s around the world.

Original poster
Dontmentionchristmasyet · 28/08/2023 16:22

Of course I trust Dh, Dd is quite full on though, whether he’ll cope ok 🤷🏻‍♀️Also just only having the one person watching her in a fairly crowded campsite. I’m probably being very over the top, likely just me!

OP posts:
Deathbyfluffy · 28/08/2023 16:22

She’s his kid too, there’s no issue at all with this.
It sounds like a ‘you’ issue - the break would probably do you some good.

Parker231 · 28/08/2023 16:24

Dontmentionchristmasyet · 28/08/2023 16:22

Of course I trust Dh, Dd is quite full on though, whether he’ll cope ok 🤷🏻‍♀️Also just only having the one person watching her in a fairly crowded campsite. I’m probably being very over the top, likely just me!

one parent watching one child - why a concern? Why wouldn’t he cope any less well than you?

NoSquirrels · 28/08/2023 16:24

Can he put up a tent by himself whilst watching a 5-year-old? I wouldn’t fancy it, especially not for one night only, but if he wants to and thinks he can manage, then why not?

GertrudeJekyllRose · 28/08/2023 16:25

My husband used to take my children camping for 2 or 3 nights every summer. They enjoyed it so much that it became an annual occurrence. I loved it too as I had the house to myself!

It was quite an important bonding time for them as DH worked long hours and didn't usually take the children to many fun things by himself.

NoSquirrels · 28/08/2023 16:26

Dontmentionchristmasyet · 28/08/2023 16:22

Of course I trust Dh, Dd is quite full on though, whether he’ll cope ok 🤷🏻‍♀️Also just only having the one person watching her in a fairly crowded campsite. I’m probably being very over the top, likely just me!

I think sometimes it’s actually safer if you’re the only parent on duty - you know it’s 100% up to you all the time, so you’re always ‘on’.

Parker231 · 28/08/2023 16:26

NoSquirrels · 28/08/2023 16:24

Can he put up a tent by himself whilst watching a 5-year-old? I wouldn’t fancy it, especially not for one night only, but if he wants to and thinks he can manage, then why not?

You get the child helping so they aren’t out of sight . DH use to take our DT’s on his own as I refuse to go camping.

Twintrouble1234 · 28/08/2023 16:31

I hate it when my dh takes our children away - it is rare fortunately but when it happens I spend most of the time worrying! However, I know my anxiety about it isn't a good reason to stop them from going (it's only ever when I'm tied up with work so the alternative is everyone stays at home and I'm not there anyway) and at some point they are going to have nights away so better to build up to it when I know they'll be safe. Always so happy and relieved when they get home though

DrunkenHandstand · 28/08/2023 16:34

Is he her dad?

ATPOAIM · 28/08/2023 16:35

Assuming your DH is her dad I'd be quite concerned if he was unable to look after his own 5 year old child on his own for one night.

MarshyMcMarshFace · 28/08/2023 16:42

@NoSquirrels Any Dad with common sense and experience of camping / putting up a tent will involve the child ‘helping’. And actually even a 5 year old can be quite helpful holding a pole at the right moment. And it’s good for them! My kids could put up a simple full height tent by the time they were 9.

Can we please not infantilise Dads along with our children?

MarshyMcMarshFace · 28/08/2023 16:44

The only thing he need to think about, and this goes for any parent camping solo with young kids, is what he does when he needs a wee and she is asleep. I suggest bucket with lid.

Aylestone · 28/08/2023 16:47

Bloody hell, I’ve gone camping on my own with 1, 4 and 6 year olds plus two large dogs. Unless he’s a useless shit then I’m not sure what you’re expecting to go wrong.

Justcallmebebes · 28/08/2023 16:48

NoSquirrels · 28/08/2023 16:24

Can he put up a tent by himself whilst watching a 5-year-old? I wouldn’t fancy it, especially not for one night only, but if he wants to and thinks he can manage, then why not?

I'm sure he's capable of putting a tent up and watching one sole 5 year old 🙄

AuntieMarys · 28/08/2023 16:48

You're being ridiculous

UsingChangeofName · 28/08/2023 16:55

Can't really understand which way round your AIBU is, but YWBU to stop them going, or YABU to encourage them to go.

I can't understand why you would even query this.

My dd (who is now 25) still fondly remembers a camping trip she went on - just her and her Dad - when she was about 5 or 6 as if it were the best holiday ever.

Theshining82 · 28/08/2023 16:56

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