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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Letting 4 year old come running with me at 6.30am?

202 replies

Giraffeantics · 23/02/2024 05:57

Early morning runner. 4 year old wants to start coming with me at 6.30am on his bike. Feels wrong given it is dark and he is so young. Am I being unreasonable if let him join me? I would obviously reduce distance covered and only let him.join occasionally and wear a high vis. He has always been an early riser and is awake by 6am each day. Hm..... help!

OP posts:
araiwa · 23/02/2024 05:58

Just no

Theunamedcat · 23/02/2024 06:01

Does he have lights on his bike?

Original poster
Giraffeantics · 23/02/2024 06:02

He does have lights yes. I am just so unsure....

OP posts:
tryingforbaba · 23/02/2024 06:02

I completely get why you'd love him to join you, I would too!

I think probably unsafe. Perhaps you could find another form of movement to do together in the mornings?

A garden circuit for instance?

Tilleuil · 23/02/2024 06:02

araiwa · 23/02/2024 05:58

Just no

Why?
As long as he’s on a proper path with lights on his bike and you have him in sight then I would give it a 15 minute try initially.

LightSwerve · 23/02/2024 06:03

Yes it is fine, so long as he has all the safety gear including bike lights, helmet and hi-vis.

There'll be much less traffic than there would be at 8:30.

Just stick to safe routes.

EdinGirl · 23/02/2024 06:03

Of course. As long as you take safety precautions and he enjoys it!

It is a lovely activity for you both to bond over!

I would worry about him being too tired for the school day when he starts, so you may have to adjust at some point...

But otherwise, sounds like a positive, healthy way to start the day!

LightSwerve · 23/02/2024 06:04

Giraffeantics · 23/02/2024 06:02

He does have lights yes. I am just so unsure....

Unsure why?

If your household is already awake I don't understand the issue?

Iop · 23/02/2024 06:04

What's your route normally like? It won't be dark at 6am for much longer! I'd take him if I were you; it's a great way to set him up for healthy habits later on.

LightSwerve · 23/02/2024 06:05

I think probably unsafe. How is supervised cycling unsafe?

I genuinely don't get what people are worried about.

Theunamedcat · 23/02/2024 06:05

Lights on keep him on the path you run on the road make sure its a safe route

InnocentAndDeranged · 23/02/2024 06:10

LightSwerve · 23/02/2024 06:05

I think probably unsafe. How is supervised cycling unsafe?

I genuinely don't get what people are worried about.

Exactly. He could easily ride his bike to school, in the dark, in the winter.

Some people are just ridiculously overcautious. Must be tiring being them.

Definitelylivedin · 23/02/2024 06:21

No more unsafe than at 6pm in winter and no one would raise an eyebrow at that.

High Vis and lights. If you can get wheel lights rather than just front and back.

SpinningTops · 23/02/2024 06:29

I don't get all the no comments! Go for it. Give it a try. If it doesn't work out then don't continue.

Neurodiversitydoctor · 23/02/2024 06:30

Iop · 23/02/2024 06:04

What's your route normally like? It won't be dark at 6am for much longer! I'd take him if I were you; it's a great way to set him up for healthy habits later on.

This why on earth not ?

Justfinking · 23/02/2024 06:31

If he can be safe and is awake, sounds great. Could you go to a park or something instead to avoid traffic?

MadMadamMim123 · 23/02/2024 06:33

My daughter has been joining me on runs on her bike since about that age. And she's cycled to school on dark school runs 🤷‍♀️ don't get the worry. As others say, if he's got hi vis and lights it's probably safer than rush hour.

Be prepared for the constant chat though 🤣 drives me potty. But I enjoy the "Come on Mummy you can do it" ❤️❤️

SpringOfContentment · 23/02/2024 07:06

Does he cycle with you running already? If so, absolutely go for it. If its not been done before, maybe try in full daylight before attempting dawn and needing to get back for school and work.

I used to run with the kids biking upto an old 500m track. Then (assuming empty, as it usually was) the kids would do laps clockwise, and I'd jog anticlockwise for a couple of laps, then we'd all go home. They loved it.

HalebiHabibti · 23/02/2024 07:09

Sounds nice to me :)

ColleenDonaghy · 23/02/2024 07:11

YANBU at all. My lazy lumps have to be dragged out of bed so it wouldn't work for us, but we have a DN who's a bundle of energy and wakes early. Early morning exercise worked really well for him and actually helped him settle better at school.

Don't understand the safety concerns on this thread, I can't imagine you're bringing him the wrong way down the motorway in dark clothes Grin

ColleenDonaghy · 23/02/2024 07:12

Although - if your early morning run is a very rare bit of alone time for you, don't be afraid to protect it. Your sanity matters!

WhatAboutDarcy · 23/02/2024 07:12

I couldn’t do my run with a 4 year old on a bike. They’re not usually great cyclists at that age and I think it would be a nightmare. 😬

notacooldad · 23/02/2024 07:13

I don't get why it's unsafe.
I'd give it ago. He'll either love it or get fed up.

ElliottFromScrubs · 23/02/2024 07:15

My five year old would get to the halfway point and declare that she was bored and didn’t fancy cycling any more…

Doingmybest12 · 23/02/2024 07:16

Do you want to have him come with you from a running /activity view. It will completely change the thing for you but that's fine if you are happy with it being about him cycling with you running along side and supervising rather than you running and him keeping pace with you and you distracted by your run.
Sounds like a good way to start the day for him if it's around his needs.

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