To think it’s not ‘cruel’ to take DD to the gym at 7.30am

[Eastie77Returns]

I attend an early gym class every Saturday morning. I leave the house around 7am.

I leave DS and DD at home with DP. He takes DS to football practice around 9am and DD tags along but she has become increasingly unhappy about having to go. I therefore gave her 2 other choices: come to the gym with with me or stay at home alone for 10/15 minutes as I’m home from the gym by 9.15-am latest. This morning I asked her what she wanted to do (I gave her the options earlier in the week so she had time to consider). She began complaining loudly saying none of the options were good ones and she just wanted me to stay at home with her. I explained that I was not prepared to miss my class and in the end she decided to come with me. As we were leaving DP began muttering that’s it’s unfair and cruel to drag her to a gym at the crack of dawn when Saturday morning should be her down time.

If it makes any difference, it’s a David Lloyd gym. DD is a member and she enjoyed a breakfast in the restaurant area and read a book while I did my class. She played with another girl in the play area and the two of them have signed up for a taster kids class so she was fine. But I’ve now received a text from my dad saying he’s heard (obviously from DP) from that “poor DD is being dragged to a gym on Saturdays” so she can stay with him on Friday evenings if she prefers. Obviously I would be expected to drop off and pick her up. I said no.

AIBU to think this is a load of fuss about absolutely nothing?

I know you don't mean to be funny but that's hilarious!

why is it funny to try and get adults to understand the fears their children have?

None of your business.

When my daughter got her first pony at 12 years old it was goodbye to lie ins. As her parent I had to take her to the yard and we were at the yard by 7 am every day. Every single day. It was not a trial to her and even during the stroppy teenage years we were still there. So no it’s not harsh, it’s life.

It's hysterical that you think children in 2024 are afraid of being eaten by something! For a teacher you don't seem to know much about children!😂

'Why do you need to keep harping on about it? And yes, you are clearly jealous because you are making such a big deal of it.'

Well you keep quoting me angrily so I'm responding to your shouts. Again I'm not 'jealous' of a gym membership .

'When my daughter got her first pony at 12 years old it was goodbye to lie ins. As her parent I had to take her to the yard and we were at the yard by 7 am every day. Every single day. It was not a trial to her and even during the stroppy teenage years we were still there. So no it’s not harsh, it’s life.'

Yeah sounds lovely, I'm just surprised you can't see the difference between your scenario and the op's. What kid wouldn't want to get up to look after a pony.

Is there nothing you won't twist to defend your ludicrous stance?

I'm not angry - you made that up, like so much of what you're posting. It's clear to see that you're jealous, deny it however much you want.

Some posts by a couple of the more persistent PPs are so wide of the mark they are laughable.

For instance, the mention of "mocking" the OP's child. Who is mocking her? (Hint: no one.)

Or the insistence that the child is being "forced" to have an early start on what "should be a rest morning." First of all, no one is forcing her, the choice is hers. Secondly, the OP has clearly stated that her DD often chooses to get up "extremely early" at weekends. And thirdly, some random on MN thinks she should be the one to decide how other families spend their Saturdays? Some truly mind-boggling and hilarious responses on this thread. 😅

Call yourself a grownup?!

Just quickly, a heads up for anyone whose 11yo wouldn't cope without their precious Saturday morning lie in - your child is sleep deprived. This is not generally considered gold standard, top notch, selfless parenting.....

I know, not very fair on you but could you drive your husband and DS to football after you are back from gym? They can take a bus back.
That way your DS won't be left alone.

How old? Honestly I think you mad...it's very early...I'd be cuddling up in bed that time...

"I misread stuff all the time" - you can say that again!! Understatement of the year!

@Janiie oh dear. Still harping on about the fact the class only takes place on a Saturday morning. Except as I’ve explained, it doesn’t. I’ll break it down to you again.

The class runs throughout the week at different times.

I can’t do weekday early mornings because I have the school run.

Then I go to work.

After work I’m busy ferrying the kids back and forth to activities.

Now, there are classes later in the evening. And I have booked them. But DP frequently returns home late from work and I miss the class. And this wouldn’t be a problem except The Gym (I’m not going to say its name because I know it’s triggering you😭) operates a strike policy and penalises anyone who books and doesn’t attend the class.

So I trawled through the timetable and booked the one slot I’d always be able to attend early on a Saturday.

I hope it’s all clear as I know you’ve struggled throughout the thread to comprehend this particular point. HTH.

maybe you should look again, I can easily find 10+ posts mocking the child's fears

Read the thread dearie, it's all there. Or even just the OP's posts.

I think if it was a really nice gym/ spa OP would be offering DD a decent (but forced) choice. A grotty little DL on a grey Saturday morning is a bit grim.

Sometimes MN is truly wonderful and then sometimes things like this thread happen.

Dear God please get a grip some of you. 🙏🏽The replies show yes actually, you do probably need time away from your children. Exercise and touch some grass damn.

Rubbish. It's clear that DD gets plenty of priority the rest of the week.

Please do quote the 10+ posts of mockery.

'maybe you should look again, I can easily find 10+ posts mocking the child's fears'

Exactly, 'what 11yr old doesn't like being left' as if the op's dd is weird rather than anxious. But noooo there's been no sneering about the dd at all.

look yourself. It isnt difficult

Children are not afraid of bloody passing predators. That's bizarre!!