Would you let your child go on this school trip?

[Bubblegirly]

Hello

7yr old in year 3 has the opportunity to go to London to see a musical. It’s for those children who are involved in performing arts at school. It’s an evening performance and coach will likely not be home to midnight. It’s on a school night (organised by school) and children are allowed in later the next day.

1 parent is point blank saying no because it’s too late!
other parent thinks 1 late night is ok for a child that has a well established routine generally and that they will be sad to miss out!

YANBU = let them go
YABU= don’t let them go it’s too late

What are you talking about? The parents are me and my husband. There is no judging anyone. We are debating with our child!

I’m not moaning at all. I’m asking opinions

I think it's fine provided your child can generally cope with the odd late night and you feel they could manage this.

Just that. That they need their sleep and routine

I meant that they are in a performing arts school where odd hours for performances and work will be a normal thing. I know that there are children (and adults) who struggle with it and maybe a career onstage is not the best thing for them?

Yes, I would absolutely let them go. They’ll most likely have a whale of a time and if they’re tired the next day, so what? They’ll catch up on sleep the next night.

This.

If they're used to going to bed at like 8pm or something then I'd be concerned they might fall asleep during the performance?
I'd question a bit why they didn't go to a matinee? Which is a bit more child friendly and probably cheaper. Maybe it's very far away?
But they'll get to see the west end of London, probably a few landmarks and I'm sure will have a good if slightly tiring time.
Assuming they've got a few friends also going then I'd say let them.

Absolutely let them go. They will cope for one night.

I was about that age the first time I went to a west end show. I remember falling asleep on my dad's shoulder on the train back home to our midlands town. The kids will mostly all sleep on the coach home.
One late night won't kill them. They're 7, not toddlers.

It’s one day. Of course I’d let them go.

It’s one day.

I'd do it even though DD wouldn't sleep on the coach on the way back. The disruption is worthwhile imo.

I’d say let them go. It’s one night and they’re not about to do their A levels or anything. They’ll likely be a bit tired the next day but that’s not a big deal.

Only the parents will know what the child is like with a later evening, and in the run up to bedtime.

If they’re the kind who would be asked on their feet in a loud disco at bedtime, then it’s a waste them going. If they tend to be buoyed along by what’s going on and will enjoy it, then one late night is harmless. Later alarm the following morning and an early night and all is sorted.

I'd encourage it. It's a fantastic opportunity.

Yes I would but I think it’s silly of the school to have arranged it, that is a very late night for a 7 year old

Ah. Got you. I understood it to be a regular school and only dc who enjoy/partake in performing arts have been invited on the trip. Perhaps @Bubblegirly could confirm?

Yeah, agree that if DC is not compatible with late nights a career on the stage likely not for them.

It will be a lovely trip for the children. Fun on the coach down, exciting to go to London, super musical then chat on the way home until zzzzzzz they're all asleep. Definitely let her go, and thank the teachers for giving up their time for such a wonderful opportunity.

Sounds amazing. Can’t imagine saying no.

I assume they can’t go to a matinee because it’s not actually a school trip, just for those involved in the performing arts. They will love it.

Yes let them go - mine did a singing / music trip to the Albert Hall at that age and returned just around midnight. It was worth it though and they were also allowed in later the next day. The worst bit will be for you having to wait up to collect them but these trips are a rare opportunity.

Absolutely, and some chocolates for the teachers giving them this opportunity and running it in their own time.

Let them go. No brainer. Although if they're going to London, I'd dress them in stab proof vests!

The concept of the trip sounds great - both of mine love the theatre. However, I think it’s totally bonkers that they haven’t picked a matinee for that age group. The evening crowd can be quite different and the vibe around soho at theatre kick out time isn’t always small child appropriate but depends what show and what theatre.

I’d say 10yo fine but 7yo? I think that’s too young for that late night without a whole day off after. I love the theatre and took dc from age 6 to the west end and broadway. Broadway was an evening performance but with jet lag sleep was fucked anyway and we were back at the hotel by 10.30pm.