Daughter didn’t enjoy holiday

[Personil]

DH and I went on holiday with my DD (11). When asked if she enjoyed the holiday she says it was ok but was ruined by being left on her own for 2 hours every day. What she’s referring to is when we went for a siesta. Months later she’s saying she wouldn’t want to go again. WWBU?

You are the odd one. Seriously. That is weird

Perhaps OP and her husband have more stressful jobs and so a greater need for rest than you.

Do you struggle with the idea that other people are not you? That is very odd indeed.

Couldn’t she have joined a kids club and you slept then ?

I never understand why people think children should be grateful because their parents have taken them somewhere they possibly haven’t chosen to do something they may not want to do.

I'd put good money on this child being co-parented and that she was on holiday with her mum and disinterested step-dad.

My DH will often go for a lie down when we are on holidays. It drives me crazy as it sucks the energy out of the place.

As an adult, I will go leave the accommodation, go shopping, have a glass of wine.

The OP's child doesn't have these options.

I'd understand it if it was once a week but every single day......

I understand why the child didn't want to be stuck indoors for two hours every day by herself.

@WombatsInCombats I haven't got an answer for you, I'm afraid you're on your own with that.

@ScaryFacess I had a fairly stressful job; my antidote was to do fun things with my daughter; maybe swim or play a racquet sport or even watch a film together.

@Hallamule no, not at all. Do you?

Interesting perspective- the OP does say "my DD" rather than "our DD" or just "DD".

What???

Koko needs a hug. Clearly didn't get any as a child.

Sorry I meant Wombat.

Pretty selfish of you. I get the sun is tiring but it sounds not at all fun for her.

I know in Spain it's what you do, but we're (our body clocks) not used to it. I can't imagine expecting kids to have a two hour nap in the day who wouldn't normally just because they're abroad now.
Sorry OP but I'm not surprised she doesn't want to go again, it sounds rather lonely for her.
Perhaps if you both wanted a nap you could have gone one at a time so she still has someone present?

I knew what you meant from your first post. You're not unreasonable having a nap in the room together if you told her you were going to have a couple of hours chilling in the hottest part of the day! I didn't think that meant you were having sex either
My mum and dad used to do this every holiday abroad when I was your daughters age, and younger, I remember I used to read or draw, or watch a foreign soap and try and work out what was happening 😂.
I remember a few times wondering how they could sleep that much in the day, but we did so many trips, early morning beach walks and dinners were always later because it wasn't so hot, and the shops would be open late ect.

I'm an only child though so it wasn't that different for me from a Sunday afternoon. Is she used to occupying herself for a bit at home?
did she say anything while you were away that she wasn't enjoying it?

When I was that age we’d go to Greece in the 90s for many holidays and everyone had a siesta. I remember being in a very basic hotel room and every day we’d go to sleep. It was so hard to wake up from! All the shops were shut too.
Then we’d all eat probably about 8pm and all us kids would play til maybe 11 while the parents sat in the tavernas chatting.

I don’t know if people do that anymore though !

Anyway we loved it. I have amazing memories of those holidays

You're not getting any younger and one day, I suspect you will understand day time naps. And highly value them.

What kind if 11-year-old wants to waste two hours a day of their holiday in bed?

Couldn't you have taken her to the beach? You could have cooled down in the sea.

I'm not surprised she doesn't want to go with you again. I doubt anyone would.

Exactly. My parents went on holiday for them. I'd rather have stayed home. We have very different tastes in what makes a good holiday.

She sounds a bit selfish. Maybe when she's earning and paying for her own holidays she will appreciate them more.

I'd be worried about an 11 year old who wasn't happy to be without parents for 2 hours a day. Is she not able to be on her own?

We have always, always done this. After the pool around 5/6, we go up and all have a nap for an hour or hour and a half. The kids are teens/an adult now and will take themselves up a bit earlier around 4. Sometimes from maybe 11 on they didn't want to so they'd just chill on their bed and eat lays. I don't see the issue.

You tell her that's a shame, and that she is very lucky to have been able to go on holiday when most children in the world would never have the opportunity. And that she needs to appreciate the good in life and the chance to experience a new culture.

If she continues to go on about it, then she is ungrateful and needs to be told.

I'd also suggest to her that next time she can stay with a grandparent if she'd prefer and you will holiday without her (but also say that obviously you'd prefer not to).

Day to day I would agree with this. Managing being bored and solitude are valuable life skills that need learning.

But not on holiday, in a strange place and every day.

Naps are lovely and very good for you.

Every day is a bit much though. I’ve had siestas on holiday but not every single day as if they’ve been factored into the itinerary.