To be really angry on DD2's behalf

[HesterPrynne]

DD 14 has been looking forward all week to visiting old friends in London. She arranged to spend a day with one friend and visit others throughout the day. We left London nearly three years ago, DDs have kept in touch with friends in all the usual ways.

H agreed to drop her off - a two-hour journey - and take DS off to the Science Museum.

They've just rung to say they got to just outside friend's house, to be told 'friend' after all had other plans. Something to do with her dad turning up to take her out.

So now she has no base to see other friends and has to go to musuem as well.

All made much worse because she hates/fears the Tube.

I know there's nothing I can do, and if her dad did just turn up out of the blue, not much friend could do either, but I'm so cross. I hate it when you can't make things better

I'm so

Aww...its horrible when your kids get let down, can your DH treat her to something else instead, or do soemthing just the three of them after the Museum (Top Shop/Primark?).

I know it won't make it better but....

Is there no chance she could spend the day with one of the other friends she was hoping to see during the day?

I did suggest that girlywhirly, but I know some were only going to be around for a little while, not the whole 3-4 hours she'd need.

She also really doesn't like to invite herself places. Can be shy even with good friends

I'm hoping she'll enjoy the museum, she has done before. Is 14 to old and cool? I know her brother will be really pleased, he really wanted her to go with him

I feel sorry for the other girl as well actually, I imagine there is a history of her dad being unreliable in turning up to see her.

Actually I think you're right Trillian, I have a vague memory of something happening in a very similar way, when we were still in London. A big day/sleepover that was planned and then cancelled on the day.

I'm sure it was the same friend.

That's a shame, your poor dd. And her poor friend, too.

I empathise but when I get distressed about something like this dh always says "Disappointment is part of life, they have to learn that" or something similar which is true and I find it reassuring. They need bad stuff to happen when they're in a loving home to help them deal with it. It's unavoidable so don't feel too bad, it's good for her in a way (that's what I tell myself in similar circumstances any way).

Poor thing - understandably disappointed. Could your DH take her to the V&A as well? It's next door to museum and they could go and look at the Clothing or Jewellry exhibitions - amazing frocks and gems might appeal to her?

What a shame - but the science museum is great for any age and its nice your DS wanted her to go too.

Better not make future plans dependent on that friend again, even though its not her fault she's got an inconsiderate dad.

Just spoken to her and she seems fine. Survived the Tube and it seems she may still have time to meet up with a friend before they come home. So hopefully all's well that ....

Bobbie, I didn't get your CAT, no. I wonder where it went. I want it NOW.

I lurked on your All Saints frock thread the other day and discovered another common trait - unfortunately not the ability to spend £150 on an octopus's dress, but the labradoodle - we've got a black shaggy one.