Page 2 | In S France, dd decided she’s not swimming, struggling for things to do

wonderstuff · 2022-08-25T21:58:42+00:00

Apparently her costume is too small, I have a spare but she’s not willing to try it on. Looked at buying new but only one she liked was 50€, a lot for 2 days! Here until Sunday, activities options all seem water based. We’re in a smallish campsite in a static. I’m on my own with dd14 and DS12, pool on campsite closes at 7pm and all children need to be supervised, seems early and obviously can’t entertain both kids at same time. Other families here seem to have much younger kids and not many English families, my French is poor and dc don’t speak any. I’ve got a hire car but really not enjoying driving it, it’s bigger than mine and roads are so narrow in places. They had fun at the beach yesterday until dd decided swim suit was uncomfortable. Today they have been bored. Walked to town and bought cakes, played lots of dobble… i know I sound spoilt but I’m really ready to go home. Did look at earlier return options, but all trains are fully booked until Monday. Which is making me anxious about missing our booked train on Sunday, no reason why we should, but looks like we’d be stuffed if we did. Dh flew back Tuesday for work and I thought it would be nice to hang around with the kids for a few days, but it’s hot and they’re bored. Driving to Bordeaux tomorrow, which I’m sure will stress me out and they’ll complain they’re hot.. live and learn I guess.

SisterGabriel · 26/08/2022 00:05

Just buy the swimsuit. Is it worth spoiling the next two days over €50? €25 a day for the fun - you’d spend more on theme park tickets.

Molly499 · 26/08/2022 00:56

Why Bordeaux tomorrow if you have to go on Sunday? Drive down the coast, Arcachon is fun and more than a beach. Or go to Cap Feret and you can ferry over to Arcachon or rent bicycles and go on tour.

Stopsnowing · 26/08/2022 01:10

Sympathy here. This year my kids have outgrown the water park (having paid lot of money to get in) they are less keen on the pool full stop. They hate castles and there is not a lot else to do here. They are similar ages to yours so too old to be kids and not old enough to appreciate doing nothing.

Liorae · 26/08/2022 01:21

How does your son feel about his sister getting to call all the holiday activity shots?

BritInAus · 26/08/2022 01:36

She's a horrendous age for feeling body conscious. Hair, period, or just generally. Does she have to swim in a costume? What about a pair of board shorts/bike shorts and a tshirt over a bra/bikini top, or a rash vest? A thin wetsuit type item? There are lots of things that can be worn in the water that aren't skimpy/revealing.

MintJulia · 26/08/2022 02:23

Leave her to be bored and let her work it out for herself. Didn't she bring any books or a kindle or cards.

Felicity42 · 26/08/2022 03:51

It's an age thing. She may not want to be seen hanging out with with Mummy and little bro. As they get older be prepared for them not going along with your agenda. Also they hate been gawped at by others sat around the pool. The 12yr old won't care, but he will when he's 14.

Fieldfly · 26/08/2022 07:25

A pair of shorts over the swimsuit? My dds did that at her age?

liveforsummer · 26/08/2022 07:29

I'd not waste time trying to convince her. As you say she'll just push back. Take DD to the pool when he wants to go and just leave her to it. You don't need to be entertaining a 14 year old at all times (or a 12 yo for that matter). I'd say 7pm is a normal time for a pool to close. If she's refusing to even try on the spare I'd not be buying her a new one

liveforsummer · 26/08/2022 07:34

I think looks in France are quite strict about what you wear. You'd not be allowed to wear shorts t shirt etc or anything other than standard swimwear

Redqueenheart · 26/08/2022 08:12

I am sorry but I am not getting this at all.

At 14, your daughter is no longer a child who needs to be entertained all the time by her mother. She needs to start building some independence.

She is in a lovely location in the sunshine. If there is a pool nothing prevents her from grabbing a book/magazine and just relax there with her shorts on on a sun lounger if she does not want to wear her swimsuit and swim.

At the beach she can just go for a little walk and also usually there will be some kind of sporting activities that children and young people can join in (trying out small boats, pedalos, that sort of thing) there.

If you have already checked that she is not upset because she is feeling unwell or has difficulties with her period then your daughter is just being unreasonable.

At 14, you are perfectly able to learn to keep yourself occupied...there are 3 people on this holiday and you can't just let one person spoil it for your other child and yourself.

I also assume your daughter was aware of the swimming costume she was bringing with her before the holiday and had time to object about wearing it/its size then.

Original poster

wonderstuff · 26/08/2022 08:15

Liorae · 26/08/2022 01:21

How does your son feel about his sister getting to call all the holiday activity shots?

They’ve both had a lovely time until yesterday which was a bit dull, everyone is getting on and this is a bonus trip rather than main holiday. He’s fine.

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Original poster

wonderstuff · 26/08/2022 08:18

Molly499 · 26/08/2022 00:56

Why Bordeaux tomorrow if you have to go on Sunday? Drive down the coast, Arcachon is fun and more than a beach. Or go to Cap Feret and you can ferry over to Arcachon or rent bicycles and go on tour.

We won’t go into Bordeaux on Sunday, just dropping the car and getting morning train to Paris, can’t seem to find a way of travelling to south France that isn’t a day’s travel. Arachon might be a better trip though.

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Original poster

wonderstuff · 26/08/2022 08:24

Stopsnowing · 26/08/2022 01:10

Sympathy here. This year my kids have outgrown the water park (having paid lot of money to get in) they are less keen on the pool full stop. They hate castles and there is not a lot else to do here. They are similar ages to yours so too old to be kids and not old enough to appreciate doing nothing.

Exactly where we are. In the past we’ve holidayed with other families, and extended family were around over the weekend but now it’s a few days of just us 3 and with hindsight it’s not ideal. Looking forward to getting home.

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OakleyStreetisnotinChelsea · 26/08/2022 08:28

We've just come from Maubuisson the other side of the lake. She could kayak etc in shorts and t shirt? Or hire bikes and go for a ride through the pine forest. You could go to the dune du Pyla. Could be at the beach in shorts and t shirt too and swim in them.

Agree with not driving in to bordeaux, the park and ride is excellent. You press a button to enter the car park without already having a tram ticket then buy your ticket at the machine at the tram stop under the park and ride options. Just a note one we went to, closest to Maubuisson, the multi story was so tight we could turn up the ramp and had to leave again (S max so big car). We ended up dumping it in the Aldi car park just next to the park and ride!

We love pottering in bordeaux but it is where my family is from so lots of memories and lots of foods they are desperate to eat. The patisserie on the square with the Cathedral and Hotel de Ville is amazing for beautiful little cakes. The Jardin Public is nice for a nose around too and just generally meandering.

Original poster

wonderstuff · 26/08/2022 08:37

OakleyStreetisnotinChelsea · 26/08/2022 08:28

We've just come from Maubuisson the other side of the lake. She could kayak etc in shorts and t shirt? Or hire bikes and go for a ride through the pine forest. You could go to the dune du Pyla. Could be at the beach in shorts and t shirt too and swim in them.

Agree with not driving in to bordeaux, the park and ride is excellent. You press a button to enter the car park without already having a tram ticket then buy your ticket at the machine at the tram stop under the park and ride options. Just a note one we went to, closest to Maubuisson, the multi story was so tight we could turn up the ramp and had to leave again (S max so big car). We ended up dumping it in the Aldi car park just next to the park and ride!

We love pottering in bordeaux but it is where my family is from so lots of memories and lots of foods they are desperate to eat. The patisserie on the square with the Cathedral and Hotel de Ville is amazing for beautiful little cakes. The Jardin Public is nice for a nose around too and just generally meandering.

Thank you, I will see if they fancy kayaking, sounds good. Also good to know about P&R to Bordeaux, we have a fairly large car, have been looking on Google reviews of car parks! I’ve had planned a trip to the dune but neither child is keen and it’s a bit a a drive from here.

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MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 26/08/2022 08:37

It's only a few days, surely you can just sit by the pool with a book? I reckon if you stop faffing about things to do the kids will just get on with swimming... or not! It's not the end of the world to have a couple of days doing nothing especially as it's hot.

WobblyLondoner · 26/08/2022 08:40

We visited Hortin a few years ago and hired bikes. There are fantastic bike trails through the woods - to the coast or to the other lake nearby. Worth a thought? It might sound too energetic if it's hot but I actually preferred it to just sitting around - lovely breeze when you're on your bikes!

Original poster

wonderstuff · 26/08/2022 08:42

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 26/08/2022 08:37

It's only a few days, surely you can just sit by the pool with a book? I reckon if you stop faffing about things to do the kids will just get on with swimming... or not! It's not the end of the world to have a couple of days doing nothing especially as it's hot.

You’re probably right, I’m not great at sitting, we don’t normally do beach holidays. Maybe it’s me rather than the kids who’s the issue.

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WhiskerPatrol · 26/08/2022 08:45

You don't sound at all spoilt, but your daughter does. Go to the pool with DS and leave her to it.

GreenManalishi · 26/08/2022 08:47

I'd stop hovering, grab your book and let your 12 and absolutely 14 year old work it out for themselves!

It's really not your life's mission to ensure your children are happy and entertained 100% of the time!

I hate to pull out the middle class problems/perspective card but there are a couple of kids and a mum in a tower block somewhere for who this difficult holiday would be a dream! Check she's ok and let her get on with it.

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 26/08/2022 08:50

GreenManalishi · 26/08/2022 08:47

I'd stop hovering, grab your book and let your 12 and absolutely 14 year old work it out for themselves!

It's really not your life's mission to ensure your children are happy and entertained 100% of the time!

I hate to pull out the middle class problems/perspective card but there are a couple of kids and a mum in a tower block somewhere for who this difficult holiday would be a dream! Check she's ok and let her get on with it.

This !!

Original poster

wonderstuff · 26/08/2022 08:57

GreenManalishi · 26/08/2022 08:47

I'd stop hovering, grab your book and let your 12 and absolutely 14 year old work it out for themselves!

It's really not your life's mission to ensure your children are happy and entertained 100% of the time!

I hate to pull out the middle class problems/perspective card but there are a couple of kids and a mum in a tower block somewhere for who this difficult holiday would be a dream! Check she's ok and let her get on with it.

Fair enough. At home I absolutely do let them get on with it, I just feel I dragged them here so have some responsibility to entertain them.
She has been lovely and cooked and looked after younger cousins at the weekend and played with her ds.
You are right though, very much mc problem, I am aware.

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Original poster

wonderstuff · 26/08/2022 08:58

Currently they’re both still asleep..

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MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 26/08/2022 09:27

wonderstuff · 26/08/2022 08:57

Fair enough. At home I absolutely do let them get on with it, I just feel I dragged them here so have some responsibility to entertain them.
She has been lovely and cooked and looked after younger cousins at the weekend and played with her ds.
You are right though, very much mc problem, I am aware.

Show quote history

You didn't drag them anywhere, you brought them on holiday with you.