first school nativity play - I cant attend - is it a pivotal moment event? :(

[waitingfornaru]

It's my eldest child's 'School Concert' this afternoon. She's a cow so I'm assuming this is the new term for Nativity Play? At any rate, like her first ever parent's evening, I didn't know siblings were not permitted to attend, so I am now stuck having been excitedly telling her all week her baby brother and I are coming into school to see her today, I now can't, nor can I arrange babysitter at such short notice :'(

How many of you actually attend this in Foundation Year? Surely not that many as the other half (those of yout that have them, unlike me) will be working and not everyone can find someone to cover for siblings whilst they attend?

I am just devastated that she might be looking out for me and won't see me. It's a small hall and although it's foundation and year 1 today, so Im hoping there will just be at least a hundred people in there, so I can just say I was there but you didnt see me or something.

Is this a really pivotal moment, should I just get off the PC and try and find someone to babysit or instead quell her disappointment (if she notices Im not there that is) and take her on a treat instead such as swimming, then see it next year??

I am gutted, particularly as it's her first nativity.

What do you thihnk?

What is this with schools not allowing younger siblings!? It's ridiculous, you should kick up a big fuss, maybe shame the school in the local paper!!

Where abouts in tbe country are you? Maybe someone on here can help. I'm in Warrington and crb checked.

Oh poor you, that is really sad.

I don't know if it varies; I have to say that at our school I think most parents do attend. BUT the PTA organises a creche on-site for younger siblings (i.e. we run a creche for parents in other years, then they reciprocate the favour). If you can't get anything organised for today, maybe at least you could try to get together with some parents to ensure this doesn't happen again next year?

For me, it would be a pivotal moment, and I would try really hard to be there. But sometimes it just isn't possible, is it? I have a younger one too, and I also work, and I know that sometimes you just can't get to all these school things.

I think there was a similar(ish) thread on younger siblings at school nativities the other day. Seems like many schools do not allow them or only allow them to a particular performance or dress rehersal. Main reasons being not enough room or younger children being disruptive.

It's a shame you didn't know in advance - imo I'd be looking for a last minute baby sitter. Might be doable given nativities don't tend to last long. Or does the school put on a creche for younger children? Worth checking.

I'm in Milton Keynes if it's any help? Also crb checked and childcare qualified!

Do you think so? I suppose there's the distraction point, that it can be hard enough to have 4 year olds concentrate as it is, plus gabbing away, crying that sibling babies and younger toddlers do?

I don't know, maybe I could always just turn up anyway with her sibling, worst they can do is turn me away.

Does anyone know average duration of theseplays??

Where are you? I'll babysit!

I am having a similar day. DD2 has her Nativity this afternoon and my childcare for this afternoon has just this minute fallen through. Aagh!

I would do all you can to get somebody to babysit for you, mostly for you really. Yes your DD will be a bit sad for five minutes if you are not there, but she will soon forget. If you are anything like me you will beat yourself up about it for ages! I missed DD1 first sports day, she cant even remember it but I still feel guilty, fifteen or so years later.

Right I must get off the PC too and sort out something quick!

I think the school should have let you know with more notice that younger siblings can't go. There has been a thread about this recently with divided opinion on whether they should go, but I think school needs to make other arrangements ie have a creche or have a performance where smaller ones can go.

We had to apply for our tickets (free but strictly two per child performing) at the beginning of November and then got them a few weeks ago. We were told that a younger sibling "takes up" one ticket, but they weren't not allowed to come (although if you have two parents wanting to go and one or more younger siblings you would be equally stuck). At least we have had notice to arrange something if necessary.

Just go and take the baby. I would have done.
Not every one is lucky enough to have family round the corner. No way should your DC suffer for having a younger sibling.
Our school prefer granny's and little ones at the afternoon performance as hall is too small, but they don't insist.

Poor you. As tudorrose said, think it'll be harder for you than your DD.
School plays usually last between 45min-1hr ime.

It's so hard when there is no-one to call on for babysitting help- been there!

Really hope you manage to sort something out.

I'm in south Northants. Just waiting on a reply from my Mum, but she's poorly so ... :(

Babysitting probably not good idea actually, younger sib has never been left with anyone other than his Nan and is very clingy.

Even my sister's took a half day from work to see her son and he's in year 1, so it must be important if it isnt even his first time.

If I can't find anyone, I am just going to take him along and explain Im a single parent I have no-one to help, and my son is fortunately really, really quiet and well behaved, or I can leave if he becomes disruptive.

I'll report back later to tell you what they said if that is the action I have to take, whether they let me in or not.

Thankyou all :)

Ah right my other sister's just chipped and said she can babysit, I forgot she lost her job last week so she's free. Phew!

Hope all goes well - let us know!

Take the baby. Let DD see you, but be ready to get out quick if DS gets antsy.

You certainly won't regret going. It was DS's YRR play yesterday. It was absolutely fantastic.

Go with the baby....if you have to they wont kick you out. SOrry but it IS a pivotal moment and you can't msis it.

Oh I'm glad your sister can babysit. Nativity plays are lovely to watch :)

Good that you have got someone to babysit. If it was me I would have just taken my baby (I have done before anyway) as there is no way i would miss out on the first school play, they are so sweet. The plays only last about 30 minutes at that age.

Have a fun

So pleased you've managed to find someone to babysit!

Enjoy it

Enjoy

Great news. Enjoy the show

Glad that you can go and you didn't take the little sibling to the concert. That would have been really unfair on the parents who found childcare and for the children in the play. I know it seems harsh to say siblings aren't allowed but when you have done lots of plays and concerts with a younger child in the audience crying/shouting/running around and distracting the children trying to perform it really is the fairest way. Schools don't set these rules to be awkward!

Glad you have found someone, but sorry that your sister has lost her job too!

Useful white lie - "I was right at the back and you probably didn't see me before I rushed off for baby's feed but you were wonderful darling and such a good speaker/ dancer/ cow"