I try really hard to be a good parent - then stuff happens I can't control and I end up looking a pratt

[Katymac]

OK at Easter I decided to book dd on a sailing course

I phoned her dance teacher to ask about comptitions & stuff on Sundays so there wouldn't be a conflict - there was no conflicts

SO I booked

So why have we missed 2 competitions?

& to cap it all off tomorrow is medal test day as well as last day of sailing course

6 weeks ago I found out the date of the medal testand said - but DD will be sailing
OK says dance teacher DD can have hers at 5pm (sailing finishes at 3.30 - so just do-able)

On Friday I found out that her exam was at 3.45 "because people have dropped out & the exams won't go on as long"

So what the hell do I do now

Sacrifice that last day of sailing?
Not do the exam?

Try & get her in off the water early?
Pray for too much wind to sail so it's rescheduled

I hate being the mum

Complain to the dance teacher. Ask her if she can sort it out.

YOu made sure in advance that it wouldn't clash and she mucked it up.

NOt your fault. You did all you could to check it out.

Is your dd upset over it?

DD is gutted

She loves sailing - it's outside lots of exercise & fresh air

She loves dancing it's all control and fun (plus exercise again)

She can't beleive I have let this happen

YOu hacen't let it happen the dance teacher has. You checked it out beforehand and she messed it up.

Not your fault.

You know that won't work - as mummy I am supposed to fix everything

I (& surprisingly DH) are very cross with the dance teacher but it is an either or thing

I can't afford for her to miss either (neither will give back the money)

you haven't let it happen. you did all you could to ensure the smooth running of both but have been thwarted, despite your best efforts.
don't blame yourself - your intentions and planning were excellent!
sometimes things just don't work out - life depends on too many other peopke and factors for you to control it entirely. i know it's a hard lesson no matter how old your dd is but helping children deal with lifes disappointments - esp when they can't be helped - is a big part of parenting and growing up too. god, i'm not saying 'make lemonade' but don't blame yourself , at least!

I know you are right about the disappointment thing

No matter how hard you try - stuff still happens & you have to live with it

I think 9 is a bit early to have to learn it tho'

i know, and i'd be furious and frustrated in your place too - but i guess your dd will take a cue from you about handling these things. i can't advise on best course - but going early to sailing and rushing to dance sounds fraught but prob best of bad lot?!
and hoping dance teacher falls on her arse infront of children when you get there....

Course is 9:30 to 3:30......exam is 9 miles away at 3.45

& 3.30 is when she gets off the water - so have to put her boot away & get changed

I will ask if she can come in early & if she can not put her boat away - but really it's all a bit much

There is her hair to do & getting changed

It's just all crap

yes, i can see the problem. i'm guessing being late for the exam is a no-no so i guess that only leaves a curtailed sailing lesson. but grrrr how infuriating after all your efforts.

Best layed plans & all that

Its not all your fault, this is life in general dont you think? I like to think of myself as pretty organised but its the other buggers that cant sort their lives out.

The amount of times I have spent all week spring cleaning bedrooms,having the linen all fresh and cupboards stocked only to be told at the twelfth hour they are not coming (usually family)

Its what really gets my goat!

It normally is family isn't

(this time it's DH's kinda boss - he does voluntary work)