14 year old taking train 1 hour to go sledging with friends

[babyyodaxmas]

Just what is says really, our snow has melted. This is a train she takes regularly to school (a couple stops futher on). Over the County line and about 40 miles. I've said no , I am cruel and unreasonable obviously. We are in Southern England and have been in tier 4/lock down since the 18th of December.

She has local friends too, whom she has been meeting with one on one for walks and sledging.

It's not essential travel so she shouldn't be doing it. Longer train journeys with a mask on are not pleasant having done it for work. And some stations have had police at them recently turning people away making non essential journeys. I get that kids are beyond bored and this is another holiday where they are limited in what they can do but you're correct and not being unreasonable here.

We’re in national lockdown and shouldn’t be meeting up with other people so would say no, outside of lockdown it would be ok

No, lockdown. I’m amazed you even have to ask

Absolutely not, it’s completely unnecessary travel.

Unnecessary journey and friends plural? How many rules does she want to break at once. Of course yanbu.

There are transport police on train station platforms, and some trains, asking why you are travelling. Sledging is not essential!

Absolutely no way.

Lockdown - the only permitted reason to go out is to meet one person for excercise. This isn't that.

It’s not local/essential travel and friends plural is illegal. So do you really need to ask?

@ArchbishopOfBanterbury

Absolutely no way.

Lockdown - the only permitted reason to go out is to meet one person for excercise. This isn't that.

You are permitted to go out for a variety of other reasons such as work, to seek medical assistance etc.

You did the right thing saying no, as hard as it is keeping your children away from friends. Try not to have any parent guilt.

In normal times - of course.

In Covid times - it's not an essential journey, so no.

I don't understand how this bit is so hard to understand. Assuming you're in England, you can only leave the house to get essential supplies, go to work (if you cannot do the job from home) and exercise (with 1 other person, socially distanced). All journeys to facilitate this should be as short as possible and exercise should be local (ideally from your front door, but you're allowed to travel a short distance if this isn't possible).

Going sledging with friends is none of these.

No of course not. It's against the rules for several reasons. My dd with MH issues is making do with one on one local(ish) walks. Going far away for sledging is not in the spirit of lockdown by a mile. And you mention 'friendS' which is also not allowed. I am all for kids enjoying themselves but it also needs to be within the rules

No no no. There’s a bloody pandemic.

Well done for saying no.

Has your DD been watching videos of Dominic Cummings? I'm very glad you said no.