Nursery School Day Trip-Am I being unfair?

Buttonmoons

My DD (4) Just went on her trip on Monday, which was all day (she is used to the 2 1/2 hours per day) The nursery teacher asked me and my friend if we wanted to do it, my friend did, so hey ho! I wasn't bothered either way. I think it does kids the world of good to not have a parent tagging along, fretting at every new thing they do - and yes I do that on occasion!

DD had a great time, she had no issue with the other parents there (some from morning nursery that I don't know) I certainly wouldn't of demanded their phone numbers or anything like that :eek: The nursery staff are more than capable to deal with any event that arises, plus if a kid gets lost in the woods - common sense comes into play - er look and shout?! Phoning a parent to tell them you've lost their kid whilst you've just started looking isn't really going to benefit anyone!

I do go along to most of DD's things. They did a push for pedal thing recently, parents were invited, I was the only one who showed up, DD was happy to see me, said hello etc, then ran off to play with her friends. I think she is used to me appearing for things like that, and I imagine she might be a bit upset if EVERY other persons parent was there and not me, but a big day trip only has a handful.

fireflycatcher

It's all about what your child wants IMO. If he doesn't want to go don't send him!!

liney

He'll be fine. He wouldn't have noticed you weren't there if you hadn't have mentioned it as it would have been the normal "going to nursery today but they are taking you on a trip, what fun!".

I'm suprised at how many people say it's up to the child. He's 4 for goodness sake.

System

I'm waiting for 'the nursery is closed because they are all going on a trip. I wouldn't allow my son to go without me. What am I supposed to do about childcare?'

Jo.G

I havent read the whole thread, but at my kids school even when you are a helper on a school trip you are never put in the same group as your child. I went on a trip a few weeks ago with my 6yr old and he wasnt even on the same coach as me let alone in the same group! I didnt see him all day. Although I can understand that as the OP's child is only at nursery it is a longer day than he is used to. If he is likely to be upset at going without his mum, then dont send him. If he is looking forward to the trip let him go. The parent helpers are likely to be part of a larger group which will include a teacher or assistant who will be in overall charge anyway.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Afraid that you are supposed to sit at home, worrying/cleaning/luxuriating in a deep bubble bath until it's time to go and collect him.

It's something that we all go through and 99% of us find out that the little one isn't so dependent upon us as we would like to think, as they have a great time with their friends, getting used to talking with other people and generally getting to experience a little bit more of the world.

You aren't giving your son to someone else to 'parent', there is someone supervising and taking responsibility for his safety, just as you would when he has a friend round to play.

Learning to go places without Mummy (and still having fun) is all part of moving from a baby to a child. One day he will go away for a week with the school, one day he will travel to school by himself and one day he will leave home forever. It's perfectly normal to be apprehensive about these things (and a million things inbetween!), but they will happen and the way you handle the first little trips all go towards creating a fine young man in the future (who will still be your little boy in your heart )

Jo.G

Well said Jojo!

redstararnie76

Hi,
Just had a quick read, so apologies if I've missed anything.
My tuppence worth; I've a little girl, also due to start school in September, currently in nursery.
Given what you've put, I would personally be actively encouraging her to go, as this would be a good opportunity to get her used to a longer day and interacting with new people. This is just me, but personally I know that September is going to be difficult as she's going to have to get used to lots of new people and this sounds like a good way to start that process for a day, while still having the reassurance of some of the same people they know.
Hope this makes sense, and I'm not trying to tell you what to do or judge anyone, this is just the way I personally would look at this, while being at a similar stage.

clairehi

^^What JoJo said.

There are going to be times when you are not there for him, if he is usually happy at nursery then he will be fine with his little mates and teachers. Lots of the other kids won't have parents either.

You can't really rely on a 4 year old's opinion on whether he will enjoy it or not as he is not just not able to imagine what it will be like.

I felt terrible once as was not able to go on a nursery panto trip and when I dropped off DS virtually every other parent was there with their child. However my DS really took to the lady who looked after him and had a whale of a time.

SingleSue

I couldn't go on any of the trips when my eldest was at nursery, for a start, when he started, I had one very young and ill baby at home...and when he moved nearer to starting school, I had one ill toddler and one ill baby at home!

He was fine, nothing bad happened to him and he gained so much independence.

Yes, I felt guilt that I couldn't go along like other mummies but the logistics of going made it impossible.

That little boy is going to be 17 this year, he is very independent and takes things in his stride...apart from doctors, dentists and hairdressers where he still wants his old mum with him!