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AIBU

AIBU to say that husband was irresponsible?

(27 Posts)
singingnutty Wed 19-Aug-26 14:08:15

Yesterday we took the grandsons (8 and 11) to an event in the park and when we were walking back to the car they wanted a wee so we turned into the playpark where there is a toilet. I waited near the entrance but after quite a while I went to look for them and discovered that DH had let them, fully clothed, go into the splashpark bit where there were water cannons, water buckets on poles etc. They were having a wonderful time, of course, but were wet through. I said this was irresponsible since we do not keep spare clothes at our house and they were an hour away from home. In actual fact we had a couple of pairs of pyjamas (which I had bought a while ago when their overnight bag didn't contain any) but DH had not remembered that, so as far as he knew they would be in wet clothes and shoes for a while. He said it was ok because they were enjoying themselves. We got home and they put on the pyjamas which they went home in. I am upset still because he didn't think it through. I, of course, would not have allowed them to go in and I am aware that one of the reasons for that is that I had a very strict upbringing and fun and risk taking was not really on the agenda. At nearly 80 I am not going to change now but I feel quite down today, and still quite cross with DH.

ginny Wed 19-Aug-26 15:59:35

In their everyday clothes would have been much more fun than in a swimsuit. On a warm day it wouldn’t have bothered me at all. Actually I might have joined in. 😁

Oldnproud Wed 19-Aug-26 15:46:04

I've let my two DGC play in water twice over the summer holidays, and both times one of them had to go back to mine (by car) in wet clothes. The weather was hot and sunny, so why not?
They had so much fun that im sure it will be a happy memory for them in the future, and watching their excitement is now a happy memory for me too.

I can see how your upbringing might have played a part in how you felt, singingnutty, but perhaps it isn't too late to become a rebel - go there again and maybe join them in the water, even if you only get your toes wet. 😄

Fallingstar Wed 19-Aug-26 15:22:54

eazybee

^I, of course would not have allowed them to go in as I had a very strict upbringing and fun and risk-taking were not really on the agenda,^

So do you really believe that was a good upbringing?
One that you have presumably replicated?

A bit harsh.

eazybee Wed 19-Aug-26 15:17:07

I, of course would not have allowed them to go in as I had a very strict upbringing and fun and risk-taking were not really on the agenda,

So do you really believe that was a good upbringing?
One that you have presumably replicated?

singingnutty Wed 19-Aug-26 15:16:30

Thanks for all the comments so far and I do appreciate your views and advice to me to try to unbutton a bit. I just need to say that I didn’t ‘overrule’ DH except I did let him know I wasn’t happy and I certainly did not rage about the wet clothes. No point! As far as the boys knew I didn’t disapprove although perhaps they may have noticed body language!

Fallingstar Wed 19-Aug-26 15:03:10

Sounds like the GCs loved it, and as my old dad would say to my mum when we got wet whilst playing outside ‘don’t fuss, they’ll not melt.’

Georgesgran Wed 19-Aug-26 15:01:20

Can’t wait!!

62Granny Wed 19-Aug-26 15:01:05

How do you want to be remembered? As the person who let them have a great time in the splash park or the one who raged because their clothes were wet! I know which one I would rather be🤔 note to self ask their parents to pack a spare T-shirt and shorts and a pair of crocs, next time.

JenniRen Wed 19-Aug-26 15:00:48

I do understand how you may feel, singingnutty, because I had a school friend whose mother was very particular and she was never allowed to get wet or dirty and would get into trouble if she did or spoilt her clothes.
There was a photo of her on FB not long ago, she seems to have rebelled in her old age. Not dirty, but outrageous hair and clothes!

Georgesgran Wed 19-Aug-26 15:00:46

My DGS2 did the same at Chester le Street park two Saturday’s ago. He’s only 5 and we explained he’d have to go back to my house, in Mummy’s car with no clothes on, as he’d be soaked through.
He was up for it and I always have an outfit or two here for him, as he’s a frequent visitor and often gets dirty, wet or both! He thought it was great fun and can wait to do it again.

BlueBelle Wed 19-Aug-26 14:52:14

Ahh I think they had a whale of a time and something they ll remember . My adult grandson still recalls the day I rode his little bike, legs a kimbo, down a hill with no brakes and when I played footie out I the alleyway
We are allowed to let our hair down and do daft things once in a while that’s what memories are built on
Do something daft with them up yourself you might have a
whale of a time
I’m sorry it’s made you feel down singingnutty and afraid you may feel worse now as everyone seems to agree with your fun loving husband and not your strictness
Let your hair down it’s NEVER too late

Shelflife Wed 19-Aug-26 14:47:23

I fully understand how you feel. However in the grand scheme of things its not the end of the world! Although getting 2 dripping boys into the car - now thats a very different matter !!!!!????

Plevey08 Wed 19-Aug-26 14:46:04

Did you not know there would be water play there? Your DH was probably rebelling, knowing you might not approve, he took his chance at giving them a good time. Your GC are at an age where they weren't in danger so the temptation and a bit of wily encouragement from your DH was harmless and showing a bit of independent dare-devilry. Forgive and laugh.

Harris27 Wed 19-Aug-26 14:44:13

Sometime we just have to let go and have fun!

JenniRen Wed 19-Aug-26 14:34:51

Did Grandadnutty get soaking wet as well?

Cossy Wed 19-Aug-26 14:33:42

Tbh, it wouldn’t have bothered me. It’s just water and the car seats, clothes and children would have dried.

Greenfinch Wed 19-Aug-26 14:33:19

He sounds like a fun grandad. The boys will remember the good time they had with him.

JamesandJon33 Wed 19-Aug-26 14:33:04

It was only a bit of wet…and a lot of fun. Why stress over it.

ViceVersa Wed 19-Aug-26 14:32:14

I would also have no problem with it whatsoever. I'm sure they had the time of their lives and will remember that day for a long time to come! What's a few wet clothes to worry about?

JenniRen Wed 19-Aug-26 14:32:00

They had a great time, they had pyjamas to change into at your house, the weather's warm and they will just remember the fun they had.

We did keep some spare clothes at our house for the grandchildren when they were young, nothing special but they were handy if they got wet or filthy when we looked after them.

My own children got soaked (more by accident than intention) years ago so I was usually prepared.

Perhaps I was an irresponsible parent.

Ziplok Wed 19-Aug-26 14:26:43

There was no real harm done, was there? In fact, it seems as if the children had a brilliant time and will be something they will remember in the future.

Yes, I see your point about a change of clothes, and them being in the wet ones until you got back home, but as you say, you had pyjamas for them when you got home and the wet clothes could have been hung outside to dry if it was fine, or hung on an airer or tumble dried a bit if you have one.

If you hadn’t had the PJ’s, you could have wrapped them in towels or one of their grandpa’s shirts each until their clothes had dried off.

Try not to be cross with your DH.

beachcomber76 Wed 19-Aug-26 14:26:12

I would have no problem with it at all. They're kids, it's fun, it was a hot sunny day and they're old enough to say no if they wanted. They had pj's, clothes would have dried in the sun. Where's the harm? I'm with your DH on this.

You aren't too old to change your attitude on any subject, or to be less fixed in your opinions. Lighten up a bit and enjoy the time you have with your GC's.

icanhandthemback Wed 19-Aug-26 14:20:22

YABU. You make your decisions and your husband makes his. Who are you to overrule him? As long as he was prepared to pick up any fall out from his decisions, he is quite entitled to make a not particularly important decision about his children or grandchildren. Being a woman doesn't make your ways any more important than his.

GrannyGravy13 Wed 19-Aug-26 14:17:42

I can see your point of view.

I can also in my mind see your GC having an absolutely fabulous time in the water, they will remember the fun for a long time.

Your husband probably just wanted to be fun Grandpa.

Oreo Wed 19-Aug-26 14:15:16

I wouldn’t have been at all bothered by it.You had pjs for them at home or could have tumbled dried clothing or just put out in the sun.
It seems your very strict upbringing didn’t include any spontaneous fun but your DH is different, it isn’t anything to worry about we are all different.