Gutted but it's going

[Snoopy]

Try and encourage him to search for sites, with you, write a list, maybe outside awning set up inflatab!e seating, games/ bike station,

 

[Googlebot]

We also have a rule of unlimited WiFi in the Motorhome and a later bedtime.

It’s bribery, but it works for us.

 

[Smudger55]

After some very lengthy discussions we have decided, reluctantly, to sell our Niesmann and Bischoff Arto 69gl. It is beautiful but it's not working for us as a family. So if anyone is interested in a 2005 Niesmann and Bischoff Arto 69gl with 1 previous owner and is ready to go on adventures please get in touch. I am so sad it's painful writing this. It was my dream but I can't see it happening for us.

Sorry to hear this, these are heart renching decisions to make. Dreams are what we aspire to but sadly not always reached. I hope you find a compromise. Best wishes. Smudger55

 

[RobbyMClark]

Grasmere9
Try a little overnighter at the c&c site in Delemere it's right next to a go ape site that he and a friend may like.
As others have suggested try a few of the sites that have plenty of facilities for the kids, if he is not a "shrinking violet" he will probably mix well with the other kids there.

 

[KiwiKampers]

Is it possible that your son has an issue with the lack of privacy associated with being in a motorhome? Such things as toilet noise and smell? Undressing in view of others?

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[Grasmere9]

Thank you everyone (well mostly ) for your replies. I will keep you informed. Keep the suggestions of sites with things to do coming!

 

[busby]

You can't let a moody 11 year old dictate to the rest of the family.

Seems now days dogs and kids rule the roost,,Strange times..BUSBY.

 

[Jamesh]

MiFi and let him use his Switch or alike……our Grandkids love travelling in our van like that.
When we get to our destination then ‘Tech Time’ is over and off we go and do whatever.

In the rain they get extra ‘Tech Time’……after all, they’re on holiday.

Does he have tech whilst on the MH my sons would go mad without it!

Can you put a hotspot on is the first thing that's asked as we pull off the drive. All thier friendship group is online.

Our girls are complete opposite horse riding, guides, baking etc etc.

 

[Googlebot]

Seems now days dogs and kids rule the roost,,Strange times..BUSBY.

Perhaps the days of kids being forced to participate in things they hate should be over?

The OP isn’t saying they rule the roost, he is saying they hate something they are doing. Telling them to shut up and suck it up won’t increase that lack of enjoyment but will increase the resentment.

 

[Sapper520]

Is it possible that your son has an issue with the lack of privacy associated with being in a motorhome? Such things as toilet noise and smell? Undressing in view of others?

When our own kids were growing up we towed a caravan. Our holidays in The Netherlands (pre mobiles and other gadget) consisted of cycling most days, followed by the pool.

Best thing we did was to buy a two man tent which we tacked onto the far awning door and left them to it. Gave us and them space and privacy.

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[busby]

Took my two to Crete when they were 11 and 13,,miserable as sin first couple of days,,Hired them a 50cc moped and that was it,,only saw them in the evening,,Absolutely their favourite ever holiday..BUSBY.

 

[glenn2926]

Perhaps the days of kids being forced to participate in things they hate should be over?

The OP isn’t saying they rule the roost, he is saying they hate something they are doing. Telling them to shut up and suck it up won’t increase that lack of enjoyment but will increase the resentment.

Quite possibly the first sensible reply on here. Thank you.

 

[Jenben]

Would he do this Grasmere9 ?

https://maxsbigcampout.justgiving.com/

Max's Story​

12-year-old Max began camping in his garden on the 29th March 2020 to raise money for the North Devon Hospice. Shortly before he passed away, family friend Rick was cared for by the hospice and Rick gifted his tent to Max, urging him to have an adventure with it. What started as a challenge to camp outside for a few days has snowballed into a 2-year-long epic journey.

 

[Grasmere9]

Does he have tech whilst on the MH my sons would go mad without it!

Can you put a hotspot on is the first thing that's asked as we pull off the drive. All thier friendship group is online.

Our girls are complete opposite horse riding, guides, baking etc etc.

We bought a Nintendo switch oled so that he has some tech when away...he loves his VR. He also says "Turn on your hotspot please " as soon as the car/motorhome moves!

 

[Northernraider]

Thank you for your considered response. I agree that the times that we have been away it has been cold, wet etc and we had a few minor issues. It must seem grim to him. I don't know what to do ☹

Stop pandering to him.

When i was 11 i did what i was told. When i reached 16 i was considered an adult and then could make my own choices to an extent.

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[MR BLO]

What exactly is it that your son hates Grasmere9 ?
Living in a confined space is a compromise and a challenge especially when it’s damp out for all of the family. We have a lone 9yo and we all have to flex in order to get the most out of life.
We frequent commercial sites far too much for my liking to give the boy access to pools, playgrounds and other children. He gets extra tech time because he is on holiday, usually when I am in the pub. We spend far too much time shopping with management for both of our liking, and my family spend far too much time meandering around old buildings and countryside for their liking. But by giving each other’s interests equal attention we have grown to love our trips away.
So build in 11 yo specific time and fun. We are away for 5 nights on Friday. Weather looks dreadful so in anticipation we have booked at the request of Archie a trip to a monkey sanctuary, a waterfall walk, caving, swimming and an American diner. Also streaming Back to the Future for a bit of a nostalgic movie night complete with popcorn and root beer.
Roll on summer when it gets so much easier and good luck

 

[Googlebot]

Stop pandering to him.

When i was 11 i did what i was told. When i reached 16 i was considered an adult and then could make my own choices to an extent.

So make him do something he hates? Which is essentially what you are saying?

Then as soon as he turns 16 it changes and he has a choice?

Doesn’t seem an ideal way to demonstrate how things work in the adult world in my opinion.

 

[Brains]

If it's a case of kid or motorhome that has to go, I realise its a hard decision.

However as a Scout leader of over 35 years experience, it's a case of making the trip interesting to them, and the alternative being worse.

Off to your grandmother in Orkney for 10 days, or come with us to Disneyland Paris, with a friend, in the motorhome.
Their choice.
You have to mean it, because sometimes the Orkneys will be the option they choose, in which case make very sure you do go to Disneyland, and have the pictures, the video, the instagram feed to prove it.

From my experience, camps have to be their choice and suggestion, even if the alternative is not realistic. I regularly get 30+ teenagers at camps, as it's their decision where we go and what we do (or so they think)
,

 

[Grasmere9]

Would he do this Grasmere9 ?

https://maxsbigcampout.justgiving.com/

Max's Story​

12-year-old Max began camping in his garden on the 29th March 2020 to raise money for the North Devon Hospice. Shortly before he passed away, family friend Rick was cared for by the hospice and Rick gifted his tent to Max, urging him to have an adventure with it. What started as a challenge to camp outside for a few days has snowballed into a 2-year-long epic journey.

You might have something here...on this day his cousin (an apprentice jockey) is riding in a very big race somewhere up north...we were planning on taking the motorhome to watch. Maybe we could donate any winnings to the appeal.

 

[Grasmere9]

What exactly is it that your son hates Grasmere9 ?
Living in a confined space is a compromise and a challenge especially when it’s damp out for all of the family. We have a lone 9yo and we all have to flex in order to get the most out of life.
We frequent commercial sites far too much for my liking to give the boy access to pools, playgrounds and other children. He gets extra tech time because he is on holiday, usually when I am in the pub. We spend far too much time shopping with management for both of our liking, and my family spend far too much time meandering around old buildings and countryside for their liking. But by giving each other’s interests equal attention we have grown to love our trips away.
So build in 11 yo specific time and fun. We are away for 5 nights on Friday. Weather looks dreadful so in anticipation we have booked at the request of Archie a trip to a monkey sanctuary, a waterfall walk, caving, swimming and an American diner. Also streaming Back to the Future for a bit of a nostalgic movie night complete with popcorn and root beer.
Roll on summer when it gets so much easier and good luck

Where are you going?

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[Northernraider]

So make him do something he hates? Which is essentially what you are saying?

Then as soon as he turns 16 it changes and he has a choice?

Doesn’t seem an ideal way to demonstrate how things work in the adult world in my opinion.

Unfortunately thats how we now have a generation of entitled teens and early 20 year olds

Aka spoiled

 

[Googlebot]

Unfortunately thats how we now have a generation of entitled teens and early 20 year olds

Aka spoiled

They would argue we have a generation of entitled OAP’s who had their degrees and education paid for with bumper pensions and cheap house prices with affordable energy prices.

Aka spoiled.

The future is not rosy for the teens of today, one thing they won’t be is spoiled.

 

[Northernraider]

They would argue we have a generation of entitled OAP’s who had their degrees and education paid for with bumper pensions and cheap house prices with affordable energy prices.

Aka spoiled.

The future is not rosy for the teens of today, one thing they won’t be is spoiled.

You're right there is also a generation of oaps , who swallowed up the housing stock etc etc trust me its a swine being stuck in the middle of those 2 generations. The problem Is the middle one often overcompensated or replaced time and attention with electronic gadgets and money which created other issues.


Bottom line is i would not be selling a motorhome because an 11 year old complained about it.

 

[Googlebot]

I wouldn’t sell mine either, I agree completely. It’s easy to generalise I suppose on a forum where none of us know what’s really going on, me included.

I wish the OP well and hope they find a way to enjoy the Motorhome.

 

[MR BLO]

Where are you going?

Brecons via Porthcawl and a visit to my grandma. Couple of nights wild, a pub stop and a couple of nights on a THS.

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[ChrisL]

Can I suggest a trip to Puy du Fou to be included in a French adventure? There is so much to see and do that you'd need at least two or three days to see it all, it is a theme park but not like British ones, commentary is in French but you can rent a device that plays an English translation, there is now one in Spain as well but i've only been to the one in France, it's near Cholet and is one of life's must do's

Puy du Fou | The best theme park in the world | A must-see in France!

Le Puy du Fou: A unique multi-award-winning theme park in France! Embark on an unforgettable journey through time, from the Roman Era to the 20th century! Come and be amazed by our spectacular shows!

www.puydufou.com

There's an Aire there as well.

 

[Zoobec]

I hope that you can come up with some ideas that will mean that your son will come to love going away in your motorhome. I think some of the points already given such as taking a friend of his away with you, or going to a place where he will be able to play with kids of his own age around a pool or at a beach, in decent weather will make things seem a lot better. Making an area his own such as choosing bedding, battery operated lights of his choice etc might help? My daughter chose fairy lights, bedding and a curtain and made a den for herself.
I think if you can talk to him and find out what he dislikes and likes about going away in the MH will help to try to come up with some constructive solutions.

 

[Sandancers]

Have a look at Wild Festivals ! The first festival of the year is at Gloucestershire in April. It's aimed at all ages and no-one gets left out, he'd be bound to make friends. Quite cheap. But be quick as the tickets will be gone soon. You might want to consider arriving early on the Thursday if you go for it, then he can take part in the Zorb battle.

Nibley Farm Fest 2025 - Tickets and Information

Top quality musicians and fun entertainment for everyone to enjoy, at the Nibley Farm Fest 10th - 17th Aug 2024. Come and camp with us for up to 7 nights, enjoy this beautiful location and some incredible music.

www.wildfestivals.co.uk

 

[Jenben]

Inspired by Sandancers post how about this . It’s a smaller music festival that is very family friendly . Weekend camping is available and there are lots of free things for children.

Lechlade Festival

 

[tonka]

I seem to have had the opposite experience Grasmere9 .
2 grandkids who both live with us full time since birth, now 14 and 16.
Apart for the odd rainy day moment they have loved it, In the UK we have hardly ever been on a campsite. We prefer the rallies like Fun and CCC, In the early days the Motorcaravanners club. Attended things like steam fairs, ballon festival etc.
They have done overseas trips, Running around a ferry at 2am. Playing with kids of all nationalities when we did go on sites in France / spain. For several years each 6 week school holiday was in Spain with some great stopovers on route through France.

They have attended many Fun rallies and motorhome shows, making friends with both adults and kids (when present).
Our Matthew who is now 16, at college and working part time has already checked with me that we are doing Thetford. One of his favourite where he rides the mopeds, takes his BB gun and practice target, last year he took a "bivvy" and camped out ( not for long though ).
We dropped into 2 tank museums on route home so he was well made up.

They are growing up fast and some things like parks dont interest them any more but they have phones, tablets, internet, films on hard drive etc. I have so many great memories, Maybe a re-focus on the type of places you go to could make it more interesting..

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