A mum has been called "judgemental" after refusing to take her nephew to a trampoline park, though others argued she did the right thing.
The woman took to parenting forum Mumsnet to seek advice after being asked by her nephew's mum if she could take him along to a trampoline park with her daughter. She explained that the 11-year-old "hasn't done a full week at school this academic year" and so did not want to "reward" him.
She also stated that her nephew "struggles with his anxiety". Because of this, other users called her "judgemental" and said she lacked "empathy".
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The mum wrote: "Nephew is 15, year 11, he hasn't done a full week at school this academic year, with having one day off a week or attending one day and having the rest of the week off. He attended four days last week, had the Friday off and has so far had the whole of this week off, his parents don't seem to care.
"In their defence, he did skip school Monday and Tuesday but yesterday he said he didn't want to go for no particular reason, and the same today. When he doesn't go he just stays in bed on his devices (which I wouldn't allow but I'm not his parent).
"Today, I'm going to take DD (dear daughter) to a trampoline park, as she only attends nursery a few days a week and she's off today. His mum has asked if I can take him along as he'd enjoy it, I've said no as he should be at school and that'd be rewarding him for not attending and its half term soon so he can go then."
She continued: "Brother-in-law spoke to DH (dear husband) and DH has said I'm being unreasonable as I know nephew struggles with his anxiety which is probably why he isn't going. I disagree as yes I understand he has anxiety but I think he isn't going as he finds staying at home more fun.
"Am I being unreasonable?"
The post has since received dozens of replies from fellow Mumsnet users. There was a range of opinions on the matter.
"I would have also refused as well," one wrote, while a second agreed: "I wouldn't have taken him either."
A third echoed: "I'd have refused as well. He's supposed to be in school for goodness sake, and if he's not happy there then his parents need to work with the school to sort that out!"
Another argued: "You don't have to take him anywhere. He's not your responsibility."
However, other users felt the woman was being unreasonable, with one commenting: "You seem to think nephew is just being naughty and you disapprove of your in laws. School refusing is a complex issue and your nephew has anxiety.
"You would benefit from learning more the issues involved."
"Don’t take him but stop being so judgemental of what you obviously don’t understand," said a second.
A third posted: "I wouldn't take him but I wouldn't be so quick to judge, anxiety is hard to understand if you haven't been through it yourself. Show some empathy."
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