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Original poster

To be annoyed at this child and family (on holiday)

311 replies

Blueeyedstork · 29/05/2026 00:14

We are in Spain at the moment with another couple and their kids. DH and I have one DS (13)

a bit of backstory relevant to this is when I was 11 I was pushed out of a boat on the lake in the Lake District on a school residential trip and was not allowed to get changed until the rest of the activities that afternoon were finished. So I was wet and freezing cold. It also took someone ages to respond to the fact I had been pushed out the boat, so ever since then I have had a phobia of cold water and being out my depth. It’s got to the point where a single spash can freak me out so I stay out of the pool as I know it’s unreasonable on a family resort to ask kids not to splash. it’s my problem and I deal with it.

anyway fast forward the last 2 days we have been sat on sunbeds and there is a family of 3 kids with water guns just squirting them at everyone on the sunbeds. The first time I jumped out of my skin. My husband asked them to stop and other people have asked them to stop including a family with a child with autism who was getting really upset. The parents just shrug and said we are by a pool so we should expect it. Eventually the mothers of the child with autism when to get one of the staff members and they were told to pack it in.

today they were back doing the same thing. They got me twice and once in the face which really panicked me. The staff at the pool today were not bothered and would not tell them to stop so I spend the afternoon sitting away from the pool. I had been there about 10 minutes with my eyes shut before I feel this cold water on my face and one of the little buggers and stood there spraying right in my face. Well I feel off the chair and have injured my shoulder. My husband marched up to the staff and demanded the manager of the hotel. The lifeguard then actually asked the family to stop.

Then coming back from evening meal tonight and we were suddenly all covered with water and one of the little buggers was stood outside his chalet squirting people going past but this time he has obviously been bought the biggest super soaker in the shop. The boy laughed and shouted “dad it’s the lady who screams when she is squirted” (I didn’t really scream just let out a yelp a few times). The dad burst out laughing. I had to hold DH back from confronting him. (The dad is built like a brick shit house and looks the type that would punch someone just for fun)

anyway we when to reception and reported them but the staff don’t seem bothered. I kind of feel these boys will be out to get me tomorrow as they obviously find my reaction funny. the parents don’t give a toss

we have 3 days left and I don’t want to be looking over my shoulder all the time. What can I do or am I being unreasonable about all this

OP posts:
50lbstolose · 30/05/2026 22:02

I hope you get some peace for the rest of your holiday.

FloozyMcGee · 30/05/2026 21:43

Personally, I'd let the hotel know that you will be putting feedback on every site on-line that you can find, and certainly won't be coming there again due to their allowing this until you insisted. Then I'd see if I could find another hotel nearby.

Shatteredallthetimelately · 30/05/2026 21:17

These are the type of people that are "on holiday don't you know."

I've seen this behaviour while on a holiday before plus the kids jumping in the clearly signed adult only pools and the above was all the parents came out with.

Although they're a PITA take comfort in the fact that their neighbours are probably having a break from these so called parents and their spawn and once home you'll, hopefully, never see them again.

Goldengamer · 30/05/2026 21:17

if you can’t beat them join then , get the biggest and most powerful one you can find, and make sure you get the parents too. Find out what room they are staying, wait until the beach towels get thrown over the balcony to dry and saturate them . Wait until they go out for the night and if there's a letter box or open window , you know what to do 😈😈😈……there’s more than one way to skin a cat and it would be a good way to make your last 3 days fun

Maray1967 · 30/05/2026 21:15

Pileoftrash · 29/05/2026 14:15

I would give the kids a stern talking to myself. Not sure if it would make a difference but I can’t help myself in these kinds of situations (ex teacher).

I’ve done that in our favourite hotel in Austria. Saw a couple of British kids being politely asked not to run in the restaurant by the hotel owner and then heard one of them swear under his breath about her. I stood up and said ‘ I beg your pardon?’ and he stared at me in shock, presumably not realising there were other Brits there. I then asked him where his parents were, by which time his Dad had turned up and was asking me what had gone on. But that was a very different type of family as he thanked me for telling me and basically dragged the pair of them back to their table.

Deathinvegas · 30/05/2026 21:12

Blueeyedstork · 29/05/2026 00:14

We are in Spain at the moment with another couple and their kids. DH and I have one DS (13)

a bit of backstory relevant to this is when I was 11 I was pushed out of a boat on the lake in the Lake District on a school residential trip and was not allowed to get changed until the rest of the activities that afternoon were finished. So I was wet and freezing cold. It also took someone ages to respond to the fact I had been pushed out the boat, so ever since then I have had a phobia of cold water and being out my depth. It’s got to the point where a single spash can freak me out so I stay out of the pool as I know it’s unreasonable on a family resort to ask kids not to splash. it’s my problem and I deal with it.

anyway fast forward the last 2 days we have been sat on sunbeds and there is a family of 3 kids with water guns just squirting them at everyone on the sunbeds. The first time I jumped out of my skin. My husband asked them to stop and other people have asked them to stop including a family with a child with autism who was getting really upset. The parents just shrug and said we are by a pool so we should expect it. Eventually the mothers of the child with autism when to get one of the staff members and they were told to pack it in.

today they were back doing the same thing. They got me twice and once in the face which really panicked me. The staff at the pool today were not bothered and would not tell them to stop so I spend the afternoon sitting away from the pool. I had been there about 10 minutes with my eyes shut before I feel this cold water on my face and one of the little buggers and stood there spraying right in my face. Well I feel off the chair and have injured my shoulder. My husband marched up to the staff and demanded the manager of the hotel. The lifeguard then actually asked the family to stop.

Then coming back from evening meal tonight and we were suddenly all covered with water and one of the little buggers was stood outside his chalet squirting people going past but this time he has obviously been bought the biggest super soaker in the shop. The boy laughed and shouted “dad it’s the lady who screams when she is squirted” (I didn’t really scream just let out a yelp a few times). The dad burst out laughing. I had to hold DH back from confronting him. (The dad is built like a brick shit house and looks the type that would punch someone just for fun)

anyway we when to reception and reported them but the staff don’t seem bothered. I kind of feel these boys will be out to get me tomorrow as they obviously find my reaction funny. the parents don’t give a toss

we have 3 days left and I don’t want to be looking over my shoulder all the time. What can I do or am I being unreasonable about all this

They are bullies. I’d probably scream too if i got soaked by water when i wasn’t expecting it. Sorry it’s spoiled your holiday.

Noodles1234 · 30/05/2026 21:10

I am near mortified that this is parenting at a very low level. At what point do you not as parents say it is not suitable and take them elsewhere with water guns. I am so sorry you have found the arse end of humanity, and dang they sound British to boot.

YourCoralCritic · 30/05/2026 20:43

How annoying! I'd buy something really loud & accidently make a helluva noise outside their chalet in the middle of the night... It wouldn't surprise me if the family had bunged the staff a big tip to turn a blind eye! Horrible family...name and shame as OP said. Try & enjoy the rest of your holiday! 💐

thestudio · 30/05/2026 20:42

Your phobia is not the issue! They are behaving anti-socially and the management need to deal with it all much more firmly.

I honestly think the best thing you could do is go round to other families and get the room numbers (no names, so people don't worry they'll be targeted by the hooligan family) of people who will be leaving a really REALLY bad review if this family is not come down much harder upon.

Mrsmch123 · 30/05/2026 20:41

Take the toy and break it!
just because your by the pool doesn't mean it's free rein to soak everyone! To wet yous at night is even more unacceptable!
some people just drag their kids up unfortunately

LightUpLavender · 30/05/2026 20:22

Confront them… ‘built like a brick shit house’ or not they are relying on you not confronting them so see what happens when you defy their expectations.

beeble347 · 30/05/2026 20:20

Meaowth33 · 29/05/2026 01:36

Do you really say 'sat' instead of 'say'?

Show quote history

😂😂

EmmaB1309 · 30/05/2026 19:51

SheSaidHummingbird · 29/05/2026 01:24

Do you really sat 'when' instead of 'went'?

The irony….

itsgettingweird · 30/05/2026 13:58

Blueeyedstork · 29/05/2026 14:54

I have been member of mumsnet for years.
i believe troll hunting is still not allowed.

I was a holiday rep for years.

I absolutely can believe every detail of what you post.

these families holiday live amongst us 🙄

Original poster
Blueeyedstork · 29/05/2026 23:31

I am trying to deal with my phobia. If the water is nice and warm I have no issue getting in it at all. It’s when it has that chill as soon as it goes past my legs I start having a panic attack. I worked with my husband last year at a quieter resort and did manage to dip my shoulders in and lie on a lilo, I was very proud of myself. I will also paddle in the sea.

this resort though is full of kids. The water is pretty cold and I know I will get splashed by kids just playing normally so I have kept away from the pool. It’s not spoiled the holiday as DS has his friend, my DH and his friends Dad will go in the pools no issue. My best mate who is the mum of the other kids is disabled and she struggles with the pool and stuff so we have been quite happy chatting and having a few drinks. I then get involved with the out of pool stuff such as crazy golf and football etc x

OP posts:
Candy24 · 29/05/2026 23:27

Im so sorry you are on a holiday with this behaviour. I do believe you too as their are a few parents like this. We were at the park recently and their was a family that were getting kicks out of upsetting others. It was like weird how the mum was proud the kids were disrupting others. Their son went to bully my 8yr old with ASD so my 12yr old walked over and he is a solid kid. Stood there and smiled at the boy. Boy suddenly decided my 8yr old wasn't a great target. lol Honestly I was in shock that any of this was happening in a public park. I had little ones there as well. The dad looked like a right thug. I don't get it never will. Anyway we ended up leaving as it wasn't worth the stress. But on a holiday that would totally suck.

Candy24 · 29/05/2026 23:18

TinyRebel · 29/05/2026 00:25

Take their toy and break it.

This. Over and Over again.

JayJayEl · 29/05/2026 20:46

DyslexicPoster · 29/05/2026 16:36

The fucking irony.

Show quote history

I bloody love this thread of replies, especially considering your username, @DyslexicPoster ! 😂😂

fouroclockrock · 29/05/2026 19:51

Glad they have been dealt with more forcefully. It’s horrible for the others who have also had encounters with them but at least you have the peace of mind that they didn’t just have it in for you. They must be notorious wherever they live. How do people end up like this?

Poppy61 · 29/05/2026 19:39

justjuggling · 29/05/2026 04:04

Buy a large water gun and ‘accidentally’ spray the parents when they are reading or napping and the same to the boy when he’s eating. Make sure his lunch gets nice and soggy. 😀

Perfect. They could hardly complain!

MiddleAgedDread · 29/05/2026 19:26

TallSturdyGirl · 29/05/2026 01:51

For the sake of the holiday csn you go rent a car dor the rest of the trip or get a bus and go somewhere away from the awful family? It mighr be more fun and you won't be on edge.
If you are skint, and have all inclusive you can get a packed lunch.so just the cost of a bus/car.

Why should they change their plans or be out of pocket to accommodate one family of idiots?
hold on……are these your kids??

montysmaw · 29/05/2026 19:21

Justyouwaitandseeagain · 29/05/2026 04:33

Are you travelling with a holiday company? If so get your rep involved. Explain your full personal back story if you feel able to emphasise why it is so important that they address this for you. Being splashed by the pool is one thing, being deliberately and repeatedly targeted including on the way back from dinner is another. The reps should take it up with the hotel or other family on your behalf. Could they move you or the other family? Do not back down and let the hotel / company get away without dealing with this.

Bucket of water. Everytime they splash you bucket of water in face of parent.

ZingyLemonMoose · 29/05/2026 19:12

Buy one yourself and put undiluted ribena in it

NotThisShitAgain121 · 29/05/2026 18:05

How do you get your own back on feral kids who keep firing water guns at you to the point of you being injured? Their parents just laugh and enable this behaviour
18:02
That's really frustrating — parental indifference makes it so much harder to resolve. Here are your best options when the parents are part of the problem:
Bypass the parents entirely
Since the parents are useless, don't waste more energy on them. Go straight to whoever has authority over the space.
If at a hotel/resort

  • Escalate firmly to the duty manager or general manager — not just front desk staff. Explain the parents have been approached and are encouraging it.
  • Use the word "injury" and ask them to log a formal incident report. This triggers their insurance and liability obligations and tends to produce fast results.
  • Request that the family be banned from the pool area or given a formal warning. Resorts can and do remove guests for this.
If in a public space
  • Local police or beach wardens — with parents actively enabling it, this shifts from nuisance to something more serious.
  • In the UK, parents can be held responsible for their children's behaviour under antisocial behaviour legislation.

Document everything

  • Film it discreetly on your phone — parents laughing and encouraging is actually important evidence that the behaviour is deliberate and enabled.
  • Photograph any injuries.
The satisfying legal angle
  • Repeatedly causing physical injury, even with a water gun, can constitute assault regardless of the child's age.
  • Parents who actively encourage it could potentially share liability.
Nuclear option
  • A calm, direct conversation in front of witnesses where you make clear you're considering involving police tends to cut through even the most brazen parents.
tommyhoundmum · 29/05/2026 18:01

Blueeyedstork · 29/05/2026 00:14

We are in Spain at the moment with another couple and their kids. DH and I have one DS (13)

a bit of backstory relevant to this is when I was 11 I was pushed out of a boat on the lake in the Lake District on a school residential trip and was not allowed to get changed until the rest of the activities that afternoon were finished. So I was wet and freezing cold. It also took someone ages to respond to the fact I had been pushed out the boat, so ever since then I have had a phobia of cold water and being out my depth. It’s got to the point where a single spash can freak me out so I stay out of the pool as I know it’s unreasonable on a family resort to ask kids not to splash. it’s my problem and I deal with it.

anyway fast forward the last 2 days we have been sat on sunbeds and there is a family of 3 kids with water guns just squirting them at everyone on the sunbeds. The first time I jumped out of my skin. My husband asked them to stop and other people have asked them to stop including a family with a child with autism who was getting really upset. The parents just shrug and said we are by a pool so we should expect it. Eventually the mothers of the child with autism when to get one of the staff members and they were told to pack it in.

today they were back doing the same thing. They got me twice and once in the face which really panicked me. The staff at the pool today were not bothered and would not tell them to stop so I spend the afternoon sitting away from the pool. I had been there about 10 minutes with my eyes shut before I feel this cold water on my face and one of the little buggers and stood there spraying right in my face. Well I feel off the chair and have injured my shoulder. My husband marched up to the staff and demanded the manager of the hotel. The lifeguard then actually asked the family to stop.

Then coming back from evening meal tonight and we were suddenly all covered with water and one of the little buggers was stood outside his chalet squirting people going past but this time he has obviously been bought the biggest super soaker in the shop. The boy laughed and shouted “dad it’s the lady who screams when she is squirted” (I didn’t really scream just let out a yelp a few times). The dad burst out laughing. I had to hold DH back from confronting him. (The dad is built like a brick shit house and looks the type that would punch someone just for fun)

anyway we when to reception and reported them but the staff don’t seem bothered. I kind of feel these boys will be out to get me tomorrow as they obviously find my reaction funny. the parents don’t give a toss

we have 3 days left and I don’t want to be looking over my shoulder all the time. What can I do or am I being unreasonable about all this

I would be livid