Lying about child's age for free admission

[user1489773847]

Costing out a day trip to the zoo, now that DC has turned two have to factor in their ticket cost. DH says that we should just say he isn't yet two so it's free, and that everyone does it. Just wondered what the general consensus is on this? I feel bad lying but see his point that DS is still pretty young and could end up napping through a lot of it so won't necessarily benefit.

ArchNotImpudent We all lie. I believe people lie more often for 'benign' reasons than for malignant ones. Sometimes that is justified but sometimes even if for the best intentions, it's not a good idea.

I don't tell lies in order to make me or other people feel better if I judge it's all going to end in a big fuck up. I am one of those people who thinks ahead. This kind of approach tends to make me unpopular with people who think: 'Quick! Let's lie. Who'll find out?'

But I reject the idea that lying about your kid being five instead of six in order to get cheap entry to a zoo is a slippery slope to hell

People who can afford necessities but nothing else should then never go to a zoo, or a museum, or a theme park if they can't quite afford it

This is the point people keep missing - there is a big gap between being able to afford 'necessities but nothing else' and being unable to 'quite afford' a trip to a zoo, museum or theme park. If you can afford an adult ticket, you can wait until you can afford a child ticket too - or you could choose a cheaper attraction and go immediately.

The case of people who can't afford any element of a trip, or bus fares, is a different matter altogether and was not the subject of the thread. If the OP had said 'I've never been able to afford a trip to the zoo for my family' that would be an entirely different question.

We're talking about people who can afford at least one adult ticket, possibly two adult tickets and possibly ticket(s) for an older child/children - to an expensive attraction - wanting to sneak in another child for free. Do you really see that in the same light as your mum not being able to afford your bus fares?

I pretend my 12 year old is 11 so that they can travel free on the tube with me.

I don't think I'm going to hell for it.

Do it all the time at ikea since they only take 3 year olds lol

There's a poster on here who is doing the online equivalent of a five year old stamping their foot and turning their back on anyone who disagrees with them, it ranks amongst the most ridiculous and laughable behaviour I have ever seen on MN. One after the other posters are told they will now be ignored purely for disagreeing and refusing to alter their stance. I find myself completely befuddled how someone can behave in this way and wonder how anyone on this thread can possibly taking that person seriously. And trifle you may not be talking to me but I am certainly talking about you

If you can afford an adult ticket, you can wait until you can afford a child ticket too - or you could choose a cheaper attraction and go immediately.

Again you telling people what they should and should not do. You are not discussing ideas you are telling people how to manage their money and their leisure time

here is a big gap between being able to afford 'necessities but nothing else' and being unable to 'quite afford' a trip to a zoo, museum or theme park

There isn't though. You're still telling people that they shouldn't go to things because YOU don't think its ok.
And they should care what you think because.....?

I want more out of life than scrimping and scraping and going without, you only get one life, there won't be any awards at the end because you knew your place. Two disabled children and being a lone parent means my life is rather hard work anyway. If I can get in a bit cheaper or avoid a bus or train fare for a few months, I certainly will and I won't make any apologies for it.

Quing for ski passes once, the lady in the kiosk asked of a member of our party.. Kinder? Ja says our German speaking friend. Gets the ski passes and hands the "kinder" pass to "child" of 30 years age...

Being short has advantages.

But I reject the idea that lying about your kid being five instead of six in order to get cheap entry to a zoo is a slippery slope to hell

I think that's where we differ - I see things like this as contributing to a more general moral decline - a world in which it's OK to lie and cheat 'a little bit' more easily transforms into a world in which lying, cheating and corruption become the norm - not overnight, possibly not even in a generation, but once the seed is sown, it's all downhill.

I do believe people should take a stance on the small things - of course it's unrealistic to say you'll never lie, or cheat - but it should be a standard people aspire to, and it's certainly not a stance I'd consider worth compromising for the sake of saving the entry fee to a zoo.

And they should care what you think because.....?

Well, because this is a discussion forum, in which people exchange ideas and opinions. I care what you think, hence I'm trying to respond thoughtfully to your posts. If you don't care what I think, why don't you just ignore me?

I do believe people should take a stance on the small things -

See I believe the little things mean jack shit uf those above you are morally corrupt any way.

MPs are constantly lying cheating and stealing. They are having affairs and are involved in sex rings. Dont you think those in a position of power should lead the way?

Why is it the poor peoples job to change society when those who lead and represent our country are stealing, lying and cheating?

MPs are constantly lying cheating and stealing. They are having affairs and are involved in sex rings. Dont you think those in a position of power should lead the way?

Yes, I agree with you totally on this point. I despair at corruption in high places, and perhaps we shouldn't be surprised at moral laxity in the 'everyday' world when such a poor example is set.

However, just because I'm not in a position of power doesn't mean I won't try to change society for the better where it's within my gift, which means striving to avoid corruption in my personal life. I stand by my point that that's something it's everyone's duty to do and if some of those in power choose to abdicate this responsibility, that doesn't stop others, regardless of income, trying to do their part

Arch nobody is saying you are wrong for doing that but its your constant telling others what they should and should not do and that they are setting their children on the road to hell thats issue. You are not the moral compass for us all. Its that attitude that makes you sound like an arsehole.

You clearly are not poor. You can tell by your lack of empathy.

@Trifleorbust oh yes, my DC will probably lie about their age for admissions into anything when they're teenagers because they'll distinctly remember that one time mummy told the nice person at the zoo kiosk that they were under 2.

Toddlers have amazing memories don't they?

Sookie I'm expressing my views on a forum, just as you are - there's no more to it than that. No one is forced to agree, or change what they do in life - I'm just stating what I believe. I don't claim to be poor - or rich for that matter - my income is pretty average.

... and I haven't said anything about anyone going to hell. I'm an agnostic - I don't believe in the concept of hell. It's the world we live in now that I'm concerned about.

I've done it and still do for about a year past the age they should be. For example a train fair is adult at 16 but child at 15. Why is it not adult at 18?

Giddyaunt Maybe a throwback to when leaving school at 16 was common? It does seem out of date now.

Yes that's what I thought Arch . I do sometimes think its ok to break these rules when I think they're outdated, which Is out of character as I'm such a good girl normally!

I remember really well the many many times my parents lied about my age. I also remember the times I was punished for lying. And the times I escaped punishment by lying.

By the time I had children I was really uncomfortable with lying, and although we put stockings out for them and made the contents really special, I didn't drive the Santa mythology- I let the children. When they asked questions about Father Christmas, I said 'I'm not sure, what do you think?'

Of course I have lied. The odd one slips out now, though I kick myself and wonder what it was about the situation which left me unable to deal with it honestly.

Like I have said several times, I've no objection to people doing what is expedient, but would prefer they call it what it is. I'm not judging people for being poor, or saying they shouldn't ever have anything nice. The world should be a fairer place and I do a lot of community work to help that happen.

I'm not sure lying to get cheap tickets will help that happen.

Don't see a problem with saying he's 2. The day will be expensive and the zoo is still getting plenty.

Have you seen the crazy video where an adult hides in a pram and sneaks in to a theme park? Now that is pushing it but it is funny to watch.

Giddyaunt18 Well, I won't risk any more accusations of 'telling other people what to do' on a moral level but on a purely practical level, it's risky - the rail companies are notorious for throwing the book at people who have the wrong type of ticket.

But how would hey know? She has no ID.