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Original poster

To not let DS go to theme park

226 replies

fleaflyflo · 27/04/2018 20:45

Need some perspective on this please...

DS (12) due to go to a large 'attraction' tomorrow with a group of 6 friends for a 13th birthday treat. I was always under the impression that both parents were going in with them, however With less than 12 hours before they set off it appears that one parent is staying at home and whilst the other (flaky) parent will drive them, is not actually going in.

I am furious that
A) they didn't run it passed us
B) they would even consider leaving other people's children alone.

One of the mums's has already said her DS won't be going but DH thinks i am totally overacting.

For perspective we all live in a small rural village and just going into the local town independently is a big deal, let alone a huge theme park.

OP posts:
Grumpbum · 27/04/2018 20:46

I’d be really unhappy about this but how much trouble can a 12 yr old get into in a theme park?

DameSaggyMith · 27/04/2018 20:47

I don't see the problem.

MetalMidget · 27/04/2018 20:48

It's pretty bad that they didn't run it past you, but I wouldn't see an issue with it. I was going to theme parks on coach trips with my friends unsupervised from about the age of 10.

Kpo58 · 27/04/2018 20:49

They are 12, not 4. Are you expecting your DS and his friends to all be running off in different directions whilst striping?

Why do you think both parents need to be there?

adaline · 27/04/2018 20:49

I don't see the problem.

Theme parks are self-contained and pretty tame really. What do you think will happen to them?

chocatoo · 27/04/2018 20:49

I think he will be fine, probably safer there than in town. Let him go, he'll have a blast.

CeeCeeMacFay · 27/04/2018 20:50

I let my ds do this at 12, you can't supervise them forever.

Aquamarine1029 · 27/04/2018 20:50

I would not be happy. At all. A group of boys that young need a proper chaperone. I'd be surprised if park management will allow it.

Bobbybobbins · 27/04/2018 20:51

I would say it's ok to let them go but I agree that they should have let you know.

Paleblue · 27/04/2018 20:51

I don't think you are over reacting.

Lonesurvivor · 27/04/2018 20:51

They're been driven there and dropped off? I wouldnt be happy with that, while I wouldnt expect an adult to be policing their every move I would expect them to at least be in the theme park and not at home.

Notevilstepmother · 27/04/2018 20:51

I’d possibly leave a group of that age to wander in the attraction and check in with me every couple of hours while I have a cup of tea, (with mobile phone numbers and where to find me and instructions to ask staff for help etc etc.) but to not go in at all is irresponsible. It’s not fair on the staff if something did happen.

TalkFastThinkSlow · 27/04/2018 20:52

I see kids at the theme park without parents all the time, especially around that age. I was doing that sort of thing all the time myself. I agree with your DH

Original poster
fleaflyflo · 27/04/2018 20:52

That's what DH keeps saying, what with the level of security but it just doesn't sit well.

Even if one of them parked up in an on-site cafe that would be enough. Not expecting the boys to
to be followed around but to my mind there should be the comfort factor of having a known adult close by should anything happen

OP posts:
northbynorthwesty · 27/04/2018 20:52

Is one parent staying in the car / car park ? So contactable by phone if there is a prob ?

NapQueen · 27/04/2018 20:52

Thye should have let you know. And if I was the parent I would be inside the theme park at an agreed place with all their mobiles for the day.

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 27/04/2018 20:53

12 year olds are fine alone imo.

NapQueen · 27/04/2018 20:54

Also if they went with school they wouldnt be chaperoned. Teachers would be dotted around the park and the kids would just go round in little unsupervised groups throughout the day

adaline · 27/04/2018 20:54

But what do you think will happen? There are loads of staff on site if one of them gets sick or anything.

Puffycat · 27/04/2018 20:54

I’m afraid I agree with you, although my DH would not!
Firstly, I think it’s appalling that you weren’t given all the facts sooner so you could have made a decision earlier so as not to upset DS.
I think if you’ hosting a party you are responsible for the other kids and I would not be happy with a group of 12 yo running around a theme park unsupervised.
If you’re really unhappy, go with your gut!
Good luck!

ShawshanksRedemption · 27/04/2018 20:54

If it's somewhere like Alton Towers, any children 12 and under must have an adult 18+ accompany them.

Yvest · 27/04/2018 20:54

No way. I’d be happy to sit with my kindle and coffee but I would not be happy for no adult to be there especially after the safety issues at theme parks over the last couple of years

ShawshanksRedemption · 27/04/2018 20:55

Oops pressed too quick....

Therefore check the theme park restrictions.

see support.altontowers.com/hc/en-us/articles/115003485272-From-what-age-do-you-consider-a-guest-an-Adult-

Banalarama · 27/04/2018 20:56

I went to theme parks on a coach with my school friends aged 12 and it was totally fine. We had no mobiles in those days. I had a very sheltered upbringing in some ways, strict parents etc. I’d be nervous about my own kids but I’m so grateful that my Mum and Dad let me have lots of independence where I wanted it. I think your DH is right.

MyDcAreMarvel · 27/04/2018 20:56

Schools let 12 year olds go round by themselves , you are being ridiculous.

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