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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
Hopp · 27/04/2018 21:57

I went to Alton towers on a school trip (unsupervised whilst in there) at age 12. I loved it. I’m quite strict and a worrier, but I don’t see a problem with this

Crunched · 27/04/2018 21:57

I'd be more worried about a 'flakey' parent driving a carload of youngsters than letting them loose in a family-friendly theme park.
Arrangements should have been made clear in advance but you will cause upset for your DS if you cancel now, and that may encourage him to be less than detailed about future arrangements made with pals.

Shiftymake · 27/04/2018 21:58

Me and my friends- all girls- took 2 buses for a day at a theme park alone from the age of 11 though the eldest was 12. We had done odd jobs for months beforehand and saved up money so that we could go on these trips as we made this to a yearly event. I would say your ds is probably safer than me and my mates as no one drove us.

CalF123 · 27/04/2018 21:59

YABVU

It's 5 13 ur old boys at a theme park, not at a strip club.

Charlie97 · 27/04/2018 22:00

YABVU, what is your actually issue with them enjoying a day out? They're in a large but confined area?

RedDwarves · 27/04/2018 22:01

YABU. They're 12/13. More than capable of spending a day at a theme park without having a parent trail them.

Charlie97 · 27/04/2018 22:02

@AthenaAshton, what theme park does t let under 18s in alone? Jesus they can drive themselves there and shag on the way!!

youarenotkiddingme · 27/04/2018 22:04

I'm pretty sure most insist anyone under 14 has someone over 16 or 18 with them?

Original poster
fleaflyflo · 27/04/2018 22:05

No issue at all with them having a marvellous day in an enclosed space. All I require is at least one known adult in the vicinity should they need assistance at any point. No bigee IMO

OP posts:
Original poster
fleaflyflo · 27/04/2018 22:07

Also mainly narked that they didn't give us other parents the heads up. Wouldn't have even known if the Dad didn't let slip to DH tonight at pub Hmm

OP posts:
Charlie97 · 27/04/2018 22:09

But what assistance do you anticipate?

Mylittleboopeep · 27/04/2018 22:10

I let my 12.5 year old DD get the bus into town (City actually) two weeks ago with three friends. Yes I was worried and unsure whether I was doing the right thing but I honestly think it's good to let them have some independence. Obviously you know your son and whether he's sensible etc. However she is not allowed to hang around the village in the evenings. We all have different boundaries but I do agree with your DH

I do agree though that the parents should have been clear on the arrangements.

theeyeofthestormchaser · 27/04/2018 22:12

Well, you have to be 14 to get into Thorpe Park without an adult - but I don’t think there are checks on the age of guests....

Which theme park is it?

What are you expecting to happen? Staff are very strict on safety on the rides - so are you worried about them getting into mischief between ride?

Rudi44 · 27/04/2018 22:13

I think I would let my 12 yr old go, but I would be sick with worry all day long. I know it's irrational but I would be far more comfortable if the adult at the very least was close by and contactable. The fact they are going to a cinema would concern me.

Original poster
fleaflyflo · 27/04/2018 22:15

Charlie who knows - could be major, could be nothing, with everything in between.

If it was me In charge of other people's 12 year olds I wouldn't be making sweeping assumptions that it was ok to just leave them to it in a venue like this. Much rather suck up the entry cost and drink coffee all day

OP posts:
babydreamer1 · 27/04/2018 22:15

Its a only the same as when they go with school, taken there, let go around and arranged time/place to meet. Let him go just make sure he has his phone and the number of the adult taking them.

Doh9899 · 27/04/2018 22:16

Did you expect them to chaperone your nearly teenage child the whole day? Its not a school trip and even then schools let them go off on their own

GreenTulips · 27/04/2018 22:16

comfort factor of having a known adult close by should anything happen

They have staff and trained medics/first aides

They have telephones and lost property

They have tannoys for kids can find their friends (or they agree to meet at X if anyone goes missing

If you are desperate for a parent onnsote - why don't you volunteer to pay £50 and sit in the cafe all day?

Charlie97 · 27/04/2018 22:17

@theeyeofthestormchaser

ARTICLES IN THIS SECTION
Why am I unable to book for my selected visit date?
Can I buy tickets on the day?
How do I book with my complimentary tickets?
What age can children visit on their own?
WHAT AGE CAN CHILDREN VISIT ON THEIR OWN?
Our Resort regulations state:
“No child or children under the age of 12 will be admitted to the Attraction unless they are accompanied by an adult aged 18 years or over and such child or children whilst on site must remain under the control or supervision of an adult at all times. Merlin reserves the right, in its absolute discretion, to change the age restrictions referred to in this condition, if any particular circumstances so require in the interests of safety and security”.

From the Thorpe Park website, it would be a moot point if the age restriction was 14.

Happygummibear · 27/04/2018 22:17

I went to theme parks with school at the age however we had to check in with teachers during the day.

I wouldn't be happy if a parent wasn't on site for them to speak to if needed or for staff to contact if someone was to get hurt

Original poster
fleaflyflo · 27/04/2018 22:18

GreenTulip maybe I would have volunteered had I'd been given some notice!

OP posts:
intuition · 27/04/2018 22:18

My son (12 last year) was at Thorpe Park with a friend last year and lost his bag. Staff were fantastic. Boys called me, security took me in to help them and stayed with me. Bag was found and I was super impressed with TP.

Original poster
fleaflyflo · 27/04/2018 22:18

Also huge difference between hand holding and sitting in cafe

OP posts:
Charlie97 · 27/04/2018 22:19

It's unlikely to me major and if it's minor then they will deal with it. That's what makes them grow up. Life experiences.

Maybe they should've run it past you, but still think they should be able to go!

Could you go with them and sit in the cafe instead?

Wintertime4 · 27/04/2018 22:20

No I would not be happy either. It’s not fair in the theme park either, they aren’t childminders. What if one of them got ill or wandered off. Just a bit silly stupid parenting.

And yes I was allowed out on my own at 5 but thank goodness we are more grown up now and take better care of our kids!

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