Overzealous security guards?

[MyGhastIsFlabbered]

So, I don’t know if I’m being unreasonable because I’m tired...but we went to Chessington today. Me, DP and DP's daughter were queueing fit a ride that my DCs (aged 11 and 8) didn’t want to go on so they were just waiting near the entrance IN MY SIGHT. Anyway, at one point I looked over and 2 security guards were talking to DCs. Apparently another visitor had expressed concern to a member of staff so security had come over to check it out. The security guards expressed surprise that the boys were as old as they were because they’re so tiny (they are both very short for their age) But I said I completely trusted them to stay where I told them to. Anyway security said I couldn’t leave them so I left DP and DSS to go on the ride and I waited with DCs. Then the security guard came over again and told me he had to give me a ‘warning’...though what the consequences were I don’t know.

AIBU to think I know my children and know if I can trust them?

I took DS to the GP about his height but she was unconcerned. I do think the hoodie was oversized - DS does not resemble a toddler.

I do think the security guards should have listened to me but I get that there are regulations and it's more than their job's worth to ignore them. So I won't be visiting any theme parks in the near future with DCs

Probably for the best

Just FYI, it’s not cool to leave your kids unattended at lots of other attractions too. I guess the alternative is to supervise them.

@SmidgenofaPigeon

Just FYI, it’s not cool to leave your kids unattended at lots of other attractions too. I guess the alternative is to supervise them.

Gee thanks for that, I never would have thought that other attractions even existed, let alone dreamt of taking DCs to them. Wrist duly slapped, I will ensure DCs are never left unsupervised ever again.

It was a hugely stressful day and I am being a bit of a mardy bum, but I accept I was unreasonable so can we stop the virtual kicking now?

If they didn't want to ride they should have waited in the queue with you all and gone straight through to the exit when you got on.

If they’re that tiny, presumably they could be carried out by an average sized man that could pretend to be their father

Carried all the way to the entrance. Have you seen the size of Chessington. I think a kid shouting he’s not my father we are being abducted over and over as he carries them the mile through the rides and to the exit and the further mile to the car park might have got some reaction. Especially if 2 children quietly stood together got the interest of a member of the public and the security guard.

YABU for picking the date/week that you went. The sheeple flocked to the theme parks on sparrow's fart like as if queuing up for the next iPhone. It's cold, it's dreary, utterly crowded. You would have been lucky to get onto 3 rides before the day was over. Not a nice experience

As for the rest of us on here, just wait it out. Human traffic will peter out back to normal

Was it crowded. Dd was at one of the theme parks today and she said they got on loads of rides (except they did keep breaking down) and it was quite empty

People have different views on what age children can be given some independence. Everyone posting tonight is being nervous nellies. I let my children start walking the (very short, safe) route to our local library when they were 8, have a browse and walk home. The sign in the library said "No under-8s unattended" so it seems fairly normal behaviour. I don't think two similar-age children waiting next to a ride at Chessington is any riskier.