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Original poster

To not want DD to go to Thorpe Park?

233 replies

demo2026 · 15/07/2021 19:26

DD is 15, it is her last day at school tomorrow before the summer holidays. One of the days next week, she wants to go to Thorpe Park with her friends, 2 other girls and one boy. They're all 15, the boy said he's going to pay as his parents are giving him some money.

The problem is, his parents won't be there so it'll be just them. I'm not really comfortable as they're all only 15.

Am I being too overprotective and I should let her go? What are other peoples opinions on this?

OP posts:
Maggiesfarm · 15/07/2021 20:30

I don't see why they can't go, they will be travelling there and back together. It will be a nice day out for them.

SquirtleSquad · 15/07/2021 20:32

Unless there's a huge drip feed then of course they should go!

morepizzapls · 15/07/2021 20:32

@User135792468

Why would you allow the other boy to pay for your dd? It doesn’t sound like a birthday party. It really irks me when adults actively allow their dc to take advantage of other children.

15 yo is more than old enough to go to a theme park.

I don't see how this is remotely taking advantage, sounds like the boys birthday activity/celebration was cancelled when his actual birthday was and his parents asked him what he wants to do now to make up for it - he has clearly said Thorpe park so they have said they will pay for him and a few friends to go. Totally normal and common event.

OP I went to Thorpe park for my 15th birthday with just one other friend and we were both girls (not trying to be stereotypical but my mum was always a bit more concerned about me without someone than my brother). It was absolutely fine. As others have alluded to that was much safer than when I used to tell her I was staying at my best friends house and was actually with a boy, drinking...

I am not looking forward to the teen years with my two lol!

DiscoGlitterBall · 15/07/2021 20:33

Absolutely fine!

But check if they need to book first!

HelloDulling · 15/07/2021 20:34

I would definitely let her go, but I would have a conversation around:

What would you do if Boy suggested you do something you think is a bad idea? What would you say to him?
What would you do if you lost your phone/money?
What time do you need to leave the park to get the train?

Sheerheight · 15/07/2021 20:36

15 is fine. My dd went there last year aged 15, with friends.

They would look silly being there with mum and dad.

Abraxan · 15/07/2021 20:39

I'd have no issues with a teenager going into the theme park on their own. Even in school trips from y7 (sometimes upper key stage 2 too) onwards they tend to go off on their own, only checking in at lunchtime and home time.

I'd also have no issues with 15y children travelling there and back in trains. They are plenty old enough for this.

I would want to confirm that the other child was definitely paying for all, as a birthday treat. They don't want to get there and find out he wasn't or there were mixed messages. I'd feel uncomfortable about them paying for all of it if it wasn't for a special event/occasion tbh.

If you and your Dd have smartphones you could always agree to be able to 'track' her every so often during the day, though once in the park they'd be pretty safe.

CathyorClaire · 15/07/2021 20:43

DD went with a group at around that age (was a while ago) and was fine.

We also left our three dc age 13-16 at Alton Towers with a handful of fast track tickets and strict instructions not to seperate while we went shopping for the afternoon. They and we had a blast.

I'd say go for it.

Liviannaranna · 15/07/2021 20:50

@AllTheUsernamesAreAlreadyTaken

That's a bit young sorry and a bit careless

No it’s not @secular39

If they were on a school trip, it would be reasonable for them to go off alone at that age and be told to meet at a specific time and place.

Yes my son went with his school in year 6 and they allowed them to wonder around alone and meet at the end of the day. So after that trip we dropped/ picked up but they were alone in the park and coped fine. I think it's good to give kids a little bit of independence and theme parks are quite safe environments to start.
GreyhoundG1rl · 15/07/2021 20:51

She'll be fine, but don't let the boy pay; that's a pisstake.

grapewine · 15/07/2021 20:52

I’d be worried if she couldn’t handle such a small amount of independence. I would pay for her ticket though

This. Let her go have fun.

GoWalkabout · 15/07/2021 20:53

I would be fine with this.

mrsm43s · 15/07/2021 20:55

No problem whatsoever with 15 year old going to Thorpe Park with friends and no adults.

I wouldn't let the boy pay for her unless you have actually spoken directly with his parents and they have confirmed that they are happy to pay for his friends as a birthday treat. I'd be a little embarrassed anyway taking such an expensive gift unless I was planning on reciprocating (paying for them both to go to Chessington?) later in the holidays, even if the parents are happy to pay.

Roodicus21 · 15/07/2021 20:55

I would be fine with this, if they were generally sensible in terms of getting trains etc.

ittakes2 · 15/07/2021 20:56

If concerned I would offer to drop them and then wait in a coffee shop nearby just in case. I think loads of kids go at 15.

isthisouting · 15/07/2021 20:59

@Load3

As the mother of a five year old I am aghast. As an ex fifteen year old - I was boozing in parks at that age so a trip to a theme park sounds positively wholesome.
Haha this is exactly my thought! Mum of 3yo - dreading this day. Age 15? My sister took me out clubbing and gave me LSD! (Really really not suggesting that would happen nor recommend it if any 15yos read Mumsnet Grin)
FedNlanders · 15/07/2021 21:00

Mine went to a theme park today with school and aside from the coach they were not supervised at all.

FedNlanders · 15/07/2021 21:01

15 is year 10/11!?

wedswench · 15/07/2021 21:02

Additionally, I have a child with lots of anxiety who couldn't do this and I'm so sad for her. Rejoice in the fact you have a 15 without additional needs and let her have this time doing what 15 year olds should be doing

Floralnomad · 15/07/2021 21:08

I would also let her go but I would pay for the ticket , I think it’s taking advantage letting this boy pay for everyone’s ticket , lockdown birthday or not . Back in the day I was going to gigs from 13 ( with my 14 yo sister) although my dad always insisted on dropping us off and picking us up .

MrsSkylerWhite · 15/07/2021 21:09

I’ve always been anxious about the kids’ safety: I would have allowed this.
How are they getting there? I’d be more worried about the journey and would want to drop off/pick up myself.

Thursa · 15/07/2021 21:24

I’d be fine with her going, I’d cover her ticket/travel expenses though.

FreekStar2 · 15/07/2021 21:25

I let my 15 year old go to Blackpool for the day with friends by themselves- they got the train and didn't get home until 10pm. I didn't have a problem with it. Some of her friends are 16 and they've just finished year 11. We live 80 miles away.

Bibbetybobbity · 15/07/2021 21:25

100% let her go. Teens have missed out on so much, they need their independence and to have a laugh with kids their own age…

headintheproverbial · 15/07/2021 21:30

Let her go. I'm really not sure what you're worried about unless you don't believe where they're going?

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