AIBU Should seating at swimming etc be reserved for adults

[ItsdefnotmeItsyou]

So we go to swimming lessons, the lessons are 45mins long and my 2 children go one after the other, so I’m there for 1hr30mins. There’s 2 lessons at a time in the pool, up to max 8 children per class, but usually about 12/13 total. There aren’t many parents with more than 1 child swimming at a time so usually there are 12/13 or so parents plus some siblings maybe 3-5. There are however only 8/9 chairs. There’s not enough seats for all adults let alone children. More often than not, there are youngish children occupying seats, Or worse, Nintendo switches and such reserving seats that don’t end up sat on for the majority of the lesson. This leaves the adults to stand for 45mins(or in my case potentially 1 1/2 hours-although I can usually get a seat at changeover time if I didn’t have one) or sit on the floor in 1 of only 2 appropriate spaces to do so(some adults don’t mind standing and there are a few that always choose to stand up and watch even if seats are available- that’s their prerogative - I however do suffer with back pain (not that I expect anyone to know that) but that’s my reason for needing/wanting to sit and probably why it annoys me more than if I didn’t have an issue standing) When I have a seat I won’t let my other child occupy a seat unless it is clear no adult wishes to sit there (rarely) and even then if an adult is after a seat I will let them have it. We have also just changed which day we swim so encountered a whole different set of parents and the situation is exactly the same. AIBU to think this is just rude and inconsiderate? Or should children still have priority on a first come basis?

Why on earth would we teach our children to have manners - according to mumsnetters. Of course the pampered snowflakes should have priority over everyone - especially the older generations who DO have manners.

sadly it’s the fault of their parents who give no thought to others and instill a sense of entitlement into their children.

We live in wonderful times.

@Joeslaol00 you are making a generalisation that we can't. I'll find it an insult for a child to give their seat to me.

Surely the average adult is more capable of standing than a young child who has likely had a day at school and often a swimming lesson? Surely that's why children need to go to bed before adults?

Funny how parents posting on this site who have worked a full day and done several hours of childcare at each end are always complaining about how exhausted they are, then. Children need more sleep for correct development, not because they are more tired than their parents.

I didn’t write that all can’t! I said it’s a generalisation that all can sit on floor. Sorry you’re so offended by a person , whatever their age for being thoughtful.

I will be very offended if a kid offer their seat to me because they think I am elderly.

@ReadyForPumpkins you’re part of the problem then. I think I can reasonably be classed as elderly. Yes, in an absolute sense I could stand, but I think it is a nice gesture on the part of a child to offer a seat and I wouldn’t want to throw their kindness back in their face by refusing, or cause them not to offer again when it may be for someone who really needs it. Also my sense of self esteem is not affected by a child thinking that I’m old enough to warrant a seat.

Absolutely this. I'm a bit blown away by the replies here. Now we know where all those entitled teens who wouldn't give up their seat on a bus to an elderly person have got their shocking manners from.

And as for the adult who would be insulted by a child offering them a seat, the correct response would be to thank them for being thoughtful and politely decline. The next person that they offer it to might be grateful/in need of a seat.

where i live, grandparents take kids swimming not parents