Teenage/young adult dilemma - opinions please

[WorryOrNotWorry]

My teens/young adults have been really good through all of lockdown. They went no where apart from work and those that studied, carried on studying. It's been hard for them. But now restrictions are lifting, the older two have been to the pub a few times and the youngest, round the town. I believe they're keeping to all social distancing rules!

Dilemmas
1 - Eldest wants to go to a theme park at weekend with group of his friends. Now, I'm not sure a theme park is best place to go but I suppose we have to trust the organisers have appropriate measures in place. What do you think?
2 - All four are planning on going in one car. That's against the guidance! Should they go in separate cars (2 drive, 2 dont) and/or public transport?
3 - travel to theme park is not essential travel. Should they go?

DH and I are conformists and stick to rules/guidance. But it has been hard on the youngsters and they do deserve a bit of fun. I can't stop him going - he's over 18 and an adult. But I can say my bit!

Yes they should go. Can they take 2 cars? Holidays aren’t essential travel, yet they’re being encouraged... surely if the theme parks are open we’re allowed to go...? I agree the advice is conflicting.

I think it's fine.

With regards to the car, I think if they're going to be with each other as a group all day, it makes absolutely no difference so I'd just let them all go in one car.

I think they should travel separately. There's a big difference between being in an enclosed car and being outside at the park. That said, the weather forecast is good for the weekend so maybe they can have the windows open for the journey.

Lots of measures in place at theme parks and it's outside anyway.

I'd be happy with one car, climate change is a bigger problem than Covid. As long as no one in any of their families are vulnerable then I'd let them go, they've been locked down long enough.

I would allow my dd to go (2 cars)

I'd say they are fine to go. The guidance for essentially travel only is no longer in place.

How old are they? Its a hard decision. If they go, stock them up well with masks and dettol wipes, to clean every ride before they sit on it. How long is the journey? The problem with public transport is not knowing how crowded it will be, or whether it will run at all.

I am not a huge fan of lockdown anyway.
I have not objected to adult DC doing such things -- DD has gone on holiday with friends, even.

I'd probably moan about nightclubs or pubs -- funny enough, DC aren't going to pubs. They know a skint future beckons, already.

Thanks for answers, opinion seems to be they should go.

No one vulnerable in any of their homes I don't think although one mum is nurse and one has elderly grandparent at home. They are aged 19/20, car journey about 2hrs depending on traffic. They say they'll take masks (I think theme parks states masks to be worn) and hand sanitiser. But, you know boys

I'm just anxious they don't put themselves or anyone at home at risk. And stick to the rules! Hate all the extra worries this brings

DS went to Alton Towers a couple of weeks ago with his cousins when we were on holiday in England. He had an amazing time.

That said they said it was difficult to social distance and during the rides when they had the masks on, they got sprayed with mist - thus rendering the masks useless .

I let DS go, because it's been a long joyless 4 months for him stuck at home with his parents. if numbers go up in winter, it will be a long joyless autumn and winter.

Your call at the end of the day.

Get them to strip off on the doormat when they come back, shove all their clothes straight in the washing machine, and tell them to shower straight away

Are you in England ? Because we've been allowed non-essential travel for months.

Very difficult for the young person living with their elderly grandparent . Outside of this they absolutely should be doing this trip. Any concerns about travelling in the same car then just open the window and/ or wear a mask .

Are any of these young people going to be going away to university / college in September?

Given the likelihood of a second wave and difficult times this winter , I really believe that young , healthy people need to be getting out and enjoying themselves as much as they can now whilst they can do things out of doors

up to a point, but the more young people " get out an enjoy themselves" now, the worse the winter is going to be....

I really don’t get those saying that young people need to get out more in case of a second wave in the winter. There will be a second wave in winter if young people get out more and break the rules now, look at Spain it’s the younger people driving the rise in infections! I’m all for people enjoying summer but please stick to the rules so we can try and avoid an awful winter. Maybe say yes to the theme park but they travel there separately?

I wasn't suggesting that people necessarily break the rules ie don't have a house party but a get together in a garden is fine , and so is a theme park Sometimes you need to risk assess (ie be sensible ) eg travel together in a car - with the windows shut and breathing everyone's air in - not fine. Travelling in a car with the windows open and masks - fine .

@Racoonworld

I really don’t get those saying that young people need to get out more in case of a second wave in the winter. There will be a second wave in winter if young people get out more and break the rules now, look at Spain it’s the younger people driving the rise in infections! I’m all for people enjoying summer but please stick to the rules so we can try and avoid an awful winter. Maybe say yes to the theme park but they travel there separately?

No one is talking about 'breaking the rules' except you.

What they are planning is within the rules and in fact actually encouraged because if we don't have an economy you can say goodbye to the NHS, benefits, council services and much much more.

There is no point them travelling separately, they are spending time together already, it just makes it more expensive and less fun.

I hope they get to go and have a fantastic time.

Just though I'd update as I got some honest opinions and things to think about here.

The boys decided they would go and take two cars (each would "chauffeur" the other sitting in the back with windows open!). They agreed to take plenty of antibac and I also bought some single use wipes for them to wipe over ride seats/handles etc.

They sat down yesterday morning to book online to go tomorrow when Boris made his latest announcement! After a flurry of texts/WhatsApp (whatever they do!) they decided to postpone...

I'm proud they made their decision between them and on balance, decided to not take any risks. Perhaps they're actually growing up!!

I'm very sad their summer has been messed about with, the last long lazy summer before one goes off to the Navy, two to Uni (maybe) and one into an apprenticeship.

They sound like intelligent and thoughtful young people. I hope they get their trip another time. Best wishes to them all.