What age to go to Chessington from Clapham unacompanied Post Reply

[Big Wheel]

Hoping to get some honest feedback from mums and dads on this site. My 12 yr old daughter wants to go to Chessington over next week, last week of the school holidays etc. with 3 other girlfriends. Is it wise for me to let her go at this age? I/we have never been as a family so I have no idea how busy it gets, how big the rides are, how easy the journey is from the station to the park etc. She is pretty sensible but I would prefer she were a bit older but that could just be because she is my eldest. Pressure is on as the others seem to be getting the OK to go but I am just not sure and wondered what others experiences have been and what they would advise.

[muddyboots]

I’ve got exactly the same scenario!
I’ve said no as I feel it’s too young as I also don’t know area, route, how it is over there.

Felt it’s too young to be off in an area far away and so many unknown factors.
No idea if other rowdy groups of teens there etc.

If children this age are nearer home they can leave and always get home quickly if they are uncomfortable or fall out with friends etc

Interested what others think as I’m quite protective compared to other parents….

[muddyboots]

As for pressure, don’t forget kids will all tell their parents the other children are allowed until they get a yes.
Have you spoken to the other parents or is this what your child says ?

It’s hard to be the one who says no, even harder for the child. However, remind yourself you are not their parent and only focus on what you think is best for your child.

Sometimes your child will have friends whose parents are OK with loads of stuff you are not …. Like social media etc. Often these are just random people who happen to have a child at the same school . I’m not letting my morals and values get clouded. But it’s hard at times.

[Flambeau]

I think 12 is a bit too young to travel to a theme park on their own without adult supervision.

It’s not only navigating the travelling from Clapham and back.

but visiting a theme park like Chessington during its most busiest season which has thousands? of visitors at this time.

Can you suggest having an adult chaperone to get them there, that doesn’t hang out with them or sit next to them but is there if they need them?

If someone misses the train, gets lost, gets anxiety or becomes unwell, doesn’t like the crowds or same rides or whatever - what will they do? have they got the sense/maturity to deal with these unexpected but possible scenarios?

Do you know the other children that they are going with?

[Starr]

There is a fun fair on Mitcham Common, £15 wristband for unlimited rides in a closed space and £5 for any bystanders. Seemed very well run and safe I would say for 12 year olds it would be perfect on their own in daytime. Couldn't tell you the exact location as I met a friend there, about 8 minutes from Mitcham East fields train station.

[headshrinker]

Just for a bit of balance, I think that it is perfectly OK to do that at 12. It's a simple journey, the park is a short walk from the station and it is a controlled/supervised environment once they are there. If they are confident in doing this, it sounds like an ideal adventure and a great way to develop their independence. Obviously, everyone has to do what feels right for them but I would be fine with this. 

[Gabon]

Same as headshrinker. In fact much safer probably than going to Mitcham Common 😂!

[Starr]

Mitcham common is pretty and seemed very safe and ordinary. Lots of families and joggers etc- probably safer than Wandsworth or Lambeth!

[dudette]

I meant to post this last week and then got side tracked so it’s probably too late but I absolutely think you should let her go (did you see the article in the paper at the weekend about letting our children do things with a slight element of risk to help them grow and help their mental health?).

Firstly Chessington, if you’ve not been there, is really a theme park for young kids. It’s not like Thorpe Park. I took my kids there all the time when they were little and it’s full of families so they should be perfectly safe. It’s also just a short and easy walk from the station.

Secondly - and I really believe this - you really have to loosen the apron strings. In four years time she’ll be clamouring to go to the Reading festival which is a rite of passage for teenagers post GCSEs. So you need to start somewhere and aged 12 going to Chessington with some
mates is perfect. Take them to Clapham Junction, make sure they get on the right train and wave them off. My daughter used to go to Westfield with her friends at about 11/12. She flew to Spain with two boys (and no adults) the same age as her when she was 13. Aged 18 she went interrailing, aged 19 she has just come back from backpacking in South East Asia. Believe me it all comes round very quickly and you want her to be well-prepared. Don’t let your fear get in the way of your kids’ growth.