Parents blasted for leaving sleeping child in a buggy alone while they go on a RIDE at Chessington theme park

The Sun

6 days ago

IT'S the summer holidays - theme parks are heaving, queues are long, and parents across the country are doing their best to keep the kids entertained.
But one shocking video has sparked a furious debate over just how far some mums and dads will go to enjoy themselves.
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A TikTok clip filmed at Chessington World of Adventures has gone viral after capturing what appears to be a sleeping toddler left alone in a buggy while their parents allegedly hopped on a ride.
The video, shared four days ago by user @ coachrobcradds, shows the small child dozing in a stroller near a ride entrance, with no adult in sight.
Since it was posted, it's racked up a staggering 769,600 views and 521 comments, with many users slamming the behaviour that is being blasted as just 'wrong.'
Sharing their shock, the video was captioned with: 'cannot believe someone done this!'
According to the video's creator, the parents had gone on the ride themselves, leaving the buggy - and the baby - behind.
Although some users tried to defend the decision, saying that they're sure it was 'fine', the majority were appalled.
One wrote: 'Will never understand why they take the child who's too young for the rides (or kids under a certain age) if they don't have enough adults to stay with the younger ones and leave their kids in crowded environments just so they can selfishly go on the rides.'
A second added: 'Not only would the baby be incredibly scared waking up to not see its parents, not being funny but someone could literally push that stroller away with the baby in it and I don't even wanna think of what could happen after that.
'These parents shouldn't have a baby if they can't look after one end of the [day].'
While a third said: 'I bring my baby to the bathroom in my house cause I panic she's gonna wake up and panic. Seeing this just made me so sad.'
Experience the Best of British thrills by exploring the top theme parks across the UK
However, some also pointed the finger at onlookers and wrote: 'To be fair everyone walking past the child is also at fault here.
'If everyone could see the child had been left alone…why did no one actually step in and help by alerting a staff member.'
The park's official guidelines clearly state that children must be supervised at all times.
Brit parents bugbear
As families across the UK embark on summer outings, a new poll reveals the top frustrations that can turn a daytrip dream into a nightmare.
According to a survey of 1,000 parents with school-aged children, the biggest gripes include dive-bombing seagulls, gritty sandy sandwiches, and persistent, buzzing wasps determined to join every picnic.
Other common annoyances cited by parents range from being stuck in sweltering traffic to lugging around heavy cool-boxes and enduring seemingly endless queues.
These perennial problems are making a significant number of parents rethink their holiday plans, with 32 per cent admitting they'd prefer to spend more time relaxing at home during the school break.
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How to survive six weeks of school summer holidays
IF you are struggling with the six week summer holidays, you've come to the right place...
BATTLING BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there's nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: 'Don't feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun.
'Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time.
'Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, 'What do you think you could do?' and maybe have a list of 'I'm bored' activity ideas on the fridge.'
SCREEN OVERLOAD: It's tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don't let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen.
Liat says: 'It's unfair to expect older kids to power down but it's important to set some ground rules.
'Set family tech rules together. If you're often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren't allowed any screen time until they've done set chores, some exercise, or a board game.
'Are there times when you'd like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit.
'Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.'
TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime.
Liat says: 'If you're juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it's normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace.
'If you can't afford or don't want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids' workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours.
'Seeking a spell of quiet every now and then doesn't make you a bad parent — in fact it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.'
SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children.
Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of Helperbees.co.uk says: 'Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken.
'Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea.
'We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood.
'Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.'
EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier.
Dr Bugembe says: 'Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather.
'Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they're wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun.
'Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They'll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.'
Despite nearly half of parents (47 per cent) feeling the pressure from social media to orchestrate jam-packed, adventurous excursions, a substantial 79 per cent recognise the immense value of staying home.
They see it as a prime opportunity to truly reconnect with their children after the whirlwind of the school year.
The study further reveals a significant shift in parental preference, with 45 per cent of those surveyed claiming some of their most cherished days are spent with their children right in the comfort of their own home.
This home-centric approach offers a noticeable reduction in stress for 33 per cent of parents, contributing to more relaxed days.
Additionally, 14 per cent appreciate the opportunity to host playdates for their children's friends, fostering social connections in a familiar environment.
And, perhaps most appealing for many, 24 per cent value the simple pleasure of being able to put their feet up on the sofa and unwind for a while.
Where can kids eat for free this summer?
THE summer holidays are here, but entertaining the kids need not cost a fortune.
Here, we reveal where you can get free and cheap meals for your little ones during the 'endless' summer holidays.
ASDA CAFE: Nip into an Asda cafe to feed the kids after the weekly shop.
Under-16s get a hot or cold meal for £1 at any time of day.
Little ones are covered, too.
Kids under 18 months get a free Ella's baby food pouch with any purchase.
BEEFEATER: This family-friendly pub chain makes mornings a breeze.
Two kids under 16 eat for free with the purchase of an adult breakfast for £10.99.
It's available from 6.30am to 10.30am midweek and 7am to 11am at weekends.
BELLA ITALIA: Book a table and order an adult meal at the Italian eatery for kids aged two to 11 to get three courses and a drink for £1.
Offer valid between 4pm and 6pm on Sundays to Wednesdays.
On Thursdays, kids eat free all day when an adult meal is ordered from the a la carte menu.
DUNELM: Make homeware shopping a fun day out.
Dunelm's Pausa Cafes are offering free kids' meals for every £4 spent on their food or drink.
Available all day, every day.
BILL'S: Dine in at a Bill's restaurant to get up to two free kids' meals (normally £6.95 each) with an adult meal.
Valid weekdays only until August 30.
IKEA: Make it a food day at the Swedish home store.
On every day except Fridays, enjoy a pit stop at their famous cafe from 11am to get a kids' pasta or mac and cheese dish for 95p.
Other mini meals are available for £1.50.
PIZZA EXPRESS: Kids up to age ten can get a free three-course Piccolo meal including dough balls, pizza or pasta and dessert with every adult meal purchased.
The offer runs every day until August 11.
TESCO: Pop to the supermarket cafe from Monday to Friday until August 30 for free kids' meals when an adult buys any item in the cafe.
You must have a Clubcard to redeem the offer.
THE RANGE: Kids under 16 get one free meal per adult main purchased at The Range cafes.
Options include sandwiches, a cooked breakfast and fish and chips.
All kids' meals come with a piece of fruit and a drink.