Mums bash ‘selfish' trend that's taking over hotel pools but has nothing to do with sunbeds – and it's dangerous too
The parent said that she is currently away with her two kids, and has been left horrified by people leaving their kids alone in the pool.
2
Taking to Mumsnet, she shared her outrage at seeing the 'dangerous' situation at the resort.
The mum shared: 'We're on holiday at the moment with our 2 DS [darling sons] (age 3 and 14 months).
'It's a hotel resort with a couple of pools/splash pads areas for kids as well as a bigger pool for adults.
'DH and I have been taking the kids to the pool everyday and every time we're there other families just send their children over or leave them in the pool on their own.
'We then end up feeling like we can't just leave the pool because it's dangerous to leave the other children with no supervision (there's a lifeguard but he also covers the adult pool so isn't constantly watching).'
She explained that mostly the kids have been aged between three and eight, and occasionally have been accompanied by other siblings who have then wandered off.
The mum said that they hadn't agreed to look after the kids, and often haven't had a clue where the parents are.
She said that she would feel 'dreadful' if something happened to the kids, so feel responsible for them.
Another issue with the kids being left, she claimed, was when they were misbehaving.
The mum continued: 'Their behaviour isn't always great and we've had to say something a couple of times when they've been rough with the younger children (pushing them, pulling them under the water, throwing toys at them etc).'
Mess is the reason a quarter of UK parents struggle with kids in the kitchen – as TV chef reveals how to embrace chaos
She asked people for their opinion on whether it will be 'unreasonable' for her to leave the other kids when there are no other adults around.
She also queried if she should try and track down the other parents before she leaves the pool area, adding: 'I assume they're either in the bar area or in the garden area where all the sunbeds are but I don't actually know who I'm looking for.'
PARENTING DEBATE
Many other parents were quick to chime in with her views, and many people supported her.
One said: 'Tell the lifeguard - it's his job, you are on holiday.'
Another added: 'Go and talk to reception and complain. Hopefully they can send a staff member down to figure out who the kids belong to and have some words with their parents.'
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And a third commented: 'I'd also tell the lifeguard about the misbehavior and ask him to talk to the kids, he has the authority and it's his job to make sure people are safe.'
A fourth said: 'Just leave when you want to, it's not your job to police things.'
However, one mum said: 'Are the parents not just sat on a sunbed on the side?
'My DD [darling daughter] wants to be in the pool 90 per cent of the time we are on holiday, even if it is freezing.
'She has a float strapped on her and is always in my eyeline but I don't stay in with her. She is 7.'
We then end up feeling like we can't just leave the pool because it's dangerous to leave the other children with no supervision (there's a lifeguard but he also covers the adult pool so isn't constantly watching)
Mumsnet
The mum replied, saying: 'The parents definitely not by the side of the pool watching.
'The kids pool, splash pad and surrounding area are covered by a big shade, and there are just a couple of seats on the side- they're either empty or have adults who are obviously interacting with specific children.
'The big pool has a few more sun loungers but the whole of the kids area isn't visible from there (the lifeguard doesn't have complete visibility either which isn't great).
'I have mentioned it to the lifeguard and he says he looks but parents should be there (which is true, but unhelpful if they're not).
'The suggestion to go to reception and ask to speak to the duty manager is a good idea. I'll let the lifeguard know we're leaving and then go over.'
Different parenting styles explained
There are four recognised styles of parenting explained below:
Authoritarian Parenting
What some might describe as "regimental" or "strict" parenting.
Parents with this style focus on strict rules, obedience, and discipline.
Authoritarian parents take over the decision-making power, rarely giving children any input in the matter.
When it comes to rules, you believe it's "my way or the highway".
Permissive Parenting
Often referred to as "soft parenting" or "yes mums/dads".
Permissive parents are lenient, only stepping in when there's a serious problem.
They're quite forgiving and they adopt an attitude of "kids will be kids".
Oftentimes they act more like friends than authoritative figures.
Authoritative Parenting
Authoritative parents provide their children with rules and boundaries, but they also give them the freedom to make decisions.
With an authoritative parenting style, parents validate their children's feelings while also making it clear that the adults are ultimately in charge.
They use positive reinforcement techniques, like praise and reward systems, as opposed to harsh punishments.
Neglectful or Uninvolved Parenting
Essentially, neglectful parents ignore their children, who receive little guidance, nurturing, and parental attention.
They don't set rules or expectations, and they tend to have minimal knowledge about what their children are doing.
Uninvolved parents expect children to raise themselves. They don't devote much time or energy to meeting children's basic needs.
Uninvolved parents may be neglectful but it's not always intentional.
A parent with mental health issues or substance abuse problems, for example, may not be able to care for a child's physical or emotional needs consistently.
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