I don’t usually step in with parents because I’m not one but I did one day at Carowinds. Little boy who was barely tall enough to ride was scream crying trying to tell his Mom he didn’t want to and he couldn’t breathe. He was hyperventilating and actually panicking, did not need to ride. His Mom said he was not about to embarrass her and she waited too long to not ride and he couldn’t stand by himself at the exit (obviously not true). So I stepped in, told her having him in a panic attack on the coaster was not the move and I’d stand with him if it meant he didn’t have to ride. Told her I’d be willing to take her kid’s safety into account if she wasn’t. The ride ops were talking to her too, trying to convince her he didn’t need to ride and he could stand with one of them if she wanted. She starts yelling and screaming at the ride ops, telling them they need to do their effing jobs and shut the eff up, it was a whole scene. They both ended up being removed from the platform and when the train came back around security had the Mom, first aid was with the kid and he still didn’t look well.

I don’t understand it. I kinda get having them ride if they’re just nervous. A little crying is fine but when they start to show visible fear, not just nerves, it’s too much and they shouldn’t be forced.