This weekend, the upscale chain hotel I work at is hosting a high school hockey team for a local tournament. Yesterday, I got a phone call from one of the parents who's not traveling with the team (let's call her "HP" for "Helicopter Parent"). She has a bunch of questions about the experience her son will have with us at the hotel.

OP: Thanks for calling the (hotel name). This is OP, how could I assist you today?

HP: Hi, I have my son coming down to your hotel for a hockey tournament. He's a Senior in high school, and I fear that people will be mean and cruel to my son when he's there. I was wondering how your breakfast situation is since he'll be by himself.

OP: Well, we have two options for breakfast: one is a Starbucks that has the full menu of sandwiches, pastries, coffees, and teas you'd find in any Starbucks around the world. The second is a full-service restaurant that's open from 7 AM to 10:30 AM, which has a buffet on the weekends, and a la carte service seven days a week.

HP: But he'll be by himself, and I need to tell him what to expect. How would he be seated?

OP: During busier times, a host would seat him. When the restaurant is slow, he can seat himself.

HP: But he'll be all alone. We're too poor to come down there with him. How would he pay for the meal?

OP: Both the restaurant and the Starbucks accept cash and credit/debit cards.

HP: (beat) But he's all alone. He's a five-hour flight away, and I'm afraid for his safety, and how people out there can be rude and mean.

OP: Ma'am, I can assure you that he's in good hands here at the hotel, especially since he's traveling with the team.

HP: If you don't mind me asking, do you have any kids?

OP: I don't, I'm sorry.

HP: You'll understand when you have kids that the world can be cruel and unforgiving, and you want the very best for your little ones. I'm just looking out for my little boy.

OP: I understand fully. When I was in high school, I was in Band and did trips to Williamsburg, VA, and Pigeon Forge, TN, and all the parents were well assured that their kids would be safe with the teachers and chaperones who would be there in case anything goes horribly wrong.

After that exchange, the call ended. I've read all over this subreddit about how much of a pain sports team parents can get, but I never imagined getting a call like this.