Home > Still Traveling > Archives > 2007 > July > 23 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USKids on a plane
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The debate over children and plane travel never seems to die down. This writer has tied together the latest events from both the parent and nonparent point of view.
If you haven’t read the latest story click here.
It seems it’s a hassle for anyone to fly, with or without baby. What do you think?
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By RQ
July 23, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
I travel on business all the time. Parents BE PREPARED! Sitting and delays are the norm. Bing something for them to do, snack on etc. I honestly don’t mind the child crying as the cabin pressurizes, I can’t blame them for getting hungry, thirsty after a delay, I do also. But having them yell in my ear, kick my seat, smakc the back of the headrest, while the parent sits there and says or does nothing is ridiculous. Be a parent, and discpline your children. Teach them etiqute and manners. Respect for those around you. Signed a father of 3, and grandfather of 5.
By DYJ
July 24, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this
My 1 year old has been on 6 roundtrip flights since she was 8 weeks old. Being prepared with pre-made bottles, extra formula, snacks, pacifiers, small toys, headphones, teething tablets and yes, even tylenol helped a lot. After every flight we have taken, several adults who gave us the evil eye as we boarded we the first to comment on how well my daughter did on the flight. I feel confident it was because I was prepared and willing to parent my child in the best way possible for myself and everyone else on the plane.
By Bosch
July 24, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this
I have no problem telling other children to behave. I don’t care what their parents may say, if you have no respect for other people, you don’t deserve to have chidren.
Luckily, I’ve never had to do this on a plane, the children I’ve been around are always really pleasant, but if it came down to it, I would have absolutely no problem telling rowdy children to sit down and shut up.
By Diogenes
July 24, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this
My kids flew many times while they were young — including a 22 hour trip to Austalia. My wife and I were prepared, had snacks and activities for them to do … AND we had a very pointed discussion with them before boarding about what was acceptable behavior and what was not. Although our boarding prompted anxious looks from adult travelers around us, at the end of the flights my kids invariably were complimented on how well behaved they had been.
On a recent flight back from Phoenix, however, a couple ignored their three kids who were seated behind me, and they had nothing to do besides kick the backs of the seats in front of them, wrestle and scream, and pound on their tray tables. Requests to the parents to do something to rein in thier kids were met with hostile (and otherwise blank) stares. When we all got up to de-plane, my seat-neighborhood (who had suffered right along with me) had THE priceless comment to their parents — “You know, people like you really should take the bus.”
By Tom
July 24, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this
Duct Tape!
By Gasper
July 24, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this
Here’s my pre-emptive shot across the bow for all the hypocritical losers preparing to blog about upset they are with kids who don’t behave on airplanes…too bad, I’m getting on the plane and my little guy’s gonna blab all he wants, he’s gonna draw pictures in his book on the drop down tray, and he might even bump your seat. Ohhhhhhh, I am sooooo sorry…not!
By Josh
July 24, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this
There’s nothing four shots of bourbon won’t solve. For the kid, I mean.
By Proud Parent
July 24, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this
Honestly, I think it all comes down to the parents and their skills as a parent. We recently traveled to Minneapolis with our 2 year old son and it was his first flight. He absolutely enjoyed flying and we had no issues. As the previous posts stated, be prepared. We talked about the flight weeks in advance to give him an idea of what to expect. The most important thing is for parents to be in control of the situation and not the children. Too often today, children are in control of their parents and the parents do nothing about it. The only reason this is an issue is because of the confined space of a plane. Unfortunately, it happens in restaurants, retail stores, and other public places but you are not as confined and it is easier to walk away.
The long and short, parents need to teach their children respect, manners, and what is right and wrong.
By JBD
July 24, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this
Bring a DVD player. And lollipops. Lots of lollipops. It works.
By rob
July 24, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this
All children under 16 years old should be leashed at all times just like all other wild animals. Maybe muzzeld too.
By J
July 24, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this
I ask once and only once…then I TELL you to control your children.
I’ve found the richer the parents appear to be, the less control the children are in. We’ve become way too PC in this world and mark my words that will be the end of us. Whatever happened to the good beatings we used to receive in the old days. I lived in fear when I was little. I didn’t want the belt. Now all of this trendy little tots have no proper manners. It’s the parents’ fault. Whether your name is Shaquanda, Jakita, Laquisha or Courtney, it crosses all lines.
Just remember, you can be removed from the plane. That’s the hard way out… Enjoy your flight!
By Rawhide
July 24, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this
If the child is running wild up and down the isle of an plane,…I tell them of the story of how one out-of-control kid ran up the isle of a jet plane. the plane was traveling with a massive tailwind. the tailwind caused the plane to travel just shy of the sound barrier. The combined speed of the plane and the the child running up the isle caused the child to break the sound barrier.
The child burst into flames and burned alive.
:o)
Hopefully, that will shut the kid up and sit it back in it’s seat……more then likely next to the child’s unobservant parent who is probably distracted by his/her IPOD.
My two boys have flown before on multiple occations and have never been a bother to anyone.
It just take a little Parenting-101.
By Thom
July 24, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this
can you say benadryl!!!
By momof2
July 24, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
Sometimes you can prepare all you want and it still doesn’t work out! We flew the red-eye, used Benadryl, brought DVDs, snacks, sippy cup, washable crayons, magnadoodle, blanket - you name it - and it STILL did not help my son during a 5 hour flight. I would have done anything for him to stop screaming and crying. Don’t forget about the parents who try their best and feel “awful” when it doesn’t work out like they hoped. Even though it’s a horrible flight a little compassion would be appreciated.
By cjc
July 24, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this
I have no problems with kids per se—sometimes they’ll surprise you on an airplane, especially if they have darn good parents who are prepared. If they have been taught how to behave, they can be very cute/pleasant. I don’t blame the children for unruliness. I blame their parents if they misbehave.
By renee
July 24, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this
It all comes down to preparedness (parent and child). Remember parents -NO ONE thinks your child is cute and precious as you believe he/she is.
By dean
July 24, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
If you have let your kids get to this point, to where they dictate to you then that’s too bad. However, it is never too late to start discipline and teach them consequences for misbehavior I used to get butt whippings early on and I had no trouble behaving growing up. It also taught me respect I believe that if you start early on in the raising your children this way that it will do you and your children a favor. (NO TIME-OUT,NO CANDY,NO DVD) DO NOT PACIFY YOUR CHILDREN or you will end up with trouble (By the way I have two beautiful, well mannered, respectful & respectible grown daughters)
By Kim
July 24, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this
We all must remember that you too were once a child. Children will be children, they do whine and cry….any child under the age of 5 will have issues sitting still for a long time. That being said it is the parents responsibility to be prepared and to discipline their children. However, others on the flights need to expect and anticipate children - that is life - people WILL travel with their children, it is the faster transportation. FACT: Any passenger who yells at the children or parent is only making the situation worse for them and others. I don’t yell at the passenger next to me blaring his PC or IPOD. On short flights (under 4 hrs) wearsome earplugs & grin and bear it - in the scheme of things…. is it really worth aggrevating yourself, the parent, child and others.
To Rob - who obiviously doesn’t have children - maybe you need to be leashed and muzzled.
Mom of a 4 & 2 year old (
By Kim
July 24, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this
We all must remember that you too were once a child. Children will be children, they do whine and cry….any child under the age of 5 will have issues sitting still for a long time. That being said it is the parents responsibility to be prepared and to discipline their children. However, others on the flights need to expect and anticipate children - that is life - people WILL travel with their children, it is the faster transportation. FACT: Any passenger who yells at the children or parent is only making the situation worse for them and others. I don’t yell at the passenger next to me blaring his PC or IPOD. On short flights (under 4 hrs) wearsome earplugs & grin and bear it - in the scheme of things…. is it really worth aggrevating yourself, the parent, child and others.
To Rob - who obiviously doesn’t have children - maybe you need to be leashed and muzzled.
Mom of a 4 & 2 year old (who each have traveled a least 12 flight segments - without incident or comment)
By Leen
July 24, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this
Not too long ago, airlines used to cater much better to families. My kids were invited into the cockpit and given a set of wings by the pilot, we could order child-friendly meals, and it was an exciting experience for the kids. Now, flying is a hassle for everyone. The planes are packed, the legroom is non-existent, and delays are rife. We just drove 16 hours for a vacation rather than take a 3rd long-distant flight in as many months. My kids are older now, but I think if the airlines spent a couple of pennies to stock activity books and animal crackers for the ill-equipped parents, everyone might have a better flight.
By Hunter
July 24, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
Simple answer. If someone’s children are annoying you prior to take off, request that they be relocated to another section of the plane, or onto the tarmac. In a lot of cases I have been successful in having people removed from planes because of their unruly children.
By DB
July 24, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this
CAN YOU SAY A POP ON THE AZZ
By Dad
July 24, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this
My 4 year old is a pretty good kid. He hardly ever causes any real issues. BUT, occassionally he loses it. Its only happened a few times in his life, and luckily its never been on an airplane. I did have to remove him from a restaraunt once. Its not fun. You don’t want it to happen, but it can and will happen with every toddler at least once in their lives. So, while its annoying and frustrating, the parent (in most cases) is embarassed and humiliated and wish the kid would stop more than you do. So, try and be patient and tolerant of one another.
By RC
July 24, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this
The parenting issue is the biggest concern that society has right now as far as the future of this country is concerned. Moms, and especially Dads, are afraid to say NO to their children. I agree with the statement that the more affluent parents are the most permissive. They grant their children a sense of entitlement. Busy Dads feel guilty that they can’t spend as much time with their children so they allow them to “just be kids” which means allowing them to do as they please. Many parents are afraid to NOT be the child’s friend or worse yet, to have the child be upset with them. I see it during the school year as a front office secretary. Parents will come to conduct business and allow their children to run, climb, and interrupt adult conversation. I do not have a problem with discipling children; mine or someone else’s. Parents need to be parents. Children need guidance and boundaries. They need us to show them the correct way to act in public situations, be it on an airplane, at a restaurant, or in school. Parents, don’t be afraid to do your job!
By Old School Atlantan
July 24, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this
DVD, DVD DVD -
By Dad
July 24, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this
My 4 year old is a pretty good kid. He hardly ever causes any real issues. BUT, occassionally he loses it. Its only happened a few times in his life, and luckily its never been on an airplane. I did have to remove him from a restaraunt once. Its not fun. You don’t want it to happen, but it can and will happen with every toddler at least once in their lives. So, while its annoying and frustrating, the parent (in most cases) is embarassed and humiliated and wish the kid would stop more than you do. So, try and be patient and tolerant of one another.
By Damn Brats
July 24, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this
I think there should be adult only flights and family only flights. I am sick and tired of going to eat, the movies, flying, anywhere really and these brats today misbehaving, throwing things, running everywhere and being little deviants. Where are the parents? Oh, they’re asleep with earphones in or they say, “Come over here and I’ll give you an ice cream.” What the f**k? If I acted that way when I was a child, I got a belt across the fanny, exactly what is needed today. Segregate children now, segregate children forever!
By Sabrina
July 24, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
Honestly, momof2, you shouldn’t get too upset. People should recognize that children are tempermental and if you are trying everything you can, then they should just relax. And so should you. Children will respond negatively to upset parents.
Also, I have seen adults who behave worse than children and we don’t kick them off the plane. Can I use duck tape and benadryl on them? There have been plenty of adults I have wanted to muzzle on a plane. If we are going to expect perfect behavior from children, shouldn’t we expect it from adults as well?!
One caveate, I agree it is really annoying when the parents don’t do anything about it but then again, adults can be just as bad. I say if you can’t handle riding on a plane with an annoying person (adult or child) then YOU should take the bus. Maybe the annoyances won’t seem so bad then.
I also agree, we are too PC anymore. It is okay to politely ask the parents or child (if old enough) to quit doing whatever it is that is annoying.
By momof2
July 24, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this
I believe that society is becoming more and more hostile to kids and parents because it’s the “all about me” and “don’t inconvenience me” mentality that’s becoming more acceptable. Being a parent, I know how difficult it is to control a child 24/7. Every child gets in a bad mood, gets tired, or just plain cranky just like everyone else. I believe not every single tantrum, or irritant can be completely avoided at all times. On the same token, parents should do everything possible to keep kids in line. If a parent was obviously trying to calm a screaming baby and giving an effort, I would not blame that parent because some things just aren’t controllable. There will always be kids in our society. If we had none, who is going to take care of you when you’re old and sick? Who will protect you in the future? Parents have a monumental job in raising our future and they should be supported and respected for their hard work, instead of society giving them evil looks. Give parents a break and get off your high horse! Be glad someone is doing the work of perhaps raising your future doctor, policeman, etc, and willing to go through all the evil looks too! We parents are doing society a service.
By Nancy
July 24, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this
These days as the cost of a roundtrip ticket looks (easily) more like twice the amount of a monthly car note, it’s infuriating to get on a plane expecting to only endure TSA’s laziness, cavity searches, delays, “ground stops”, unpredictable weather, inexperienced travelers, and then to top it off, cranky children as well as parents who can’t control their children. I’m not a Platinum or Elite or Gold Card Traveler, but I travel enough to know that it only takes one screaming child to ruin a flight (sorry, parents: planes were simply not built with screaming children in mind). And before I get lynched, let me say: I do empathize for the children as they can’t chew gum, voluntarily pop their ears, or fully understand today’s miserable travel experience. I can, however, suggest that the airlines group children on their own flight - a section of the plane would do nothing except make it miserable for the people who sit right next to TEN children and their parents. It’s simply not fair to me to pay good money only to endure - what can easily amount to - HOURS of screaming, kicking, shouting, crying either behind me, next to me, or in front of me.
By wayne
July 24, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
hey gasper - that’s a great way to start your comment, calling everyone losers. is your brad as big of a jerk as you are!
By tarheel fan
July 24, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this
Children who have had no discipline on the ground don’t suddenly behave once they are on a plane. It is the parents’ responsibilty from day one. Their ears can hurt sometimes, pacifiers and other things for older children can solve that. It is always good for them to have something to occupy their time—bring along a NEW book or small game. Flight attendants don’t have a lot of time anymore to talk to these kids unfortunately, but a SMILE is free and doesn’t take time!
Good luck!
By McDonoughDawg
July 24, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this
Kids that act up on a plane, act up at home too. It’s nothing knew to the parents, and frankly, not many of them seem to care.
Many of them need a good whipping. The kids could use one too every now and then.
By HKH
July 24, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this
As a teacher, I love kids, but I also love my peace when traveling…especially when my seat or the tray table attached to it are mistaken for toys. But recently, I was stuck on the runway (at the gate) in St. Louis for 4 hours awaiting take-off. After about forty-five minutes, one young mother was ready to get off, but the airline told her she would lose her tickets and refused to retrieve her stroller and car seat from beneath the plane. At this time, our emotions turned to sympathy to the mother and anger towards the airline. I agree that parents need to be more prepared, but airlines need to pull a little bit of the weight in these extreme situations. If a kid won’t get buckled? Sure, take them off. I don’t want to wait for them, but what’s the harm in getting a stroller and car seat so that this mother and baby could safely drive home.
By DH
July 24, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this
I was recently on a 5 hr flight from Seattle to Memphis with two screaming kids for the entire flight sitting in front of me in First Class nevertheless. Needless the say, that was about the worse flight of my life (aside from the one where I spent 5 hrs on the tarmac at Dulles) and the fact that the flight attendants did absolutly nothing about it did not help either. Thank goodness drinks are free in first class. The central issue here is that parents do not know how to control and disipline their children and it is only getting worse.
By Vinny
July 24, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this
children under the age of 4 should not be allowed on planes—-they are too annoying and loud, and parents can’t control them.
By momof2nd
July 24, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this
hey momof2 at 9:17, looks like we’re in the same boat! Sorry bout the name!
By Billy Slocumb
July 24, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this
Message to Gasper: I am not a “hypocritical loser” because I get irritated when people with no parenting skills allow their offspring to annoy everyone around them. I am human, and I’m fed up with people like you ruining my trips, dinners, and movies.
I think it should be a felony for someone to take a baby to a movie theatre. Not only do they distract everyone around them that paid $9 a ticket, but they themselves are being abused by the parents that brought them there. All the baby knows it that they are in a dark place, with flashing lights and loud noises. Sometimes people have to travel with babies (if they can’t drive where they are going), but NOBODY has to take a baby to a movie. Either find a sitter, or wait for the dvd!
By Hunter
July 24, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this
Momof2…give me a break. I am a parent and I have two wonderfully behaved children who know their limits. When we fly I bring along their nanny to keep them occupied, she is a treasure. I utterly disagree that affluent parents raise bratty children. My husband and I have a combined income in the high six figures and our children are model citizens. It’s the overly permissive liberals who create the bratty children. The demon-crats who say children need to be treated as equals and not as children, blah blah blah. Liberalism will destroy the fabric of society and lead us down a path of immorality and sin, delivering us into the hands of the terrorists. It’s all going to be the fault of liberal parents who raise children with such a disregard for what is true, right and Godly.
By SouthernLady
July 24, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
Most kids who get restless are those(under 2 )who are expected to sit on a parents lap for 4 to 5 hours. Buy a seat for the child…he/she will have room to stand or sit or even lay down for a nap.
By MrLiberty
July 24, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
I’ll say the same thing I say everytime I am out at a restaurant (a restaurant that is not Chuck E Cheese or similar venue) where the children are running amok and the table ends up leaving such a mess that a cleaning crew is needed to clean up.
“My dog would not behave that way, and certainly would not leave that kind of mess.”
It apparently isn’t enough that the rest of us must pay for their children’s education and their future encarceration, but we must now also be subjected to the immediate effect of their poor parenting and discipline training.
It is not ok for you to sit with this oversized child on your lap making my life miserable too, just because you are too cheap to pay for another seat. It is also not ok for you to turn your hellions loose on the plane simply because it takes too much energy to be a responsible parent.
There are alternatives to air travel. There are alternatives to parenthood. Before you consider either, consider if you are prepared for the consequences of each.
Now if the airline is keeping everyone on the ground and turning their lives into a living hell, then at a certain point the airlines need to be charged with kidnapping and false imprisonment. Nobody should expect a child, or an adult, to keep it together for an extended period of time under the appalling conditions airlines have subjected some to over the past couple of years. I think the real reason guns are no longer allowed on planes (yes, legal before the 70’s) is the concern over passenger reaction to horrible airline treatment of passengers.
By Ron Mexico
July 24, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this
Bringing a baby on a plane should be considered an act of terrorism.
By ray
July 24, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this
I also agree with segregating families with small children. All they have to do is PRE-BOARD all people with children under the age of 8 and put them up front where their screaming sounds go forward. Also, they would be closer to the restroom.
This would be mandatory if only ONE kid in the family is under the age of 8. The entire family would be up front.
By artie
July 24, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this
BAN KIDS FROM FLYING…PERIOD!!!!
By momof2nd
July 24, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
Hunter, I do not believe my post asks anyone their income, or even remotely suggests that income has any bearing on parenting skills. So please don’t give meaningless details that don’t relate to the subject. I know your proud of yourself, but that’s not what we’re talking about here. As far as having a nanny, whatever floats your boat, but I raise my own children without a second parent around because I feel I do the best job for my children because I love them, but again, that’s your choice, and I believe having a nanny has little to no effect on behavior. If anything, the child may become more hostile because he/she wants mommy instead of this person getting paid to care for them. Thirdly, did I ever say I was a liberal democrat? No. Actually, I’m a devout christian conservative who votes republican every time. And a parent’s political affiliation is not what this is about.
By ScottAtlGa
July 24, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this
I have flown ALOT, been disrubed by kids whose parents have no respect for other flyers, BUT, I also have kids who fly sometimes and I make them behave. I never get mad at the kids, only the parents, but as a parent I also understand that sometimes they are just not goingt to calm down. To you jerk people who do not like kids in any environment- tough. These kids will be resp. for caring for you in yoru old age, so be understanding of them and that their parents have dragged them on a trip they didn;t want to be on anyway. You can survive a couple of hours even if the environment isn’t perfect! BTW, we left ours at home for a recent trip to Europe, for our benefit and theirs, not for the benefit of other passengers.
By ScottAtlGa
July 24, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this
I have flown ALOT, been disrubed by kids whose parents have no respect for other flyers, BUT, I also have kids who fly sometimes and I make them behave. I never get mad at the kids, only the parents, but as a parent I also understand that sometimes they are just not goingt to calm down. To you jerk people who do not like kids in any environment- tough. These kids will be resp. for caring for you in your old age, so be understanding of them and that their parents have dragged them on a trip they didn;t want to be on anyway. You can survive a couple of hours even if the environment isn’t perfect! BTW, we left ours at home for a recent trip to Europe, for our benefit and theirs, not for the benefit of other passengers.
By Beth
July 24, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this
When my daughter was about 5 months old we were stuck on an airplane from Philadelphia to Atlanta for 8 hours with no air conditioning in July. Everyone was upset. I nursed my daughter most of the time to keep both of us calm.
Of course some people didn’t like it that I was nursing but what the heck. Its better than a crying baby.
By Snort
July 24, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this
believe that society is becoming more and more hostile to kids and parents because it’s the “all about me” and “don’t inconvenience me” mentality that’s becoming more acceptable
you mean like the people who insist that their little darling isn’t bothering anyone, and if she is, well…just deal with it? After all, it isn’t all about YOU, it’s all about that sweet little cherub screaming her head off while Mommy and Daddy ineffectually attempt to bribe her into behaving. It should be all about HER!! And anyone who disagrees with carting this precious bundle of (screaming) joy about the country should just be grateful that people like these parents are so unselfish and generous to donate their DNA to the continuation of the species.
By Sabrina
July 24, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
It is a good thing no one is blowing this out of proportion. I can see that so many of you (Vinny, MrLiberty, Ron Mexico) are being completely rationale. I mean it makes perfect sense to ban children from a flight or even consider it an act of terrorism. I can just see men/women like you on the plane, complaining that the pillow hasn’t arrived, the peanuts are stale, there isn’t enough room, blah, blah, blah. Why don’t you just drive so we don’t have to listen to you! Have a little compassion, wait do any of you even know what compassion is?
By momof2
July 24, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
To McDonoughDawg, I completely disgree with your generalized comment that children who misbehave on a plane do so at home too. Children are not strapped into a small area for 5 hours at home - BIG difference. However, some children are more unruly than others and there are a ton of slacker parents out there. But don’t lump us all together - some parents are doing everything they can including spanking (some of you think this would solve all the problems of the world) and NEW toys on the plane. We gave each child their own backpack filled with snacks, a new toy, DVD’s, headphones and more! Big thanks to Sabrina for being able to recognize a parent who is doing all they can. I don’t mind the idea of separate planes or sections. It would lessen my stress trying to keep the evil eyes off of me that’s for sure!
By gordon
July 24, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
I travel very frequently and I agree that parents need to be prepared for everything when they bring their kids on a flight. I have seen great examples of parents who bring DVD players, plenty of food, and games to occupy their child through the flight. Also many times these parents are talking and conversing with their kids so that they are occupied but also understand other people are around them and they need to be courteous.
What I don’t understand is parents who come not prepared. Recently I witnessed a Dad who had booked a flight with all his family scattered around the plane. Mind you this appeared to be an obvious vacation, so my thought is that there should have been some planning ahead before gettign to the ticket gate and expecting the airline to move people around the plane to accomodate your whole family. Also people that bring sick kids on a plane are just ridiculous. Why bring an infant on the plane who is running a tempature and obviously not feeling well on a 4 hour flight. The child just screamed the whole time.
I think the majority of parents who bring their kids on plane do not want to disturb everyone else on the plane, but it is that minority of parents who don’t give a darn about everyone around them or for that matter, their own kids, is who we remember. I think you would probably see that, no matter where those parents are;plane, restaurant, movie,etc. everyone will remember them and their kids behavior.
By truedrewtoo
July 24, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this
To momof2: What distorted, delusional universe do you come from? If you experience hostility toward your children, it’s because most civil, behaved, mature adults are TIRED of having to endure your little monsters on a plane, at the mall, at restaurants, in church and elsewhere. What magnifies the agony on a plane is that there’s no where to go if you are stuck next to a whiny, sniveling, fussy, hyper-active brat. We adults are sick of the “It’s all about me and my kids” attitude of many parents. If you can’t control your kids in public places including airplanes then keep them at home until they are civilized enough to amuse themselves quietly. Many parents think age is a suitable reason to explain away the misbehavior of their kids; it isn’t. Most adults are over having to play extended babysitter when you can’t or won’t control your offspring.
BTW: Never travel to Orlando, Florida in coach on an airplane unless you don’t mind being subjected to the Fourth Circle of H*ll.
By momof 2nd
July 24, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
Snort, my point is this…while parents should absolutely try their best to keep kids behaving, when there is a problem despite the parents best efforts, others should be more compassionate and understanding. If my child misbehaves in public, it is embarassing and annoying and I guarentee you I feel worse than you do. I remove my child from the area. Luckily, that happens almost never, my kids are usually very well behaved. Don’t blow what I said out of proportion. I merely stated that society as a whole should be more understanding toward parents who truly do care and try their very best. If I see a mom struggling to control a 2 year old, I think “I know what your going through. I’ve been there.”
By SA
July 24, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this
Hunter, I have seen you on a few blogs and it seems that the only reason you hang around is to flaunt your wealth. Just shows that money can’t buy class.
By Molly
July 24, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this
Breastmilk contains a wonderful hormone called cholecystokinin (CCK), which induces sleepiness in the child — whether s/he is a newborn or 4 years old.
By idea
July 24, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this
I think airlines, restaurants, movie theaters, etc. should all invest in sound-proof baby sections. I don’t care how well-behaved you THINK your child is, I’m tired of dealing with the crying and screaming. I’m tired of people driving these over-sized strollers with what looks like 3 months of supplies stuffed in every available pocket. I’m tired of kids climbing all over the booths in restaurants dropping their toys or drooling down the seat. Keep your kids at home. Hire a baby-sitter. Drive instead of fly. Or better yet, use condoms….the world is over populated anyway.
By Lynn
July 24, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this
What’s amazing about throwing an unruly brat off of an airplane is how their publicity-seeking incompetent parents search for their 15 minutes of fame. “Yes, Larry King, I am an incompetent parent.”
By Hunter
July 24, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this
I honestly can’t understand how some parents can rationalize allowing their children to behave in a manner not even tolerant among mongrel dogs. It’s sad. If your children can’t behave properly then perhaps you shouldn’t have had them to begin with — and now that you do, perhaps you should consider hiring help to assist you, taking parenting classes, or some other form of education for yourself in the art of parenting, because you are obviously lacking skills needed to maintain order and civility among your demon spawn.
By wrong4that
July 24, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this
oh my! the battle between those who own the little tax deductions and those who don’t has begun! bottom line, children under a certain age should not be allowed on planes.
By Sara
July 24, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
There should be seperate areas on planes for people with small children. It is sad that at the age of 25, I am already repelled by small children. Mainly because parents don’t wrangle or control their children. I see kids doing this I would have been smacked across the room for. Parents, I have began to ask not to be seated by your family at resturants. Obviously dirty looks don’t do what they used to. Once again, no one thinks your child is as cute and special as you do.
By Mother-Va
July 24, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this
Why can’t adults understand the word “PARENT”. I’ve had to leave stores and public places due to screaming undeciplined children making everyone around them miserable. Its nice when you can walk away from it…Bless the ones on a plane! Gasper obviously has no respect for anyone else around him. I so agree with RC.
By annemarie
July 24, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this
AN I-POD FILLED WITH MUSIC — AND FOR THOSE KIDS THAT SOMEHOW GET OUT INTO THE AISLE A FOOT RESTING “OH I’M SORRY I DIDN’T KNOW THERE WAS A CHILD RUNNING UP/DOWN THE AISLE.” well, the latter was a joke
By momof2nd
July 24, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this
We have all started as babies. And our parents and society had to put up with all of us once upon a time. Remember that.
By HP
July 24, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
You know before I had kids I used to cringe when I would people board the plane. Now, that I have kids, I cringe for the parents. I didn’t understand that kids are learning how to behave they don’t come out with that automatic knowledge. I didn’t understand that they have to be taught where boundaries lie. I didn’t understand that sometimes react very strongly to strange and scary situations. Getting on plane is scary for kids, heck it scary for some adults, going through pressure changes is harder on their ears than adults and there are only so many activities that occupy for the long haul.
When I see a parent boarding a plane…I’m filled with compassion because I know that no matter how much they prepare it’s ten times tougher to board with kids than anything that I’m dealing with.
Have some compassion people! Offer to help them put up there stuff in the overhead bin, let them go before you. Smile at these families once in awhile. Grin and bear it as you hear a little one cry as the plane takes off and lands. Protect our families don’t shun them!
By ab
July 24, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
I was forced to dress properly and behave when I was a kid. There is no reason kids today should behave any differently. If they do, it’s because they aren’t beaten hard enough.
By Hunter
July 24, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this
When in public my children know to behave. They know that if they embarrass me then they are in serious trouble. I have taught my children to be seen and not heard, to say “yes ma’am” and “no ma’am”, “please” and “thank you”, to always be polite and mind their manners. Perhaps more parents need to return to traditional values instead of these permissive liberal idealisms that pass for values today. If more children were taught that adults are never wrong, don’t talk back, be quiet in public and always be polite even when you aren’t happy, then there would be less complaining about children in public.
By nurse&mother
July 24, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
I don’t fly very often with small children, but when I do I am well prepared (as well as you can with children). I will bring tons of snacks and drinks not to mention some toys that are silent. I will only fly with babies if there is no other way to get from point A to point B.
I have no problem with a crying baby, as they cannot help it. A baby cannot tell his/her parents what is wrong. I try to be patient even with young toddlers ( I know it can be difficult taming a toddler under two).
I definitely have a problem with kids or preschoolers kicking my chair or toying with the tray table!!! That is freaking annoying. I think it is very sad when parents do not correct their children for annoying the passengers directly beside or in front of them. I’m sure these same parents do not correct their children at home.
I have no problem with turning around and giving a glare to the child kicking my seat. If that doesn’t take care of it, I will politely ask the parent, “will you please keep him/her from hitting my chair? Thank you”. In such a case, the parent is oblivious to the fact their child is bothering someone else. I am merely drawing this to their attention.
All that said, I have flown many times with children/babies that are well behaved. I don’t think all kids/babies should get a bad rap for a few that are rowdy or misbehave.
By TonyG
July 24, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
idea:
did your mom have any kids that lived?
By nurse&mother
July 24, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this
Hey IDEA, Your parents’ condom must have broke.
By steve-o
July 24, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
As a society, we adults have become a bunch of punks. My mother had a way of either painfully jabbing me in my side when nobody was looking or severely pinching the fatty parts of my arms or legs if I acted up in a setting like a plain, train, or bus. Needless to say, I knew who was boss and I knew what was expected of me.
By master
July 24, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
Dear Kim:Lets admit it there are parents who just have kids and are are very nieve about raising kids.You not only see this in Walmart, Kroger,shopping malls etc.I was raise in a family of eight and my father ran the show. Iwas the oldest of six boys and my father was very strong on dicipline.We knew by the look on his face when it was time to stop.He said somthing once and that was it.We dont have to put up with undiciplined kids.Yes Kim I dont have kids ,but my younger brother do call and thank me for being hard on them when my father wasnt around.
By Frequent Flyer
July 24, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
Carry a good set of headhpones and a digital music recorder with fresh batteries. Crank up the volume and close your eyes, relax, and possibly snooze.
If the kid physically gets on you then look directly at the parent and say get your kid away from me now.
Realistically that is the best solution to people who will not control their brats or have crying babies.
By John
July 24, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
Kids on a plane. I’m fed up. I fly somewhat frequently for business and pleasure. Inevitibly, I’m seated in a row in front of, behind AND beside a parent with small children. They kick my seat and don’t stop when the parent asks ever so politely for them to stop. They scream and yell and crawl all over everything. The parents do little or nothing.
When I was a child and my parents traveled, my sister and I stayed with my grandmother or another relative while my parents flew. Parents today don’t think about anyone except themselves and their child. They don’t care that all the other passengers on the plane paid good money to travel in their own seat. As such a traveler, I don’t expect, nor should I have to, that a child will be screaming in my ear the whole time or that my elbows will be targets for small, but very strong kicks. I shouldn’t have to deal with a child peering over the seat back at me, taking my book out of my hand or knocking my drink in my lap.
I have a son and he has only recently begun travelling with me. He’s a teenager now. If parents want to go on vacation with their kids, then do like the rest of us who respect other people - take them in the car to the destination. If the kids drive you crazy in the car, then that’s your problem! Don’t make it mine by forcing me to fly with your bratty kids (who, by the way, are only bratty because you’re lousy parents).
By Rawhide
July 24, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
One of the best compliments my wife and I ever got regarding our two boys was as we were de-planing after an1-1/2 hour flight.
Our boys stood up with us and the people who were just in front of us looked around and said, “Oh, I had no idea there were two little boys so close to us”.
To say kids should be banned from flying is rediculous.
The problem is so many parents today just do not take the time to make it clear to their children what is expected of them on a flight. They try to hard to appease their kids in a faied attemt to keep them complacent…….they are the modern day Nevil Chamberlin.
Too many parents think every little thing their kid does is “cute”,……well, it isn’t.
Too many parents fear their kids,…..feeling as if they DO attempt to quite an unruley child, they will throw gas on the fire and the kid will erupt into a furious tantrum, (they normally have past history to go on with the kid).
So, in short,….don’t blame a 5 year old for acting bad. Blame the parent(s). Don’t address the child, for he/she is not yours.
rather, if a child acts unruley on a flight, address the parent. First ask if he/she needs assistance. If that fails, then insist they they act AS the adult and deal with it.
If that fails,….insist that the flight attendant deal with it and ask to be placed elsewhere if possible.
lastly, if you, the parent, have issues dealing with your child properly,….don’t fly. Be curious of others. Same goes with your kids in movies, church, weddings, etc. The child is YOURS. If they act in a mannor that disrupts other,…take them outside.
Reapeating: If you CANNOT or WILL NOT control your child,…DO NOT FLY.
By gm
July 24, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
I flew on Thurs from Moline to Atl. Lady with barking dog. Give me screaming kids and ban the dog. Dog may have scared that it would be dropped off at MV7 house.
By Judy
July 24, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this
Hunter said:
Momof2…give me a break. I am a parent and I have two wonderfully behaved children who know their limits. When we fly I bring along their nanny to keep them occupied, she is a treasure. I utterly disagree that affluent parents raise bratty children. My husband and I have a combined income in the high six figures and our children are model citizens. It’s the overly permissive liberals who create the bratty children. The demon-crats who say children need to be treated as equals and not as children, blah blah blah. Liberalism will destroy the fabric of society and lead us down a path of immorality and sin, delivering us into the hands of the terrorists. It’s all going to be the fault of liberal parents who raise children with such a disregard for what is true, right and Godly.<<<
That is the most inane BS I think I’ve ever read on these blogs.
By Katie
July 24, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
It is not easy flying with kids….especially a child with a disability.
I have a 3 year old and a 1 year old and have not flown with them ever and am afraid to do such.
My 3 year old has a seizure disorder, cerebral palsy, food intolerances, and autistic tendencies. The thought of getting her seizure medications checked in, her leg braces and other medical equipment checked in, having to deal with her medical formula (yes my 3 year old is on a prescription formula) that I would have to carry on with us would be too much. That along with the threat of a flight attendant with an attitude or hostile passengers who would get p** off if she had a tantrum make me want to stay away from airplanes.
My kids are well behaved in restaurants and in public. I do not put up with any bad behavior from them. We have actually gotten compliments from restaurant staff for having well behaved kids.
However, I am not chancing what could happen on an 8 hour delay or a flight attendant with PMS or dealing with the TSA over my kids’ medicines.
For right now, the skies are not friends and I do not want to deal with them.
By nurse&mother
July 24, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this
I think HUNTER has some deep seeded insecurities that she is trying to cover up with her wealth. That is what psychotherapists are for, honey.
By Kan
July 24, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this
I think we all understand that kids will be kids, however, we should not be inconvenienced by annoying children on a plane, movie, dinner or anywhere. When I plan on going out I don’t want to be bothered by anyone else’s kids. If I wanted to be bothered with children I would go where I know there are kids. Kids should be allowed to fly before 5:00 p.m. after that adults only. Same thing for restaurants. There should be a certain hour that public places don’t allow children. That way parents who don’t or can’t control their kids can still have the opportunity to take their rugrats out in public but not after 5:00 so that other people can enjoy themselves as well. There is nothing more aggravating than to be somewhere and here a kid crying and screaming and the parent just ignores them. Sometimes you just want to smack the parents and the kid too!!
By mg
July 24, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this
This is complete discrimination!!!! Yes, I can understand an older child misbehaving should be disciplined. But what about the smaller children who don’t yet understand the concept of flying. My 2 year old has flown with us several times and has always been well behaved. Of course, he does get tired of sitting there for so long and does not understand why he has to be quiet. And to all of those who say to medicate your children for flights, that is just ridiculous!!!
By TonyG
July 24, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this
It’s really easy to criticize others when you have never done the same thing yourselves. The one young person under 25 who is repelled by small kids, you aren’t much more than a kid yourself. People have to travel, it’s a sad fact of life. And unfortunately, some parents are not the best. But remember, these same kids you are repelled by will be the same adults who will show you about as much compassion when you are an old doddering senior as you showed them when they were kids.
By cg
July 24, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this
It is what it is, everyone for the most part has kids, and they all mis-behave, so whenever I’m on a plane with a mis-behaving youngster I just deal with it and one day everyone else will have to deal with my kid.
Traveling is necessary, unfortunately we have to travel in an enclosed tube for an extended period. It is what it is, and it doesn’t last forever. It’s not like flying will be fun without kids you know? It’s not like I’m going to enjoy my box-o-crap snacks or 4 ounces of warm diet coke in my really comfortable seat……
By tye
July 24, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this
Gasper: and I hope they put you and your bratty kid off the plane just like they did that lady. People like you shouldn’t have kids if you aren’t going to teach them how to behave. It’s just that kind of ignorant thinking that make it hard for everyone else. Drop you and your little guy off in IRAQ somewhere and let him BLAB all he wants over there. Let your little guy bump some seats over there.
By Flying Parent
July 24, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
I have traveled with my kids since they were about 3 years old each and have never had an incident. I can remember traveling as a kid and how excited I was every time. I always explain to my kids the expectations and I come prepared. On our most recent trip I had plenty of snacks and a portable DVD player. Worked like a charm.
For the parent of the 3 year old that refused to buckle up, good for the airline. I cannot imagine my children ever telling me what they’re not going to do at any age and getting away with it. As the parent it is your responsibility to lay down the law early on. Then, your 3 year old wouldn’t be controlling you! How utterly ridiculous!
By TonyG
July 24, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this
nurse&mother:
This is a blog. You can be anyone you want on a blog. For all we know Hunter lives in a trailer park somewhere. If you have to brag about it you probably don’t have it.
By tye
July 24, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this
maybe there should be an age limit for children to fly.
By Joanne
July 24, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this
I have to agree with truedrewtoo. My husband and I are sick and tired of everywhere you go — grocery store, restaurants, movies, airplanes, etc., parents are (for the most part) tuning out the obnoxious behavior and sounds that those of us without children have to put up with. And to Momof2 who said that we should thank parents for producing our “future doctors, policemen etc.”, I say that is totally ridiculous — you aren’t doing me any favors — you are just being self-serving to your or your family’s needs — you made that choice. Most children now have no respect for authority whether it be in the schools, responding to someone in law enforcement or the court system, etc. To them, it is the “ALL ABOUT ME” syndrome. Parents wake up and move away from the “NOT MY CHILD” cop-out. Realize that when someone complains about your precious boo-boo, there is a reason. When your kids are brats or raising h##l in a public place, remove them and adjust the behavior before they can return to the restaurant, movie, etc. On an airplane, I realize that it is a confined space, but the little darlings should have the law laid down to them before the trip…….if the kids knew that the parent meant business when they said “no”, one stern look from Mom or Dad would do the trick to shut them up.
By Hume
July 24, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this
mg - you hit the nail on the head. Your child DOESN’T UNDERSTAND WHY HE HAS TO BE QUIET. That is why YOU are the problem and not the child. YOU have no consideration for others. If you (and all others like you) you would leave your kids at home when you fly OR you would drive them in a car to the destination.
Your child is YOUR child, not mine. I should not have to be burdened with a misbehaving child when I travel. Why? Because if it were my child, I’d make sure that he/she behaved (as my son does), but if a child misbehaves on the plane and I say something to the child, then the parent takes out their wrath on me the rest of the flight - allowing the misbehaving monster to do his/her worst. So, if I can’t correct your child’s behavior when you won’t, then I shouldn’t have to put up with your child at all.
By TonyG
July 24, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this
Joanne:
The one good thing about you not having kids is that you and your species will eventually become extinct. All you kid haters, please DON’T reproduce.
By NCGREYBR
July 24, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this
What to do? Is it possible to ask the attendant to open the door and let them play outside?
By Platinum Level
July 24, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
Benadryl — now there’s an idea — for me, I mean. Flying has become so unpleasant. It’s bad for the kids, bad for the parents, bad for the other passengers, and a living hell for the flight attendants. Drugs might be the answer. They could put it on the drink cart with the bottled water and peanuts. Maybe the pilots would like a little too. The could sleep through the flight and let the high-tech marvel we’re all traveling on fly itself. At least we’d all arrive rested.
By bunnyfoofoo
July 24, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
Ban kids, its for the childrens!
By GaLiberal
July 24, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
Wow. So many experts with absolutely no brains. These are KIDS; not a dog that you train or can muzzle. Flying is all geared to adults. It is a huge hassle. Adults understand what is happening and can deal with it rationally. Kids do not understand and react irrationally. Much of the hassle with kids is avoidable if only TSA would stop strip searching everyone. There is no reason to x-ray a child’s blanket and adults should be allowed to carry them through the metal detectors. Flying is already stressful enough for children. There is no reason to stress them more with these idiotic TSA regulations.
Once on the plane, children don’t want to sit; they want to run around and explore. That’s what children do. If they can’t get up, they fidget (kick their feet, draw on things, talk nonsense like ‘Bye Bye Plane’). Taking a stick or a swat to a little kid is only going to make them cry and more uncooperative.
Airlines need to be more ‘kid friendly’. Hand out coloring books and colors. Maybe have some kids magazines on the plane. I don’t think they are very much interested in reading The Economist. If a kid is crying, the FAs need to help; not tell the parents to get their kid to shut up. It’s not about parents who can’t control their kids. It’s about throwing these kids into a strange place and expecting them to act like adults. It’s an unreasonable expectation.
By momof2nd
July 24, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this
All adults and all children should be sterilized so no more “spawn” could infiltrate people’s perfect lives. That way in 50 years we can all die in the streets due to no people around to take care of us or perform everyday jobs. Yeah, great plan.
By Deedee
July 24, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this
How could you expect an unruly, ill-mannered and ill-behaved child to correct his behavior when he learned it from his/her parent. Like an earlier entry stated, she doesn’t care if her child is obnoxious or disrespectful, she isn’t going to do anything about it. Parents like her should be removed from the plane. To bad you can’t arrest the little monsters since their parents can’t seem to see a problem with their behavior.
By Gasper
July 24, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this
I was just kidding. Love to get everyone riled up about something that won’t ever change. Actually, my little guy’s 8-years-old and is very well-behaved in public. I HAVE, however, had to remind him on ocassion that the person in front of him on a plane feels every movement he makes on that drop down table…but other than that, he’s a good boy. Hey, at least I didn’t start a racial discussion, right? ;>
By TonyG
July 24, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this
GaLiberal:
Absolutely right. Unfortunately there is no compassion in the travel industry anymore. As an AMTRAK Conductor for ten years, when I had unruly kids on the train I would do whatever it took to help the parents calm them down. There were parents who were a-holes but these were the small minority. I actually enjoyed kids on my train, I got to talk to them, show them how the “choo-choo” works and generally make their trip more enjoyable. Unfortunately this type of customer service no longer exists.
By Elliot Garcia
July 24, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this
It all has to do with the parents. I just flew with a 3 and 6 year old and you would not even know they were on the plane. All these parents that cannot control their kids have no one to blame but themselves even though they would like to think otherwise. Nobody likes to take personal ownership in society today.
By NCGREYBR
July 24, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this
To “Leen”: Is there a reason the airline should have to stock activity books and animal crackers? Isn’t it a parent’s job to foresee the possibility that the child might need them AND BRING THEM THEMSELVES! How about taking responsiblity for your OWN children!
By JMS
July 24, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this
I traveled the world with two small children (starting from when the first child was 9 months old up until both were under the age of 8. At the time I traveled on my own, that is: one parent and two small children) I lived in New Zealand and would travel to South Africa and the USA to visit family at least once a year. We would also travel for our vacations. (Fiji Singapore, Brazil, Mauritius, Thailand, Australia, Paris are a few of the places I traveld with two small children)Do the math… the flights were long with stopovers it would take a full day and a half of traveling to get where we were going, and I never ever had a problem! Passengers would comment on how well behaved my two girls were! I will also say I never left a mess when I vacated my seating area!! I used the throw up bags for garbage I carried plastic bags for dirty diapers (the no smell factor!) and I carried very little in way of a “diaper” bag or cabin luggage!! I carried one large “purse” as I did not have the extra hands of a husband with me to help carry anything and I had to have two hands free to hold each child’s hand as we walked through airports. My children were well behaved and each had a small hand held bag with a doll(Barbie) and paper and crayons to entertain themselves with and I carried a few treats. It was exhausting for me, as I would have to monitor them, and I could take very small naps when they were sleeping. But I did monitor them and they were never a problem to any other passengers. All it takes is a little fore thought and planning, and children who have been disciplined since birth and socialized, to make a trip easy on everyone. I have always said lazy parenting on the front end leads to disaster on the back end! No one thinks a badly behaved child is cute, funny or amusing! I ensured my children grew up to be pleasant to be around 99% of the time and 100% of the time in public, so believe me I do not want to participate in someone else’s child’s tantrum or bad behavior. Airplanes as in restaurants are area’s one expects children to be seen and not heard. I do not want to sit next to a toddler that is not my own, I do not want to sit in a restaurant next to children who are like jumping beans and cannot sit in their seat… I came out to enjoy my evening, not participate in your child’s rambunctious feeding frenzy! My own children do not behave this way so why do you think I will find your badly behaved child entertaining during what I hoped would be a pleasant evening out with my husband? If they need to bring their toys with them to a restaurant, then maybe they are not ready to go to an adult restaurant and you should stick with Chucky Cheese for your next family dinner outing!!
I also think that having a family seating plan on an airplane is an absolute must! If you are traveling on business you might not want to sit in your business suite next to a toddler with sticky hands grabbing at your dry cleaned nicely pressed suit! It is common sense; it should not be an issue. If you are traveling with children under the age of 10 there should be an area you are seated in. The passengers that travel on business are most airlines more frequent travelers and should be shown a courtesy as to their comfort level as well. Even if they are not a frequent business traveler the fact that they are traveling on business should get them a seat away from the toddler that is traveling for the first or second time. I do confess I was a flight attendant 20 years ago so I learned a few things along the way…my biggest pet peeve to this day is cabin baggage. If you are on a 2 or 4 hour flight you do not need to bring everything you are traveling with into the cabin! In a non fatal air crash where the plane does not crash and burn these flying pieces of luggage will kill you!! My children are now 19 & 21 they travel to Europe about three times a year and are savvy travelers….They too notice badly behaved children as they knew the rules and still remember how they had to behave and even at their age comment that they would never have been allowed to behave in ways they have witnessed and that children today are over indulged and can ruin everyone’s experience of traveling! It is 100% the parents fault as children only do what they know they can get away with! So if you have badly behaved children ask yourself what it is that you are doing wrong! And then correct it! It is not easy being the parent! It is a hard never ending task!! If you are not up for it then DON”T HAVE CHILDREN!!! Better yet don’t subject the rest of us to your bad parenting! Stay home or drive to where you are going!
By JMS
July 24, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this
I traveled the world with two small children (starting from when the first child was 9 months old up until both were under the age of 8. At the time I traveled on my own, that is: one parent and two small children) I lived in New Zealand and would travel to South Africa and the USA to visit family at least once a year. We would also travel for our vacations. (Fiji Singapore, Brazil, Mauritius, Thailand, Australia, Paris are a few of the places I traveld with two small children)Do the math… the flights were long with stopovers it would take a full day and a half of traveling to get where we were going, and I never ever had a problem! Passengers would comment on how well behaved my two girls were! I will also say I never left a mess when I vacated my seating area!! I used the throw up bags for garbage I carried plastic bags for dirty diapers (the no smell factor!) and I carried very little in way of a “diaper” bag or cabin luggage!! I carried one large “purse” as I did not have the extra hands of a husband with me to help carry anything and I had to have two hands free to hold each child’s hand as we walked through airports. My children were well behaved and each had a small hand held bag with a doll(Barbie) and paper and crayons to entertain themselves with and I carried a few treats. It was exhausting for me, as I would have to monitor them, and I could take very small naps when they were sleeping. But I did monitor them and they were never a problem to any other passengers. All it takes is a little fore thought and planning, and children who have been disciplined since birth and socialized, to make a trip easy on everyone. I have always said lazy parenting on the front end leads to disaster on the back end! No one thinks a badly behaved child is cute, funny or amusing! I ensured my children grew up to be pleasant to be around 99% of the time and 100% of the time in public, so believe me I do not want to participate in someone else’s child’s tantrum or bad behavior. Airplanes as in restaurants are area’s one expects children to be seen and not heard. I do not want to sit next to a toddler that is not my own, I do not want to sit in a restaurant next to children who are like jumping beans and cannot sit in their seat… I came out to enjoy my evening, not participate in your child’s rambunctious feeding frenzy! My own children do not behave this way so why do you think I will find your badly behaved child entertaining during what I hoped would be a pleasant evening out with my husband? If they need to bring their toys with them to a restaurant, then maybe they are not ready to go to an adult restaurant and you should stick with Chucky Cheese for your next family dinner outing!!
I also think that having a family seating plan on an airplane is an absolute must! If you are traveling on business you might not want to sit in your business suite next to a toddler with sticky hands grabbing at your dry cleaned nicely pressed suit! It is common sense; it should not be an issue. If you are traveling with children under the age of 10 there should be an area you are seated in. The passengers that travel on business are most airlines more frequent travelers and should be shown a courtesy as to their comfort level as well. Even if they are not a frequent business traveler the fact that they are traveling on business should get them a seat away from the toddler that is traveling for the first or second time. I do confess I was a flight attendant 20 years ago so I learned a few things along the way…my biggest pet peeve to this day is cabin baggage. If you are on a 2 or 4 hour flight you do not need to bring everything you are traveling with into the cabin! In a non fatal air crash where the plane does not crash and burn these flying pieces of luggage will kill you!! My children are now 19 & 21 they travel to Europe about three times a year and are savvy travelers….They too notice badly behaved children as they knew the rules and still remember how they had to behave and even at their age comment that they would never have been allowed to behave in ways they have witnessed and that children today are over indulged and can ruin everyone’s experience of traveling! It is 100% the parents fault as children only do what they know they can get away with! So if you have badly behaved children ask yourself what it is that you are doing wrong! And then correct it! It is not easy being the parent! It is a hard never ending task!! If you are not up for it then DON”T HAVE CHILDREN!!! Better yet don’t subject the rest of us to your bad parenting! Stay home or drive to where you are going!
By GaConservative
July 24, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this
You will respent my authoritay!
My child is better than the rest of you satanic pigs and they can and will do whatever they want wherever we happen to be. If it’s on an airplane, too bad for you.
Besides, you’re all going to end up working for me or them anyway. Learn to respect your superiors and you’d be a great deal happier with your sorry lot in life.
Praise God and buy me a diamond.
By TonyG
July 24, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
NCGREYBR:
It’s called “Customer Service.” Unfortunately we no longer have it in the transportation industry. That’s why AMTRAK is broke, and very few of the major airlines make any money.
By Becky
July 24, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this
I have 2 grandhildren that are 5 that I’m planning an airplane trip with at some point this summer. It amazes me that everyone wants children to behave in “adult” situations, but don’t want them to be given the chance to learn how to behave in these situations..My grandchildern are very polite & well behaved, they say yes ma’am, thank you & the boy will stand & hold the door open for you..Then of course he will ask me why people don’t say thank you? So I hope no one has a problem with me taking them on a plane..
By Deedee
July 24, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this
I am a parent and before I became one I had an affinity for good, well-behaved and mannerable children. I explain to my daughter acceptable and unacceptable behavior so she knows what to expect. What this blog is referring to is stupid children with stupid parents who do nothing to control their children. These little monsters didn’t start their behavior on a plane, it started at home and if you ask the neighbors and school officials they know these little monsters. When I see a parent who does nothing to correct their childs behavior I think that one child is going to need a prison cell in the future. Airplanes are public transporation, and I purchased my ticket just like everyone else on the plane. I am do some courtesy too. Now I have helped parents with their children on planes before, parents who were trying to do everything they could to control their child. My daughter and I have had wonderful flights. When she was a toddler, I always booked the last flight because she would sleep through the whole thing. People just need to take into consideration how much their children can take before they melt down. During her toddler years my daughter and I would have to go in a separate car from her father to a restaurant because she could behave real good for one hour but when the meal was over and the adult conversation began that is when my daughter’s behavior would change. That was the signal that it was time for us to go. I did not expect my 2 year old to behave like a 10 year old would so I took everyone else feelings into consideration and we went home. Meanwhile, everyone else could enjoy themselves. We were visiting Atlanta when my daughter was at least 4 years old, while my daughter was well behaved, my girlfriend’s son had a 30 minute temper tantrum in Trader Vics, you cannot imagine my embarrasment. I asked for my order to converted to a to go order and left with my daughter never saying anything to girlfriend. I am glad our children are teens now, whew.
By JT
July 24, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this
I have a dear friend who absolutely refuses to put her (now) four year old boy with a babysitter. What does that mean?
That means that when we get together to go to a restaurant, we typically go some place that is kid friendly, i.e. Chucky Cheese.
However, every once in a while she and her husband suggest a restaurant that is decidedly adult: Chops, Houston’s, Bones, or The Fish Market. Now, I love those places and would dearly love going to them with my friends. However, my friend insists that her little boy go as well. By and large he is a good boy, but as many others have pointed out, kids that age (and younger…AND older) get bored easily. So instead of being able to carry on adult conversations and enjoy my meal, we must all focus our attention on little “Ricky” and make sure he is happy.
On the few occasions I’ve dined this way with them, I’ve left feeling cheated out of my respite and the cost of the meal. I didn’t want to go out with kids to such a restaurant.
Since then, when they suggest going out to those restaurants, I find myself unable to join them.
My friends and other parents need to realize there are times and places for children. People who don’t want other people’s kids around them 24/7 aren’t evil. They just want to live their life the way they have chosen - much as you have done. To force your children on others is to impose your life(style) on others and that’s exactly what you’re complaining those without kids are doing…..Food for thought, hmmm?
By Hume
July 24, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this
I have a dear friend who absolutely refuses to put her (now) four year old boy with a babysitter. What does that mean?
That means that when we get together to go to a restaurant, we typically go some place that is kid friendly, i.e. Chucky Cheese.
However, every once in a while she and her husband suggest a restaurant that is decidedly adult: Chops, Houston’s, Bones, or The Fish Market. Now, I love those places and would dearly love going to them with my friends. However, my friend insists that her little boy go as well. By and large he is a good boy, but as many others have pointed out, kids that age (and younger…AND older) get bored easily. So instead of being able to carry on adult conversations and enjoy my meal, we must all focus our attention on little “Ricky” and make sure he is happy.
On the few occasions I’ve dined this way with them, I’ve left feeling cheated out of my respite and the cost of the meal. I didn’t want to go out with kids to such a restaurant.
Since then, when they suggest going out to those restaurants, I find myself unable to join them.
My friends and other parents need to realize there are times and places for children. People who don’t want other people’s kids around them 24/7 aren’t evil. They just want to live their life the way they have chosen - much as you have done. To force your children on others is to impose your life(style) on others and that’s exactly what you’re complaining those without kids are doing…..Food for thought, hmmm?
By mg
July 24, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this
Hume - How do you tell a child that does not yet have a full vocabulary and doesn’t know the meaning of the word BEHAVE that they have to behave. How do you explain this to a child who is under one year??
For the most part my child is very behaved on flights but some times he does get a little irritated to have to sit still for so long. I do reprimand him when he gets out of hand, I am not one of those parents that just ignores it. But, why should I single out my child and not let him travel with us just because he might get a little loud.
My point is to single out children and say they cannot fly or should only fly at certain times is like telling people of certain races or sex that they can’t fly because of that.
Yes, I do agree that if children are overly misbehaving and the parent is not doing anything about it, than that is a problem. But don’t single out all children.
By A V 8 R
July 24, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this
I have been on flights I thought would never end and I’ve been on others when the kids were great. I think it depends on how the children are raised, if they aren’t accustomed to behaving and following rules it’s the parents fault, not the kids.There are those among us who should not be allowed to even have a pet. There are more parents who need a trip behind the barn than kids,the kids are simply a reflection of their environment.
By Tilla
July 24, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this
I don’t hate kids, and I’m sure a majority of the people in here don’t hate children, it’s just that if you are going to be a parent, then it is your responsible to discipline your child. I have seen so many people out with their children and they have to tell their child 4 or 5 times to stop doing whatever it is that they are doing (poor parenting). I have heard children telling their parents to shut up, saying what they are or aren’t going to do (again poor parenting), hearing small children cursing and the parents do nothing about it, children that behave like this as children just get worse when they get older. It would be nice if people were evaluated before starting a family, to see is they are competent to raise children. Because some people just don’t have good common sense.
By nurse&mother
July 24, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this
Just wanted to throw something out there to ponder. The airline industry is a business. I think that flight attendants should take that into consideration. Yes, even the most annoying passengers are customers. I am certainly not excusing poor parenting skills or misbehavior on kids’ part, but if Flight Attendants don’t like dealing with customers of all types, find another job!!! Don’t be a flight attendant if you don’t like customer service!
I was naive with my first child and chose to fly to see my sister with just myself and my 9month old baby. I was well prepared. I bought her her own ticket and I brought along her car seat. I knew this was the safest for her in the event of a crash. My child was quiet during the flight. The problem was boarding and unloading the plane.
No one (that was a paid Delta employee) would even offer to help me load the car seat with juggling a 9mo old on my hip. (not to mention my small backpack filled with bottles, diapers and treats). Those pretty little made up looking bleached blonde FA’s just looked at me as I struggled to board. It was the kindness of strangers that offered to help me. A gentleman (probably in his late 50’s or early 60’s )offered to help me carry the seat. I at first said, ” no, that’s ok. I think I’ve got it”. He smiled so kindly and said,” I’m a grandfather, I know how it is.” I am normally a self-reliant woman who declines help. I about broke down in tears to realize that there are truly some nice people out there. God Bless this gentleman who helped restore my faith in humanity. I can never thank him enough for his nice smile and kind words!
Airlines, don’t forget that people are paying you money to fly. Without customers, (even the ones we all wish were not on your flights) you would have no job.
By Sabrina
July 24, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this
To “Leen”: Is there a reason the airline should have to stock activity books and animal crackers? Isn’t it a parent’s job to foresee the possibility that the child might need them AND BRING THEM THEMSELVES! How about taking responsiblity for your OWN children!
Then why do they provide in flight magazines, sodas and snacks for adults. Shouldn’t the adults take care of themselves? How about taking responsiblity for your SELF!
Additionally, I imagine there are quite a few companies that would love to get their kid products out for advertising on a coloring book or mag for kids. I imagine it wouldn’t even cost the airlines a dime.
By PJ
July 24, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this
Picture this: You’re on a night flight from Seattle to Atlanta. You’re in the very last row (where the seats don’t recline). Seated in the aisle seat is a 350 pound man who, when he’s not complaining about the lack of space, is snoring loudly, a trickle of drool snaking from his mouth. The window seat is occupied by the president of the national chapter of “Save Water, Don’t Shower Organization” (This organization is also currently boycotting deodorant and mouthwash). Guess who’s in the middle? Want to trade seats with the guy sitting in front of a couple of wiggly kids? Wish I could have.
By Troglodyke
July 24, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this
I believe that society is becoming more and more hostile to kids and parents because it’s the “all about me” and “don’t inconvenience me” mentality that’s becoming more acceptable.
No, society is not more hostile to children nowadays. Society is more hostile to undisciplined children and their “it’s all about me and my selfless desire to spawn a child” parents.
Ours is a very child-centered society. Parents are venerated and held on some ridiculous pedestal simply for procreating. They get tax breaks and flex time (why should the childfree workers have to take up your slack?) and they get to whine about how hard it is to be a parent. All they ever talk about is their kids, and they are so competitive about them.
Saying that America is “hostile” to children and parents is as ridiculous as saying Xtians are persecuted in this country. Both are lies. Parents (even bad ones) and Xtians are both a huge majority, and have enormous sway over most areas of our lives.
I don’t mind being in the minority, but I hate listening to the majority whine about how hard they have it.
Just shut your traps and actually parent your kids.
Being a parent, I know how difficult it is to control a child 24/7. Every child gets in a bad mood, gets tired, or just plain cranky just like everyone else…If a parent was obviously trying to calm a screaming baby and giving an effort, I would not blame that parent because some things just aren’t controllable.
True. I agree here. If the parent of the brat is making an effort, and apologizes to those who are annoyed rather than getting defensive and hostile, I have no problem with that.
Parents who do nothing when kids are running loose or kicking seats on a plane are rude and WRONG.
There will always be kids in our society. If we had none, who is going to take care of you when you’re old and sick?
Oh, please. Of course there will always be kids. It ain’t the kids we have a problem with; we aren’t stupid. It’s the whiny, put-upon parents.
Parents have a monumental job in raising our future and they should be supported and respected for their hard work, instead of society giving them evil looks.
Give me a break. Yes, yours is not an easy job. BUT YOU CHOSE IT. You get evil looks when you deserve them.
Give parents a break and get off your high horse! Be glad someone is doing the work of perhaps raising your future doctor, policeman, etc, and willing to go through all the evil looks too! We parents are doing society a service.
I’m not on a high horse. I chose to remain childfree, and I thank myself everyday for that decision. Societies need kids, but we need them to be well-behaved, and we need parents who know what they are doing.
Just getting knocked up and squeezing out a kid does not make you a saint. Get off YOUR high horse, and try to understand that the majority has no business whining about their lot.
By Sabrina
July 24, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this
To “Leen”: Is there a reason the airline should have to stock activity books and animal crackers? Isn’t it a parent’s job to foresee the possibility that the child might need them AND BRING THEM THEMSELVES! How about taking responsiblity for your OWN children!
Then why do they provide in flight magazines, sodas and snacks for adults. Shouldn’t the adults take care of themselves? How about taking responsiblity for your SELF!
Additionally, I imagine there are quite a few companies that would love to get their kid products out for advertising on a coloring book or mag for kids. I imagine it wouldn’t even cost the airlines a dime.
By Tilla
July 24, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this
GaConservative<——SICK
By TonyG
July 24, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
JMS:
We heard you the first time.
By Jb
July 24, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
By GaConservative July 24, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this You will respent my authoritay! Yeah, Yeah, Yeah… Tell that to the Judge when you are at your child’s arraignment!Kids are trained you idiot! THat is how we get to be civilized. NO one wants to be around an untrained person or animal, unless they are behind a fence!!! But I guess your kids aren’t which is why when I worked at a department store a while back after you and your kids left we discovered your kids had been pooping in the dressing room!! Yes that is right… that is what untrained kids do!! The only happy face to this is you are the one picking it up at your house as department store changing rooms are not always available when your kid needs to go! In our household we refere to the #2 as a democrat your little blog just proved our point very nicley thank you! You conservatives can always be used as a great example of a bad example!
By Deedee
July 24, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
Why we flew to Orlando I still don’t understand since we could have driven. The boys 4 and 5 enjoyed the Disney rides with great pleasure and so the turbulence we experienced on our return flight was like another thrill ride for them. However, when my little guy started saying “we’re going down, we’re going down,” I thought I would just die from the fear and embarrasment. It was not funny, my husband and I, mortified but asked them to stop because they were not on any disney ride. The looks we received when we exited the plane were murderous.
By Jess
July 24, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
Why we flew to Orlando I still don’t understand since we could have driven. The boys 4 and 5 enjoyed the Disney rides with great pleasure and so the turbulence we experienced on our return flight was like another thrill ride for them. However, when my little guy started saying “we’re going down, we’re going down,” I thought I would just die from the fear and embarrasment. It was not funny, my husband and I, mortified but asked them to stop because they were not on any disney ride. The looks we received when we exited the plane were murderous.
By Sabrina
July 24, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this
I’m with you PJ.
By Sabrina
July 24, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
I’m with you PJ. When I end up in a middle seat (something I avoid when possible) I hated it when the individuals in the adjoining seats use the inside arm rests when they both have outside arm rests they do not have to share. This is soo uncomfortable. I usually just wait for one of them to remove an arm and then glue my arm to the arm rest until the flight ends :) I do not, however, ask for them to be removed from the plane.
By Karen
July 24, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this
Like most, I think kids behavior is based on how well disciplined they are. I fly overseas several times a year and for the most part kids cry during take off and landing which I can deal with. I have, however, been on flights where someone’s little darling runs up and down the aisle, screaming and the parents go running after it full of smiles. When a child is old enough to run down the aisle (toddlers) they are old enough to be entertained in their seat with toys, books, DVD’s, etc. No one wants to admire your kid running up and down the aisle screaming or sitting in their seat kicking. On the whole though most parents do try and keep their kids under control. My own son is an adult now but when he travelled as a toddler I made sure he was in his seat and occupied during the flight. It may be extremely tiring for the parents (as you can see from the parents faces when disembarking the plane), but hey, that is what it means to be a parent. I think the idea of a separate area for families with children under the age of 12 would be a great idea. And another great help for all travellers is ear plugs and eye mask. If you use them you can zone out and relax and hopefully not hear all the commotion
By Cinny
July 24, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this
Let me tell you a secret. If a child is disrespectful, obnoxious, unruly and discourteous, he got it from his disrespectful, obnoxous, unruly and discourteous parents. Our children are mere reflections of ourselves.
By Troglodyke
July 24, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this
By Hunter When in public my children know to behave. They know that if they embarrass me then they are in serious trouble.
Great. This is how it should be.
I have taught my children to be seen and not heard, to say “yes ma’am” and “no ma’am”, “please” and “thank you”, to always be polite and mind their manners.
Are you sure your nanny didn’t teach them that stuff? How much time do you actually spend with your kids?
If more children were taught that adults are never wrong, don’t talk back, be quiet in public and always be polite even when you aren’t happy, then there would be less complaining about children in public.
I am in total agreement here. Liberal parenting DOESN’T WORK. Children need to be held to standards of behavior at all times. Their self-esteem is NOT of the greatest importance. John Rosemond is also right on with this.
However, Perhaps more parents need to return to traditional values instead of these permissive liberal idealisms that pass for values today.
If we are going to get political, how exactly does having a nanny so you can earn six figures jibe with Jesus’ teachings?
I am far from being a liberal, but I am also sick and tired of religious fundamentalism in this country. It’s so hypocritical.
By Tilla
July 24, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
Cinny: That is so true, wish the parents of today knew that.
By TonyG
July 24, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this
Troglodyke:
The majority of us here also applaud your decision not to have kids. That way when you leave this world there won’t be another one like you.
By TonyG
July 24, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this
Tilla:
Evaluation before we let people become parents? Have you been reading up on Adolf Hitler? Sounds like something he or Chairman Mao would have loved.
By mike
July 24, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
Parents, bring Xanax along to pass out to the flight crews…I’d much rather deal with a crying kid than a wining adult.
Delta flight attendant
By mike
July 24, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this
Parents, bring along Xanax to pass out to the flight crews…I’d much rather deal with a crying kid than a wining adult.
Delta flight attendant
By Kate
July 24, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this
Obviously parents should teach their children proper manners. However, learning the rules of society takes time and practice. That practice comes as children experience the world around them - restaurants, airplanes, etc. Everyone needs to remember that, like it or not, children are a part of society. And children have just as much right to be anywhere as you have.
Children cannot always be sequestered away from fussy, tempramental “adults”. Any adult who cannot tolerate the normal behavior of a small child for a few hours should sequester themselves inside their own private vehicle.
By Tilla
July 24, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this
@TonyG: No I don’t read anything on Hitler and don’t care to. I’m not trying to be mean by saying that, it’s just that what I see everyday makes me wonder if that would make a difference.
By GaConservative
July 24, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
Jb:
When my children dropped a deuce in your dressing room it was a message. You learned it well. You clean up after your betters now and you always will. It’s not my fault you slept through school, started breeding before you could read, and are now stuck in the “Service” industry.
You get out of life what you put into it. You put forth a half-a*******ed effort and now you have a crummy life.
Deal with it.
Pick up my children’s poop and be thankful you have a job.
Praise God!
By Snort
July 24, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
Becky, you can teach a child to behave in “adult situations” without holding the rest of us hostage to that learning experience. My parents took us to early showings of movies, plays, exhibits, etc and expected us to behave, but if we didn’t it was in a child-friendly environment where they could explain and (if needed) punish without bothering others. None of us were allowed to go to a sit-down restaurant until we could sit quietly in a chair for at least an hour. We weren’t taken to an evening out until we understood that our “inside voice” was to be used at all times until the end of the evening. Certainly expecting a child to behave as an adult in an adult situation is unrealistic…therefore don’t take them into adult situations and expect the ADULTS there to smile indulgently.
Troglodyke, everything you said was spot on!!!
By TonyG
July 24, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this
Tilla:
Probably not. There will always be bad parents just like there is bad anything else. I will say this, though, dealing with the public for ten years as an AMTRAK Conductor was an eye-opening experience for me. Hell, give me a crying kid every time over some of the totally stupid, obnoxious, rude and stinky ADULTS I had to put up with. And a train takes twice as long to get where it is going as a plane does.
By PJ
July 24, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
Ron Clark, the award-winning educator, was to be honored in a ceremony in California. Community effort made it possible for his fifth grade students to fly from Harlem so they could be present when their teacher received the award. The week before the flight Mr. Clark had them practice proper air travel behavior. They arranged chairs to simulate airplane seating, and Mr. Clark played the role of the flight attendant. When the real plane arrived in Los Angeles, Mr. Clark met the flight (he had taken an earlier flight leaving the students in the care of parent chaperones). Many of the passengers and the flight crew complimented him on the outstanding behavior of his students. One woman told him that several of his students had accidentally bumped her arm as they walked down the aisle to their seats. Every one of them had turned to her to say, “Excuse me”.
Parents, take a lesson from an expert. Take the time to prepare your kids for air travel.
By mike
July 24, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this
Pick up my children’s poop and be thankful you have a job! I’d be willing to bet the ranch that your kid’s will go straight from the trailor park to federal prison…
By Tilla
July 24, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
@GaConservative: Maybe you and your kids should live in THE BUSH No modern toilets, or showers, kitchens to cook in or modern utensils. No beds, no clothes. No Television, no Malls or any other conveniences of today. If you are going to live like animals then you and your children should live amongst the animals. In the WILD you and your children can P—S, and S—t out in the open and keep on moving. You are CRAZY
By Tilla
July 24, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
TonyG: Do you still work for AMTRAK?
By Tilla
July 24, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
TonyG: If it’s like that riding on a train then I am glad I have never traveled on one and now I don’t want to.
By GaConservative
July 24, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this
mike and Tilla:
Get back to work this instant before I have you fired.
Scum.
Jesus my love you but I don’t have to.
Praise God!
By Tilla
July 24, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this
GaConservative<—-SICK SICK SICK You and your little ones have fun in the bush. You can’t be all about God and think the way that you think. You’re a DISGRACE You don’t have to worry about working in the bush. You must be in a CULT.
By JP
July 24, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
I will be the first person to get annoyed by an unruly child. I’m 23 with no children yet (thank God!) but am also a full time nanny and understand the frustrations of dealing with children.. in ANY situation.
But the sad reality of this is that flying with children is a lose-lose situation for everybody most of the time. I haven’t flown on a plane in years where my seat wasn’t incessantly kicked for the entire flight or someones kid screamed in my ear, and the parent did NOTHING to stop it, instead gave ME evil looks like I was the one causing the commotion. Nicely asking them to get precious to stop hurting my ears does nothing, apparently. I was 19 at the time and I assume she thought I was too young to ask such a task of someone of her status. Give me a break!
I babysit 3 kids and the older 2 have absolutely zero problems with behavior, especially in “adult” situations, which I believe an airplane is. Their parents have taught them how to behave in public, and the youngest (5) is almost there too. However, I understand the embarassment of the parents who honestly try to control their kid and fail, because sometimes nothing you do will work. Sure, you could yell, but the kid cries louder, or spank, but heaven forbid you do that—you’d be accused of child abuse! (Which by the way is absolutely ridiculous) As a babysitter, I’m limited to yelling and/or removing the child from the situation if nothing else works. I’m paid to look after the kids, not become their best friend. Parenting should be the same!
It might’ve annoyed me growing up, but I had parents who took the time to discipline me and yes, spank me if nothing else worked.. and it only came to that a handful of times. No, I didn’t see it as abuse and I still don’t. Parents today are WAY too permissive of their little darling, and that is why this is even a topic of discussion in the first place! I spent a semester in a Cobb County middle school and had never seen such horrible behavior in my life! Teachers are given no respect, parents hassle them if they do discipline little precious, and of course the child NEVER learns to behave! What does that say about the future? I’d rather risk dying than have a product of today’s society responsible for my well being in old age. I would have never been able to get away with what I see in public today, and I’m forever grateful to my parents for that.
Before I get torn down, I realize that it is not every parent that is permissive and not every child is a misbehaving monster. This is merely directed at those that are.
Yes, I’m sometimes impatient and easily annoyed by children. So what does that mean for me? I’m not ready to have them! 3 kids for 8 hours a day while their parents work is enough. But i also understand there are people who do want children and I respect their decision - so long as they are doing their job. Teaching their child discipline. Actively controlling their child in public if he/she misbehaves. Hiring babysitters when needed. Taking them to kid friendly restaurants. Seeing a kid appropriate movie at an appropriate hour. Making sure the child knows the parent is the boss and what is expected of them, especially on a plane!
Traveling with children is sometimes a necessary evil and can’t be helped. Perhaps some people need to become more tolerant of children in general, after all a 2 year old isn’t going to fully understand why he needs to be quiet, but also parents need to stop expecting someone else to raise their child and do their job! I shudder to think about what the world will be like in a few years if this trend of permissive parenting continues.
And yes, I agree it is typically the affluent families that have the unruly children. No, not all. But in my observations, it has been the rich kid with the nintendo DS lite, iPod video, portable dvd player, wearing the little Calvin Klein playclothes (are you kidding me?!?!) that is the worst behaved. That is the parents fault. Often I’ve seen the children from poorer families be much better behaved, because their parents have taught them that they can’t always have everything they want. They don’t get everything handed to them on a silver platter just for being alive. But that’s how things are in many affluent families (again, not all)… don’t believe me? Just spend 5 minutes watching MTV, especially My Super Sweet 16. That show makes me want to vomit. Not because they are rich enough to have everything, but have you seen the way those kids behave to their parents? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?! THAT is what is wrong with the world!
By GaConservative
July 24, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
Tilla:
My God will smite you down for your back-talk.
Get ready beyotch.
Now, go make me a ham sandwich.
Praise Jesus!
By mike
July 24, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this
GaConservative, eat poop!
Mike and Tilla
By Tilla
July 24, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this
HAM SANDWICH is perfect for you PIG
By GaConservative
July 24, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this
Mike:
You had better watch how you speak to your superiors.
My family - the children and my wife Hunter - will always be better than you.
God loves me.
Deal with it.
Now, go shine my shoes.
Punk.
Hail Moses!!
By GaConservative
July 24, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this
Tilla:
See, we can agree on some things.
Not too much mayo and some lettuce and cheese. A bag of chips too.
Go Jehosephat!!!
By Tilla
July 24, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this
Mike, GaConservative is crazy. Maybe he should be sent to IRAQ, let him say this crazy s—t over there. Let Al Qaeda have him
By Tilla
July 24, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this
@GaConservative: Your God has a pair of horns and a tail. YOU DEVIL
By GaConservative
July 24, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
Tilla:
I do not worship cows.
That’s those heathen Indians and their 3000 gods with six arms and elephant faces.
Yea Aaron!!
By Tilla
July 24, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
YOU DEVIL@GaConservative. The Indians have pictures of you.
By momof2
July 24, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
Are you people bored??? Weird. Just signing back on to CLARIFY that momof2 is NOT momof2nd. I was being blamed in a few entries for things I did not say. Have a fab day strange people!
By tye
July 24, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this
The subject is children on planes
By Ruka
July 24, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this
Hats off to Emirates Airlines for knowing how to deal with children on airplanes. All of their seats come with video consoles that offer children’s movies, cartoons and games. They provide stuffed animals for younger kids and activity bags for older ones. They provide kid sized meals and their food arrives first so kids are eating and not complaining about being hungry. AND best of all, Emirates flight attendants know exactly when and how to tell parents and their kids when the children’s behavior is out of line.
As for all of you complaining about how undisciplined, selfish, and self-centered American kids and how blind and spineless American parents are for not disciplining their children, you clearly haven’t had to deal with rich Arabs and their kids.
By Ruka
July 24, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this
Hats off to Emirates Airlines for knowing how to deal with children on airplanes. All of their seats come with video consoles that offer children’s movies, cartoons and games. They provide stuffed animals for younger kids and activity bags for older ones. They provide kid sized meals and their food arrives first so kids are eating and not complaining about being hungry. AND best of all, Emirates flight attendants know exactly when and how to tell parents and their kids when the children’s behavior is out of line.
As for all of you complaining about how undisciplined, selfish, and self-centered American kids and how blind and spineless American parents are for not disciplining their children, you clearly haven’t had to deal with rich Arabs and their kids.
By Old folks
July 25, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this
Airplanes are not the only places that parents allow their offspring to act like barbarians…..When we were in business, we undeerwent episodes yoou wouldn’t believe and they were not all caused by little kids. Thiink teen-agers from “upscale” families. Thank God we live through it all.
By tye
July 25, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this
lol PJ
By tye
July 25, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this
@momof2: I don’t believe society is becoming more hostile towards children. The parents that are half raising these kids today are the problem. Letting their children do whatever, whenever, I’ve seen it. I was working at a Target store and this kid wanted something and the mother said no he couldn’t have it. And the kid started kicking the hell out of his mother, and she didn’t do anything. This kid was totally out of control. These parents today let the television raise there kids. All these violent video games and not to mention their diets also have them jumping off walls. Oh and do you watch the news? I know parenting is not an easy job BUT they should teach their children how to behave in public. I understand children have their good days and bad days just like everyone else, BUT a lot of the behavior I see tells me that a lot of these children are spoiled ROTTEN A lot of these parents are just as bad as the kids.
By Elizabeth
July 25, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this
I do agree that bad behavior from children or anyone else for that matter on airplanes should not be tolerated. Although I must say that I probably would not consider everything that some of the commenters do bad behavior. I think if the parent isn’t trying to handle their child properly and within a timely manner, then yes it is acceptable for them to be removed from the plane. You have to give parents a chance and the time first though. And the children part only refers to children who can actually move around beyond their seat, not babies. And for all those saying ban children from airlines or only allow them to fly at certain hours, that is totally ridiculous. How can you expect the rest of us to take you seriously if you don’t have logical solutions for your own complaints. There will be times when a parent has no other choice but to fly with a child, even one younger than 2. I am expecting my first child in January, and will be getting out of the Navy in the following months. I am currently stationed in Hawaii and have multiple reasons for not wanting to stay here past my end of service date, not the least of which being that my husband will probably be stationed somewhere on the mainland around the time I get out. There is no other practical way to get back there from here. Oh, and the flights from here to the east coast, where all of my future child’s grandparents live, for the most part start flying only in the late afternoon and later so that they’re not landing in the wee small hours of the morning. I will not, and should not be expected to, wait almost 2 years to fly back there just to appease the other passengers on my flight from having to potentially hear my infant crying. And I’m sure there are many other reasons that parents will have to fly with small children. Sometimes in life, especially as adults, we must grin and bear the small inconveniences that come our way. As for the seperate area or plane, I would not be opposed to this but you must understand sometimes neither of these suggestions is practical.