Sorry, dangerous territory here but what is it with parents who think that we should be as enamoured with their little darlings as they are? I recently came back from a typical holiday destination and it was full to the brim of families. Despite repeated attempts to get them to stop the children standing on the seats, the kids carried on bouncing around as they felt like it. When I pointed out to one besotted mother that it really wasn't nice for the poor couple behind them to have her daughter hanging over the back of the seat staring at them for 2hrs 45, she couldn't understand why they weren't as charmed by her precious daughter as she was!
Maybe it's the summer holiday syndrome but I am sick of hearing the same old things. Anyone recognise any of these?
"I can't wake him up, he'll cry....."
And he's going to cry a whole lot more when he hits the ceiling!
"She can't help it, she's only little....."
But you are not! That is your job, to help her help it!
"Don't you have any toys for the children....?"
Do we look like bl**dy Toys R US!
"Oh, but they're bored. It's a long flight....."
So go to Butlins until they are old enough to behave or you get the guts to control them! They will be just as happy with Butlins. It's you that wants to go abroad!
"She's hot/she's cold...."
Take her cardi off/bring a cardi!
"I know she's kicking the seat but surely they know she's just a child...."
Madam, the fact they've just asked me where the fire axe is kept suggests that they don't really care that she's just a child. I suggest you sit in front of her for a while.
"Ahh bless! How funny is he...."
Errr...He's not!
"But my 3 yr old, 4 yr old and 5 yr old want to sit together. We are just behind them so we can keep an eye on them....."
Right and what are you going to do in a decompression when they can't reach the oxygen, or if they unfasten their seatbelts just before we touch down etc.?
And finally, to finish this little rant, a good story to prove not all parents are the same. Following the safety demo on the same flight, one lady asked if it was possible for her little boy to have a closer look at the oxygen mask. I was happy to let him see it and as I continued securing the cabin, I heard her explaining to him exactly where it would be and what to do if Mummy couldn't help him put it on! That is one Mother I now have the upmost respect for!
Jsl