Unruly Childeren

[Piltdown Man]

Which reminds me... A little while ago, I was told that a child (guess 6-7 years old) refused to sit in their seat and fasten their seat belt. "He won't do it!" says his mother and "I can't make him". It didn't take long for the little git to sit down and shut up because mummy didn't want to walk home. So there is no need for laying hands on any kids, as a parent you just have to pay for the trouble they cause - as ever!

[Sunnyjohn]

We came across a similar experience at VLC. After boarding, the cabin crew explained to a mother that her three year old son (a guess) would have to have a seat belt. Said lad steadfastly refused by kicking and other violent behaviour. The staff were fantastic and did all they could as tactfully as possible but the lad was adamant. The captain apologised and taxied back to the apron where an aiport bus met mum and son who left the aircraft apparently without a care in the world, stepped onto the bus (fortunately they had no hold luggage) and off they went back to the terminal. We've never seen anything quite like it. It was just as though they'd got on the wrong bus and were getting off to get on another one.

[bondim]

I recently had a mother literally dragging her 5 year old onboard, the poor kid was kicking and screaming on the floor in fear of flying! Turns out the older brother had been teasing him that "they were all gonna die". Shame on the mother for not controlling her older ( round 11) son and criticizing me for not managing to "coax" the little one into coming onboard. In the end, the boy had a visit to the flightdeck and calmed down. Yet, the mother's main concern seemed to be "her money back" if they had been unable to board.

[MidlandDeltic]

While I do not understand parents not controlling their kids (which, believe me, can be tough on a long flight, especially with smaller children at 2 or 3 years) - I would immediately sue any person laying hand on my kids, justified or not.

Not supporting physical punishemnt, but that attitude is part of the problem generally, not just on planes.

When I was young, I knew not to get into trouble - or at least get found out. For example, I knew full well that if I got into trouble at school, I would be in even more trouble with my parents later. These days, the default response seems to be that parents back up their offspring against those in authority.

My kids have always known full well to behave when travelling, from a very young age. It needs enforcing that they do take heed of what they are told by officials, and do as they are told - something which the "stranger danger" culture seems to argue against. Unfortunately, many (and class does not seem to be an issue) seem to think it OK to let their kids run riot, but they will suddenly turn into responsible angels when they turn 3/7/11/15 or whenever.

Rollingthunder :

Once had aisle seat with empty beside me. Young girl (maybe 2 1/2) comes down the aisle and stops. Looks at me, I smile. She then clambers onto empty seat (armrest was up), proceeds to walk over my legs to get a view out the window. My hands went around her waist to steady her. A few minutes later FA comes down the aisle looking. Gives me a smile - I gave her my help expression. Mum arrived shortly thereafter.

Nice story, but in this day and age I would have prevented the child from reaching me (arm forward to seat in front to block the way) and pressed the call attendant button immediately. Too risky sadly to do anything else as a male travelling alone.

[Sober Lark]

If you fly with commercial airlines you're going to have to accept unpalatable food, lack of leg room and contact with arrogant, immature, irresponsible adults. You're even going to meet adults with feelings of entitlement. Some of you may be unlucky enough to have your flight diverted because of antisocial or alcohol induced vulgarity. Some of you will even view a diversion due to a fellow passenger having an in flight heart attack as bothersome. Generally children are fine its the adults that have the problems.

[DX Wombat]

Its all about the parents.

Absolutely, but many of them have been brought up with the attitude that whatever they want they get and have no idea of consideration towards others.

Most airlines won't allow dogs in the cabin, better my Westie than these Urchins

Not on board an aircraft, but recently some friends and I had some time to kill so went to a pub for lunch. Because of access problems one friend needed to sit near a window. The only table free was next to some young-ish mums with an assortment of children at least two of whom were badly behaved and one of whom, aged five, stood on a seat then walked across the table - thankfully without his shoes.
As we were leaving I commented to the manager that whilst I appreciated the fact that they did not want dogs inside the pub and had no problem with that, my two who were in the car would have caused no disruption at all, unlike the little dears who had been sitting next to us. He smiled ruefully and said "I know."

"Please may I have a bowl of water and a biscuit?"

Bryn is his favourite, dog-friendly pub which has, sadly, now closed.

[radeng]

When at college many year s ago, we would often take the Head of Departments Border Collie out a luncht time. He really enjoyed having an ashtray washed out and then half a pint of Tolly Cobbold bitter put in it for him!

Apparently made him sleep in the afternoon....

[Bryn the Sheepdog]

What a kind person you are Mr Radeng. The Chief Spoilsport won't let me have any beer, she says it's not good for me. You wouldn't like to adopt me would you?

[radeng]

Sorry Bryn, the bosses here don't accept dogs. They don't even accept other cats!

[DX Wombat]

Quite right too Radeng. Bryn is now sitting in the corner mulling over his actions and would like to apologise for that request.

[radeng]

Pat his head for me, and tell him I'm sure he's very lovely - for a dog!

[grimmrad]

@ MidlandDeltic "Not supporting physical punishment, but that attitude is part of the problem generally, not just on planes."

Its not an attitude - its MY job to deal with MY kids and I do it MY way (and I have always got them to behave on a plane, even when very young - and were are flying frequently with grandparents all over the world) and I do not wan't or like anybody to interfere physically. By law I am the one who has to take care of the kid and no one else, everything else is battery.
So far I got most of the flights compliments from people around me how well behaved the kids were, even when I though it could have been better. I am pretty strict but refuse certainly any physical violence. One trick I play is to say if they are not behaving the captain is coming and they are not allowed to be on the plane (even in mid air) - funny, actually I am quite close it seems to reality. And I may add that my kids love to fly.

Maybe I am oversensitive since the result of child abuse is seen by my profession .

[tvrfreak]

Threats of lawsuits are only a deterrent in some parts of the world, and only against some people. It's a good thing your children are well-behaved, or you might have found that sticking up for your "principles" in this manner might not have been the best strategy.