Wow, I didn't realize I would ignite such a firestorm. I took it as a given that most people would understand that a 2 and 4 year old would absolutely NEED to sit together, but apparently not. I assure you that the result was entirely the screw-up of the airline and not at all the result of some kind of entitlement attitude or desire to get out of paying fees on our part. We actually phoned in the reservation for bereavement fares, the one and only time I have made reservations by phone. I am guessing that some lack on the part of the agent caused the screw up that allowed preschoolers to be seated alone in the first place.

Either way, I am slightly shocked at how hostile some people can be about children. Yes they are inconvenient, can be unruly, and even downright unpleasant at times. But we were all children once before, and someone sacrificed to get us where we are today. I just wish that everyone could have a little more tolerance and compassion for others, especially the very young and old.