Wow, this is quite a thread. I am a mom of 1 child who flies with me regularly since he was 2 months old. When I book, I always seat at least 1 parent with our son, if possible. However, as there are almost constant equipment and schedule changes, it seems we never end up in the seats I first reserve. My son is now 13, and happy to sit wherever, but when he was younger, I really did prefer to be seated next to him. I found American to be of no help in seating us together after they moved us apart. Frequently other flyers were helpful in trading seats to allow my 2,3 or 4 year old son to sit with me, but on the occasions when they were not, I was perfectly happy to let them sit next to him. I only remember one particular occasion when I was really a snarky, mean, unfriendly traveller after someone refused to let me sit with my 2 year old. I always try to remember that I don't know what kind of day, week or month you are having, I just wish others could remember the same.