I can't believe that I am going to contribute in part to what will likely (but hopefully not) close a thread but
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Billiken:
Unless there are legitimate allergies/sinus problems, your brother should be charged with child abuse.</font>
Sounds like an accusation to me.
My feeling is go for it. The other people on the plane have the right to some peace and quiet as well. If the parents think that this will help calm their child and help them sleep so they aren't tired, restless and cranky then I think they should be commended for the forethought. Not everyone can sleep on airplanes and keeping a child awake for a 20 hour trip could also be considered cruel.
I seriously doubt they plan on giving their kids an overdose. Bringing their game boys also shows forethought as to entertaining the kids when they are awake.
We will all differ in our approach to parenting and that's totally fine. It doesn't sound to me like anyone is saying that people should have to drug their kids when they fly. These parents are making a rational thought out decision based on how they know their children will react to this trip.
edited to add: after reading fromYXU's post I would ask
with full respect, how about something different like gravol which is used for motion sickness and has the side effect of drowsiness? My parents always gave it to me in the car and boats and planes becasue I did get motion sickness.
[This message has been edited by cattle (edited 06-20-2003).]