There needs to be some kind of booklet that a parent needs to read and sign (perhaps even take a quiz) before they can travel with kids. And yes, I'm a parent. I read up on traveling with children (on the Traveling with Kids forum; books; magazines; other online) so that I wouldn't turn into one of those people I hate sitting by, near or in front of. Heck, while we're at it; perhaps there should be a quiz/required reading before anyone flies. Nothing drives me more crazy than a parent who will not give their baby/young child something to suck on at take off and landing to soothe the child's ears. It's a simple thing yet so many parents don't do it. It pains me for the child much more than my own comfort (or lack thereof).

Seriously, folks; that 10 minutes at take off and landing - can you really not live without reading your blackberry, listening to ipod, etc? The rules are rules - whether you agree or not doesn't matter; and it's ridiculous that FAs have to come around to frequent flyers and tell them to get off their phone; ipod; computer; put their seat up etc. when we all know better.