I would hope most adults feel the same way.

So much depends on the atitude of the parents. If they believe that proper behavior is important and work with their children on that, it shows.

the same parents who believe that they are entitled to behave boorishly seem to have children who act as they do. Go figure.

I'm sorry for your bad experience bayotter, but please don't lump all children into the same category. My boys have both been flying internationally since they were 5 months old and, if anything, I believe this makes them better travellers. Travelling to them is normal and I am thankful for that, as half of their family live on the other side of the world, a 14 hour flight away. It always amuses me when receive compliments on our boys' behaviour at the end of flights as they're often the same people who glared at us as we boarded

[Edited to correct typo]


[This message has been edited by JodieD (edited 06-20-2003).]

King Herod wanted to slay all the first born in Judaiea or something like that.

Sorry for my gash explanation I bet its pretty wrong but I found the decision of going to Religious Education classes or sleeping in and easy choice to make.

Unless there are legitimate allergies/sinus problems, your brother should be charged with child abuse.

Interact with your kids. Read to them. Bring snacks, games, toys.
Don't drug them.

I dont have any children yet, but when I do I will not hesitant for an instant to fly in F or J with them should I choose too.Of course it goes without saying that the children should be very much aware of the space around them and behave accordingly.

Maybe it would help for some people to remember that all they are paying for anywhere on the plane is their seat, NOT the cabin. If you want some sort of control over who should sit in the same cabin with you, I'm afraid you'll have to look into something like...www.netjets.com

I share the concerns expressed about behavior on a flight -- in any class of service. But I extend my remarks to the behavior of adults as well as children.

I chuckle at those of you who feel that FC is your own exclusive domain or feifdom which should be devoid of children. Who's next on your list? A poorly-dressed passenger or someone with a bad hairdo? Or how about that lady who keeps coughing in seat 3C?

I've flown FC both as a paying customer and as an FF awards passenger. In any case, I paid my dues and I'm not going to apologize to anyone if I take my kid with me.

On the other hand, I expect my son to behave appropriately under all circumstances, both to meet my expectations and as a measure of respect towards others. I can't say that I've seen all parents demand this of their kids, and this is indeed unfortunate. Then again, I've seen some pretty ignorant behavior from adults over the years as well.

I agree with the poster who questions how one can equate coach with a lesser standard of behavior. Bottom line is that each of us is responsible for our own behavior.

To you contrite FC elitists let me say only that it may be me and my kid to whom you direct your sneers and disdain when you see us sitting in FC. And we could care less what you think. Just behave yourself during the flight and everything will be just fine.

I'm curious as to how many of you who think the parents need to "control their children" would rather spend 13 hours hearing mommy yell at the kids. Kids and adults have good and bad days. And its not like mommy could decide to get off the plane halfway through the flight because baby was teething or tired or whatever.

Perhaps if y'all had taken 5 minutes to engage the children in some conversation or a card game the flight would have been more pleasant for everyone and they (as well as you) may have learned a little something about good behavior.

A few weeks ago, I flew LAX-HNL in F. Yeah, not *really* long haul, but it was a long flight for me. Two entire rows of the plane were taken up by a few families with kids. They were all together. Kids were making some noise, but the biggest issue was all the moving around by the kids *and* adults. In reality, the adults were the larger problem. They would stand in the aisles, talking to their friends. Big deal, right?? Well, it made it difficult/impossible to see the video screen for the people (including me) in the two rows behind them.

Well said, md.

Bravo! Great idea!!!

are we there yet? are we there yet? are we there yet? are we there yet?

I don't mind well behaved kids. I had no choice but to be well behaved in public even if there was nothing to do. My parents wouldn't stand for anything less. It's a matter of upbringing. Yes there is the odd case of ADD or something similar but not all of the population that claims it. Parents should also be careful what they feed their kids before flying and during flight. Sure, little Johnny have a Coke and a candy bar we're on vacation

Manners that begin at home often continue outside the home regardless of the setting.

I have found many children in business/first act more adult than some of the adults there... I believe children have every right to any seat on the plane as long as it is paid for/earned.

William

Excuse me..I think I said they gave them antihistamines which are over the counter ones..not valium.

You try taking your kids on a flight from Sydney to Vienna, which is approximately 20 hours, and then perhaps it won't seem such an act of child abuse to you.

What is better for the kids...to get some decent sleep on a plane or to be jetlagged for several days after they arrive?

In case you missed the part where I said they also took games I will say it again..they also take game boys etc for them.

How dare you even insinuate child abuse.

Let's keep cool...nobody's "accused" anyone of anything. Take a deep breath and let's continue having fun and learning in this thread

--richard, moderator