Family Kicked Off Plane For Out-Of-Control Toddler

[Miho]

I was at a bowling alley at our local casino yesterday. Family had two boys probably 3 and 5 years old. THey were so well behaved I actually went up to the family and told them how amazing their children were.

[DrDeath]

I've had people do that with my little girl *glows with maternal pride* Amazing how kids respond to a) being taught manners and what's appropriate and b)bribery

I also wanted to point out how amusing the thread title is if someone hasn't already. When I read it I thought it was a bit harsh til I realised the plane hadn't actually taken off yet.

I should have more coffee.....

[McMorbid]

I was at a bowling alley at our local casino yesterday. Family had two boys probably 3 and 5 years old. THey were so well behaved I actually went up to the family and told them how amazing their children were.

I do this same thing when I see well mannered children. I think it helps to show them that people appreciate good behavior. Anyone with well behaved children gets an ovation from me. Its not always easy to teach children the proper way to act in public. My mother raised us to be polite and respectful and its helped me time and time again.

[racingfan]

I wonder if some of it is genetic too though. I was a naturally quiet kid. But ive seen others acting like little monsters pretty much out of the womb. It never even occurred to me as a child to run around a restaurant, throw a tantrum, etc -- heck, my parents had trouble convincing me to give up my stroller -- I had the attitude, why walk when you can just ride! Lol

[DionysianSpirit]

I know it's horrendously illegal now but our best trips were when my parents threw two bunk bed mattresses, a whole bunch of pillows, toys and books into the back of one of those 1980s Chevy suburbans. We behaved, and our parents had peace.

This was most likely illegal then as well, but at the same time pretty cool. Reminds me of the Kenny v Spenny where they live in a van but at the same time if it was a local trip, I'm sure I would have fun. If you're talking cross country trips on the transnational highways and the kids are playing on a couple mattresses in the back that is just downright dangerous. In a roll over or collision the loose kids in the back would be slaughtered in the horrendous aftermath.

[cindyt]

I can't remember now how old she was, but she hadn't started school yet, my oldest niece was having a birthday party and there were several of her cousins there. She got a whole bunch of presents and when she began opening them one little girl cousin started unwrapping too. Mad me mad as hell--not at the child, but at her mother for not stopping her. If I had done that as a child my mama would have beat my ass. I was raised to respect my elders and to respect other people's property.

[Forever-27]

Miho you've renewed my hope for the next generation of rugrats. Hope its the newest trend to keep your kids in check.

Not all of us like children.

[Miho]

Miho you've renewed my hope for the next generation of rugrats. Hope its the newest trend to keep your kids in check.

Not all of us like children.

Oh I am sure you know very well how I feel about children. :-)

[radiojane]

Really? I'm never sure. you're so subtle and all.

[Miho]

Really? I'm never sure. you're so subtle and all.

*LOL*

[Djen]

I don't think it's abnormal to be having tantrums at the ages those girls are. I had 3 girls in two years (a singleton, then twins) and there were some horrifying tantrums at my house for a while there!

BUT

I wouldn't have taken them on a plane at that age, either. Well, if I'd needed to go to a funeral or something. But not for vacation, COME ON!!!

I wasn't able to keep them from being normal toddlers, so I kept them to places where being a normal toddler was OK. Taking a beach vacation with an international flight is the sort of nightmare that tantrums are made of. And, like someone already mentioned, there is no way those kids are going to remember that trip, so it was definitely a parent-centric vacation. In my opinion, they were asking for trouble!

My kids are all old enough now (16, 14, 14 and 10) that I can go anywhere and not worry about their behavior. Well, the 10 year old gets a little bored at the symphony (so do I!) but he handles it appropriately.

I'm pregnant, and I'll soon have a little that isn't as easy for a while. But, I'll handle it just like I handled the others. I will teach the new baby what behavior I expect, and when he/she is able to comply, THEN we will take him/her out with us.

I just can't believe the parents thought this would be OK!

All that said, I have deep compassion for the people whose kids are not capable of functioning at what might be considered a "normal" level. Whenever I see a kid out in public who's completely losing it, I remember that I may not know the whole story, and it may not be a behavior issue or a parenting problem.

[DrDeath]

I wonder if some of it is genetic too though. I was a naturally quiet kid. But ive seen others acting like little monsters pretty much out of the womb. It never even occurred to me as a child to run around a restaurant, throw a tantrum, etc -- heck, my parents had trouble convincing me to give up my stroller -- I had the attitude, why walk when you can just ride! Lol

See I'm lucky, I have a child like this. Only once has she had a paddy (as we call it over here) in public and I made sure it never happened again. I never had to raise my voice to her ever again. She just behaves.

Mind you behind closed doors she's had some monumental meltdowns but only very occasionally. Usually down to being knackered. I took her to the theatre to see a play today and she sat still and watched the performance the whole way through and didn't speak unless I spoke to her. The only time she 'disturbed' me (if that's the right word) was when she wanted a snuggle cuddle from Mama. If she can do that, I don't see why all kids can't!

[RaRaRamona]

I was at a bowling alley at our local casino yesterday. Family had two boys probably 3 and 5 years old. THey were so well behaved I actually went up to the family and told them how amazing their children were.

Nooo! The kiss of death! You compliment a kid & they immediately act up.

[Forever-27]

Nod things to the parents no mattter if its a mom or dad. I enjoy walking around my house the nude, looking at the clock and saying on a Wednesday night at 6 00 pm I can make the drive to Las Veegas and be there 2 am without having to hire a sitter or dump them off on grandparents, no midnight diaper runs to the store, no calls from a school my kid is fucking up or got smart to some teacher. Just me I suppose, but I just don't need kids in my life. So I look at them different them someone who has them. What can I say, I enjoy it

[Mammy]

Forever, my sister is the same way. She was married for a few years and got a divorce and never had children. She has a little dog and is perfectly content with just her and Fluffy. She is almost 42, went back to school when she was 39, and is now an LPN at a nursing home. She said being around other people's kids made her realize she was glad to not have any of her own. There's nothing wrong with that. I love my kids and wouldn't take a million dollars for any of them and wouldn't pay a nickel for another one.

[Forever-27]

I sort of see kids holding me back. I enjoy my freedom and while my folks cry the blues about not living to meet their grandkids and how the name dies off with me, I still don't see any intrest in having kids of my own. A gf or wife,, of course I know I need that and someday will find one but as for children, I don't want the hassle. Kids woulld be added bills and extra burdons that I don't need now or ever. To me children are annoying and expensive. I'm 41 years old now and don't see my views on kids ever changing.


Thanks for understanding.

[racingfan]

I have never had any real despire for them. I love my dogs and cats -- those are the only "babies" I need (and my husband, the large baby lol). I think it's important for people to recognize this in themselves and not have them because it's expected.

[McMorbid]

Unfortunately some people do have children because they feel its expected or without much thought at all. Obviously this can lead to problems. I personally never wanted kids. I have raised my niece from a young age but got to skip the first few years. Its been expensive but I wouldn't change it for the world. I can identify with both sides. If people choose to have children they should carry the burden. People should teach children what society expects from all participants.

[AngryChair]

Geez, I feel out of the loop. I haven't been able to log in since I dunno when!


Long story short, Kids like this disgust me, and I am very glad the family was kicked off the flight. Kids need discipline, and you can be sure as shit that if my kids every acted like that they would get a good ass whooping!

[Mammy]

I was in Kohl's today trying to look at shoes. A woman with a kid that looked to be three or four had him sitting in one of the stroller/buggy things provided by the store and he was having a screaming fit to get out and she was just ignoring him which made him that much louder trying to get her attention. Finally, she (in a joking way) told him if he didn't be quiet, she was going to send him home with me. He stopped screaming and looked at me and I told him "you don't want to go home with me because I would spank you for acting like that." I don't know who was more surprised, him or his mom. She never uttered a word as I walked away and little dude didn't scream anymore that I could hear.

[McMorbid]

I've had this same experience. It always makes me feel hated or something. The children that know me love me but the ones who don't seem terrified. I'm pretty tall and large framed with a 3ft ponytail so maybe that's it. Most any stranger is probably scary to a child but at my height I must look like some sort of ogre giant. Some kids think I'm super man though so I guess I cant be too sensitive about it.

[Mammy]

LOL, well you and I don't look anything alike, but I guess the response is the same. I'm short and heavy and look grandparentish, so I guess she thought she would be handing Jr. off to a nanny type. I'm sure I shocked the crap out of her, but there is no sense in letting a kid carry on like that. He was just being a brat and there wasn't one tear in his eyes at all. I guess she expected me to coo and sweet talk the little demon since I was looking at Dora the Explorer sandals for my granddaughter. She got surprised instead.

[DrDeath]

You know one of the things I HATE is when I'm at work and people say to their kids "behave or the lady will tell you off". Er no I won't, it's not my job to discipline your kids! I just glare at the parents

[Mammy]

I've actually seen people tell their kids that a cop is going to take them to jail if they aren't good. That's just dumb.

[nightdiva]

The worst are the restaurant screamers and the ignorant parents who insist on staying and disturbing everyone around them.

[DrDeath]

I've actually seen people tell their kids that a cop is going to take them to jail if they aren't good. That's just dumb.

Ah now then! This very afternoon I returned to the seventh circle of hell to find one two year old child throwing a small bouncy ball around my department. So I asked the mother to ask him to stop. She asked me to do her a favour and tell him a police officer would come and take him away if he did it again. I stared at her in disbelief before bending down and gently, politely but firmly asking the boy to cease and desist before he had someone's eye out.

I'm telling you, if I wasn't about to leave for the day and therefore in a good mood I'd have gone to town on the mother. DO YOUR OWN PARENTING! I AM NOT DOCTOR DAY CARE!

[Mammy]

I agree 100%! I can't even begin to name the number of times my husband and I have gone out to a nice restaurant for a date night and it be ruined by a bratty kid or a bunch of loud mouthed, attention whore teenagers that want to make sure everyone is looking at them. Instead of restaurants asking if you prefer smoking or non smoking, they should ask if you have kids with you or no kids and seat the ones with kids away from everyone else. They can all ruin each other's meals and leave the rest of us alone.

[MirrorDimly]

Ah now then! This very afternoon I returned to the seventh circle of hell to find one two year old child throwing a small bouncy ball around my department. So I asked the mother to ask him to stop. She asked me to do her a favour and tell him a police officer would come and take him away if he did it again. I stared at her in disbelief before bending down and gently, politely but firmly asking the boy to cease and desist before he had someone's eye out.

I'm telling you, if I wasn't about to leave for the day and therefore in a good mood I'd have gone to town on the mother. DO YOUR OWN PARENTING! I AM NOT DOCTOR DAY CARE!

Heh! I love it! I can hear your beautiful accent, too, as I read it! (though I kind of picture it with a Stewie-Family-Guy spin as well)

Wow...that brings it to a new level, doesn't it: Excuse me, perfect stranger, but could you tell my kid something in an authoritative manner, because he won't listen to me anymore. Wait until little dude's in middle school...heck, grade school!!! Poor teachers!!! (And you, too! They couldn't pay you enough to deal with that kind of crazy crap!!)

[DrDeath]

I do a mean Stewie impression! I'll do that on the next one. This child was 2 by the way. She'd lost him at 2.

So today I'm with Ickle Death in a McD's (keeps her sweet and I'm collecting Monopoly stickers) when this teenager walks up to our table, pauses to wait for his friends and then proceeds to shout COME ON YOU F&%&%$ IDIOTS to them (charming!). I'm already in not great mood- I hate our city centre at the best of times and I've got hayfever headache and no new Monopoly bits- and so I snapped. I draw myself up to my full 5ft 4ins and gave him what for in my most cut glass English accent. The one that only comes out when I'm EXTREMELY pissed off. Even my angelic child shrank. I asked him specifically what gave him the right to act in such an anti social manner in front of my child, be rude to his friends and what his mother would make of him. I told him she would be ashamed and that if he were my son I wouldn't allow him out of my custody as he clearly has no idea how to conduct himself in public. I did all this in front of his friends and a sizeable crowd.

Can you believe that this pathetic waste of molecules nearly wet himself at being subjected to this? I mean I know I'm stereotype goth and all appearance wise but I didn't realise the voice and glare worked on teenagers since I quit the police force. I shall remember this.

I also reminded Ickle Death that until I can guarantee she won't act like that in public she will not be allowed to go into the city with her friends. However I know she confines her utterings to the inside of our car. Like her Mama. This child's mother (he was only about 14) clearly has no such qualms

[nightdiva]

I agree 100%! I can't even begin to name the number of times my husband and I have gone out to a nice restaurant for a date night and it be ruined by a bratty kid or a bunch of loud mouthed, attention whore teenagers that want to make sure everyone is looking at them. Instead of restaurants asking if you prefer smoking or non smoking, they should ask if you have kids with you or no kids and seat the ones with kids away from everyone else. They can all ruin each other's meals and leave the rest of us alone.

Mammy~that is an ingenious idea only one problem there....I would foresee a fight to the death among the "Servers" on who's NOT going to work the kiddie section. lol.

[Mammy]

The servers who work the kid section should make more on the hour!

[Dangitbawb]

I've actually seen people tell their kids that a cop is going to take them to jail if they aren't good. That's just dumb.

I have a friend that is a police officer, and let me tell you, he is un-nerved when a parent tells their child that he will put them in jail if they are mis-behavin! He calls it "lazy-ass parenting" to turn their kids into being fearful of a public servant. I have to agree, Policemen are here to protect the public
, not to disclipine wayward children.

[DionysianSpirit]

I have a friend that is a police officer, and let me tell you, he is un-nerved when a parent tells their child that he will put them in jail if they are mis-behavin! He calls it "lazy-ass parenting" to turn their kids into being fearful of a public servant. I have to agree, Policemen are here to protect the public
, not to disclipine wayward children.

So basically you are saying that parents should punish their children according to the law and courts? Not police officers? Where do you draw the line?

Now I am definitely suspicious of your motives here and assuming you are trolling. Either your friend the "police officer" is made up or just a lazy cop. Of course it is his job to discipline wayward children..by arresting them and presenting them to the courts for their failure to benefit society.

[SueWahoo]

So basically you are saying that parents should punish their children according to the law and courts? Not police officers? Where do you draw the line?

Now I am definitely suspicious of your motives here and assuming you are trolling. Either your friend the "police officer" is made up or just a lazy cop. Of course it is his job to discipline wayward children..by arresting them and presenting them to the courts for their failure to benefit society.

Seriously, what? I think that Dangit and Mammy are talking about very small children/tots not young criminals. Unless, of course, you really think that a wayward three year old should be brought to court for their failure to benefit society.

[Mammy]

We were talking about toddlers and very young children, not juvenile delinquents. But, I suspect you already knew that, Spirit.

[Djen]

I've seen people tell their children that if they don't behave the parent will get a cop to take them to jail. It makes me crazy! Why teach your child that police are scary? If your kid gets separated from you, and cops and security is looking all over for them, you don't want them hiding because they think they'll get in trouble.

Also, why is it that so many parents threaten their kids with cops when they're little and it's completely inappropriate (ie, having a tantrum in a store) but then shelter their kids from the cops when they're actually in trouble (Cindy Anthony and her ceaseless lying comes to mind here.

[radiojane]

My grandfather was a cop and a jail warden. He HATED when parents made their children fear the police. I can very clearly remember him telling us that the law enforcement was their to help us, and that they PROTECTED us. We didn't worship them as gods, but we knew that the only reason we had to fear them was if we had screwed up.

[DrDeath]

When I was a cop I wouldn't stand for it either. I'm not there to scare children. Just anti social teenagers.

[Nelliebean]

I'm not there to scare children. Just anti social teenagers.

And we thank you for that.

[DrDeath]

Tis my pleasure. Really.