I really do love children and someday hope to have my own. I don't believe all of them are little angels like my oh so perfect cousin Aria, and I commend the parents that have to manage them day in day out. That being said, there are times when my sympathy and understanding is tested to the limit, and often because exhausted parents aren't thinking. On a recent morning commute into town, I boarded a busy train and was surprised to see two children no more than three or four years old with their mother, taking up four seats between them. Rather than putting one of the boys on her lap or seating the two together one seat, the mother took up her own seat next, placed each of her children on their own seat with one between them to use as a ring for their action figures to wrestle in. I suspect it was the rest of the commuters' stiff British upper lips that prevented them from speaking out. Even the pregnant woman standing nearby kept her mouth shut, probably all to aware that in a few years she would be in the same position.
The mother of two should really know better, no matter how tired she may be. I'm sure when she was pregnant she was offered a seat and shown kindness. So why is it that for so many, travelling with young children gives free reign to thoughtless and sometimes selfish behaviour? Thankfully an elderly lady told moved one of the children and took a seat. The mother looked mildly disturbed before realising she was in the wrong, not that she apologised or took any action to calm her now frustrated son.
The mode of transport where my patience with children is most tested is on board a plane. I know it's no fun for the parents either and youngsters need stimulation, so being stuck in one place means they will inevitably act up. It is nobody's fault, but when I get miffed some parents pick up on it and get defensive. I am not having a go or pointing the finger, just getting agitated like their children. A handful of parents feel that to avoid hearing their children screaming, I should book a seat in first class. Frankly I don't see why I should pay double for the privilege of silence and a sleeping without their offspring slapping me across the face.
Now I think I have a solution. If planes can be transformed into flying art galleries, than surely airlines can create a dedicated children's area, right by the mummy's rest seats with extra lumber support and massage function. Just imagine specially designed kiddie seats, equipped with play things to keep the little ones occupied. The mini passengers can chose from a plethora of age appropriate programmes and movies. And let's not forget the food served by dedicated members of the kiddie cabin crew, who can even let mummy know when the little one needs to be pacified and warm that milk ready for bedtime.
Not only could the area help parents and children, but my journey can remain as kid free and calm as possible. It might not be that feasible in the recession, but surely there are enough tired parents and disgruntled passengers who would opt for an airline that offers this service. I'm sure Mr Branson or the good people at Emirates can afford to trial this in their summer flights, if only to give me one area where I can believe children are in fact perfect little angels.
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