Flying With Children - revisited.

I can't enter this discussion as a parent, however, I work full time in child care. In fact, I look after 12 two year olds everyday.

When I go on holidays - I'm looking to escape work; I'm looking to escape the tantrums, I'm looking to escape the kicking, I'm looking to escape the whinging. Hell; when I'm not at work, I'm not getting paid - I want a break. There have been situations on flights where I could help the parent out - everyday I encounter situations where I could help a parent out; whether it be at the shops, on the train home from work - in fact, when I see my family members with children, I'm EXPECTED to help the parent out but at some point; I want a break.

But it seems like those that work with children are expected to be somehow tolerant of children 24/7 and that annoys me; to the point that when I'm on a flight and someone asks what I do - I'm half tempted to lie just so that I don't end up with some mysterious child sitting on my lap because some parent decides to take a break and leave their child in my unpaid care.

I see both sides of the argument here but essentially; if you're a parent, and you're CHOOSING (and in most situations - it is a choice) to take your child onto a flight - no matter what happens you need to take responsibility for it. Simple as that. It is YOUR responsibility to change your child's diaper, it is YOUR responsibility to make sure that they sit down when they should be sitting down, it's YOUR responsibility to make sure their noise levels are respectable.

I've seen parents on flights who are able to control the situation in such a way that their child isn't annoying anybody = and bravo to them! Don't ban all children from flights because there are many many parents out there who are able to take responsibility for their child's behaviour. But then there are others who let their children run up and down the aisles screaming at take off - and that situation isn't just annoying - it's unsafe for everybody on that aeroplane; and in this case - the pilot should turn back to the terminal and kick them off the plane; it's not discrimination - it's being safe.

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I'm EXPECTED to help the parent out but at some point; I want a break.

I dont think it is actually necessary to do something, in order to help. As a parent, I find when somebody does nothing at all, it is as good as doing something to help. By nothing I mean no judgemental look, not unsolcited advice giving, no joining the kid in the tantrum... It is always a bonus though when a non interfering person doing nothing casts and understanding smile my way, when things are stressful.

...tolerant...

There is something negative about the word tolerant. I would hope that those who work with kids actually like them. But, I dont think the parents would give you the kid to hold if you didnt express some interest in it. But, yes, maybe lying about your profession may be a way to prevent from mistakenly believing that you might enjoy holding their child. I certainly would not hand my child over to somebody to hold, unless they expressed some interest.

Just curious about one thing? : Do you like working in childcare or are you just tolerating it? I have encountered a several childcare professionals in my 9 years of parenting. Some are naturals with it, while others really should consider a career change. A person can make a mistake or burn out.

Nice for you that you can go on a holiday and get away from the childcare. Parents cant. Yes, I know we can hire babysitters... But childcare is expensive...

I see both sides of the argument here but essentially;...

Before becomming parent, I wouldnt have been able to see both sides of it, despite my years of baby sitting, nannying and being from a big family myself.

...you're CHOOSING ...

Yes, we choose to have a child, and I for one am very happy that I have one. I didnt however choose the amount of negativity that comes my way, from so many in society.

But then there are others who let their children run up and down the aisles screaming at take off - and that situation isn't just annoying ..

Now, this is nonsense. Everybody wears a seatbelt at take off. I am starting to wonder if some people are inventing situations that dont exist. Now, that really is discrimination.







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