bangsandabun.com

OK, first of all Bangs, I’m gonna say upfront sorry! When I was one, we went to go visit my great aunt & uncle whilst they were still alive and who lived in Cadaques, nearish to Barcelona and our plane was delayed 17 hours. So I’m gonna say in advance, sorry!
What I’d like to add to that, however, is the fact that I then didn’t travel by plane until I was 8 and my sister was 5 … and guess what, I would have been smacked round the head by my mum or dad if I acted half as badly as some of the kids do on planes these days. From very early on we were told that this was a holiday, a treat, and if we didn’t behave, we didn’t go. Simple as that. Besides, my mother or father always took the remaining seat on that row of three and the other parent would sit across the aisle, so that we were all together. Why most parents don’t do that these days I don’t quite understand.
Plus when I went on a plane as an eight-year old … I had three books and a portable CD player. I was set for the flight, so why should I disturb anyone else? I don’t understand parents who allow their kids to just jump on a plane and entertain themselves, because kids entertaining themselves is generally the same as irritating everyone else in the area.

However, as my hair is the same as yours in the respect that it’s thick, dark brown and waist-length, now I just plug my iPod in with the wires hidden by my hair. Drowns out repetitive air hostesses/children/talkative parents and allows me to ignore them.

On that note, I hope that you did have a lovely holiday, as Granada really is lovely this time of year.

Boy,I wish there was a ‘Love’ option for Facebook as ‘Like’ doesn’t do it justice,well said!

You have touched on a serious issue and brought back painful memories of similar hell bound flights. My heart goes out to you. But….I have to say that all that angst was overshadowed by the total hilarity of your narration. I am sitting here with aching stomach muscles and almost wetting myself. The part where you showed your incredulity as the first child’s parents informed you where they would be seated if you had any problems, broke me completely. I was incapable of coherent thought, let alone speech, for quite a considerable time after that.

Fantastic blog!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh my. I LOVE this. I also cannot believe that parents don’t sit with their kids! Outrageous. I am totally with you on adult only flights – I think its the best idea – easier for everyone. Peace and quiet for those who don’t have or don’t like kids or (my personal favourite) peace and quiet for those who have kids but are going on holiday/business trip to escape them! Also means that when travelling with kids (who with the best intentions/breeding are never going to stay totally silent or still for a 3 hour flight) you don’t need to worry about inconveniencing other passengers with their noise/movement – some of us Mothers do give a shit and have respect for other passengers. Trust me, it feels crap walking onto a plane with a newborn baby/kids in tow and seeing people cringing in case you sit next to them! I do also believe that just because you have kids, your life is not over. I wouldn’t take mine to a 5* restaurant or on a really long flight but I still like to live a reasonably fun life.

Well, I can agree with 2 of your 3 tips. No vacations until the kid is 15? Do you really want me on the top of a clock tower with infinite ammunition? Really?

Other than that, I think what the parents did was appauling. I mean, really now…if you have multiple seats, have one parent sit with the kid. And to tap a stranger on th shoulder talking about we’ll be a few rows back…Bitch. Who the fuck do you think I am? Nuh Uh..that is something I would NEVER do.

Horse tranquilizer? Hmm..gonna try that next time we are flying to Jamaica.

Pahaaaaaa! “not holiday till the kids are 15″ ? No comment. *sits back and grabs popcorn*

I’m with Irene. The 15 year thing is too much. But it’s not too much to sit with your own kids. People are crazy. If you don’t want to sit with them, leave them home with a relative.

It just depends how people raise their kids. When my sister and I were growing up, my parents brought us everywhere and we behaved. We didn’t bother the people around us.

But that’s what the threat of having to bathe in rubbing alcohol will do to a three-year old.

HA! You forgot the most important tip: Teach your kids how to behave properly on flights, trains, buses etc, and then there’s no need for any of the other tips.

But that BS of not sitting w/your kid… yeah, that’s shady as hell!