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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

on the tube recently people were giving up seats for a mother and a grandfather who in turn let the children sit

233 replies

EleanorReally · 31/05/2025 08:26

surely the kids could have stood, or sat on their laps

i think this is a common scenario now but didnt used to be

OP posts:
GRex · 31/05/2025 08:33

It depends on the specific child and generically on age. Under 6 kids can't reliably stand well for long periods, but might get too heavy to sit on laps, or the adults might not want them on a lap (whether due to their own physical issues or just preference. Children can have one of many conditions affecting balance or leg strength, so really needing a seat, but you wouldn't know that from looking at them. Safest thing is to mind your own business. If you need a seat then wear a badge and ask.

By the way, it isn't a new thing at all. You've got older and only just noticed.

Original poster
EleanorReally · 31/05/2025 08:33

Sofiewoo · 31/05/2025 08:30

If someone’s given a seat it’s their decision if they want their child to sit in it.
Personally I would much prefer my 3 year old sat on the tube than me. Adults already get jostled about by the movement and by other people, a 3 year old standing who can’t safely hold on is hardly ideal.
What a weird thing to get worked up about. The child didn’t steal your seat.

Show quote history

why do you say i am worked up? Grin

it is just i have noticed it and i think it is a NEW thing and wondered if it was

OP posts:
myplace · 31/05/2025 08:32

Kids are much safer standing than older adults. If they stagger you can grab and stabilise them easily. If they do fall, they are less likely to injure themselves or anyone else.
They can also lean on their own adult, sit on their adults lap etc. They do need adult supervision.

It’s also really good for them to practice the skills involved!

The biggest danger to children who aren’t sat, is being swept away by the movement of the people.

Sofiewoo · 31/05/2025 08:30

EleanorReally · 31/05/2025 08:26

surely the kids could have stood, or sat on their laps

i think this is a common scenario now but didnt used to be

If someone’s given a seat it’s their decision if they want their child to sit in it.
Personally I would much prefer my 3 year old sat on the tube than me. Adults already get jostled about by the movement and by other people, a 3 year old standing who can’t safely hold on is hardly ideal.
What a weird thing to get worked up about. The child didn’t steal your seat.

Tiredofwhataboutery · 31/05/2025 08:29

I prefer children sitting tbh as an adult I hold on properly. Ive seem a few standing children go flying when the brakes ho on.

Coffeeishot · 31/05/2025 08:28

It's probably safer for children to sit than adults, yes they could have sat on knees,but it's not really a massive deal imo.

KidsDoBetter · 31/05/2025 08:27

Depends on age of kids. It can be a pain trying to keep little ones upright / not banging into poles etc

CharlotteRumpling · 31/05/2025 08:27

I give up my seat for kids all the time. No issues.