to think a parent of a young child

[MurielTheActor]

should take them to the side when an older person is coming through with a full trolley.
I was coming out of supermarket along narrow walkway pushing my shopping when a father with a small girl (about 6 years) was coming the other way and just stood taking up the whole space so I had to go the side to let them through.

How are children going to learn to consider others when they are being shown that they have more rights than anyone else?
As a child I was constantly being dragged out of the way to let grown ups pass.
This really makes me so angry.
And don't get me started on children taking seats on buses and trains while adults are standing...
What is going on?

I agree about small children finding it hard to stand on buses and trains.

On holiday in Italy lately, the ticket inspector on the train came along and told a teenage boy to stand up so I could sit and put dd2 on my lap. Can you imagine that happening in this country?

Another writing project to do Muriel?

CINC

You're terrible, Muriel!!

Muriel do you have children as you don't sound as though you like them very much.

I you do have children I hope you don't give them the vibes that they are second class citizens. Teach them respect and manners by showing them respect and manners.

Next time a 6 year old gets in your way say 'excuse me please sweetheart' I guarantee you will get an apology and the child will move.

I was always expected to sit on my mom's lap to allow an adult to sit down.

A child propelling down the aisle of a bus would distract the driver.
You sound rather cuntish.

MurielTheActor Sat 14-Jul-12 19:04:55
LucieMay It's not always possible to tell the state of someone's health just because they're not visibly aged or carrying a stick or have a limb in plaster or a large bump.

You have hit the nail on the head. It is impossible for you to know whether a child has difficulties standing, a disability or a visual impairment which means they need the seat.

Adults, grown men and women, need to ask if they need a seat. If they don't need it, they can stand.

Yes I have an extremely polite grown up daughter who would always be kind to someone older than her.

I always get my DS to move out of the way for adults but barely any of the ungrateful buggers thank us. No wonder others don't bother since manners seem to be lacking in all generations recently.

Be kind to someone older than her. But not younger. Nice.

I was always expected to sit on my mom's lap to allow an adult to sit down

Me too. And when I was old enough to stand safely I was expected to get up and offer an adult my seat.

Your post doesn't really make sense - they were taking up all the space, yet there was room for you to go to the side to let them through.

As it happens young children love her and her them.

What has age got to do with anything, surely we should aim to be nice to everyone?
Still when the child goes skidding down the aisle because the driver braked hard you could always give them a good smack I mean that would teach them some respect and manners wouldn't it?

I would rather young children were sitting on a bus or a train than wobbling all over the place. I'm big enough and ugly enough to stand up and hold on tight, my children (5 & 3) aren't.

In fact, last time we were on the Tube lots of adults let them have their seats when we got on, I was really grateful (and surprised!). They didn't have to stand up once.

Just to clarify. The other passengers 'offered' their seats, I didn't ask them to move.

I must admit I do get a bit disgruntled about kids walking 4 abreast on the pavement when I'm trying to get past. I would expect them to at least be aware that other people are using the pavement and need to pass them.

I am always telling the DDs "mind outof the way, that lady needs to get by" or "watch where you're going, that man is trying to pass you". So I do know a little bit what the OP is saying.

Not saying an adult is more entitled to the space than a child, but is just as entitled and we should all be polite to others, no matter what our age

Most kids would be dangling mid air if they were strap hanging.

I think people with no children with them and a trolley should stand to the side to let a hassled parent with a trolley and children in tow get past safely.

curryspice rudeness is not just reserved for kids and teenagers though.

There are many, many rude adults around too. The amount of times people in supermarkets block the whole aisle having a chat.

When I was pregnant I had to get on a busy bus each morning noone ever offered me their seat apart from once and it was two lads aged about 12. I didn't expect a seat as I was pregnant not ill but most of the adults just barged past me elbowing my very large bump in the process.

And maybe that Dad in the supermarket was heartily sick of telling his DD to move out of the way as she wasn't paying attention and he was hoping a stranger would snap at her so she learnt her lesson. I often hope someone will tell my DC's off when they are aimlessly meandering along the street and ignoring whatever I say. Sadly no strangers have told them off yet so I have to tell them until I am blue in the face and beyond caring.