Would you give up your seat on a crowded train

[akaemmafrost]

During rush hour, for a child, say between the ages of 5 and 11?

I would and have. It's just a discussion I was having today and I thought I would put it to MN.

I think it's good for kids to learn respect for others, and giving up a seat for an adult on a bus is a good example. (or indeed for someone who had a greater need of whatever age). Just like holding a door open etc.

I really don't get the whole 'kids are unstable' thing - never used to be a problem when I was 5!!! And if they need to, they can sit on the floor! (note, am not talking about a child with disabilities here).

I had to take my kids on a 4 hr train ride when dc4 was 6 weeks old. All reservations were cancelled because the train was so busy (go figure). We couldn't even get INTO the carriage it was so crowded. We sat on the floor by the toilet between the carriages, with baby in his carseat. The 3 kids and baby were fine. I was not so fine, having had a baby 6 weeks previously.

'But why should you blindly "respect your elders"? I think you should respect all people the same amount'. I completely agree. I think teaching manners and respect for others is important not just respect and manners to adults. Never really understood that concept. Also respect is a two way street, age shouldn't come in to it.

why should I give up a seat for someone who is physically fitter than I am?

Yes, I live in a populated area and have to catch the same bus as all the office workers and the people who work on the industrial estate. Problem is that all three buses that it is possible for me to catch in the small time frame I have between getting my DD with SN's out of the door to her Secondary, and not getting the DS's to school on time are as busy as each other.

Few if any OAP's on at that time of the morning as the disability passes and OAP passes can't be used until 9.30am.

So all people on their way to work.

Not read through all the replies, but just want to say how extremely grateful I was at the weekend to the gentleman who gave up his seat on the Tube for dd (5). It was her first trip to London and she felt like a real little lady! I certainly didnt expect it, and although she actually likes standing up and holding the pole (being all grown up now she's 5!) I was happier when she was sitting down - especially when she was tired after a day tramping around that there big Lundun place!

disabled people go to work

Didn't say that none of them were disabled. Didn't say that disabled people don't work either. What I DID say is that the bus is full of people who work in offices and on the industrial estate. By the very nature of statistics, it would be unlikely that every single one of the 45 people seated was disabled, surely? Meaning that some of them are just ignorant! I can't see where I wrote that people with disabilities don't ever go to work?

You missed the point though. We've all agreed that it's wrong for people to refuse to get up for a person with a disability. I just don't think you can expect people to know. As uncomfortable as it is, I don't think it's that unreasonable to expect to say something along the lines of; "excuse me please, my son is physically unable to stand on the bus, could he have a seat?" or whatever else you feel comfortable with.

CouthyMow, if your disabilities are that bad, why don't you qualify for LA taxis to take the kids to school?

Personally I would refuse to give up my seat on principle to anyone who was too entitled and rude to ask politely.

No I wouldn't and I expect my children to stand up or sit on my knee if an adult comes on the tube and doesn't have a seat.