to be horrified by children´s behaviour on flight?

[Happy36]

Am I unreasonable to think that one should keep an eye on one´s children during a flight and try to ensure that their behaviour does not upset other passengers unnecessarily?

Just had a horrendous experience with what felt like a whole plane full of children (not toddlers - children aged between 5 and 15) screaming, shouting, running around, dropping rubbish, bouncing over the seats, ignoring the airline staff. Children will be children, that much can´t be denied, but what horrified me was the parents´ total oblivion to the situation.

Also I felt sorry for the airline staff and wonder whether there are any possible ways for airlines to encourage passengers more strongly against indulging in anti-social behaviour.

Yes, people can be very selfish with recliner. I once travelled alone with a tiny newborn on a crowded flight. Person in front of me reclined as far as he could, which meant his chair kept hitting baby (or would have if I didn't have my arm in the way, but we were so squashed. I couldn't move baby to left (other person) or right (aisle with constant trolley) or anywhere else. Air steward said she couldn't do anything about it, and there was nowhere else to move me. It was truly awful.

I really sympathise with some parents of difficult children. I have seen a number on flights who are really, really trying, but child is too tired, cranky etc to co-operate. Parents are also exhausted and utterly humiliated by death glares around them, but no amount of disciplining/ bribery etc is working. I think this scenario is potentially any one of us, and if you think you are immune because your children are so perfect, then you just haven't had your turn yet...

Have also travelled with ASD child who looks and acts normal most of the time, but can turn into devil incarnate if a- potentially small - trigger is encountered. Very few people witnessing, unless told, would know that the resulting autistic meltdown is not a spoiled brat tantrum. The experience is inordinately stressful on a plane or at an airport for the parents. They are VERY aware of the impact on other passengers. Yes, this child's parents travel far less than they would otherwise, but I think they and their child deserve to attend family events and holidays abroad too (without the death glares!!).