My god this thread.
If a child is small enough to be on a lap, they should be on a lap. If they are old enough to stand safely, then an able-bodied child should act as an able-bodied adult; first come first served for seats, unless someone with greater need, such as those heavily pregnant, elderly, or disabled.
As it happens, if I'm sitting and have the opportunity to give my seat to a child under ten or so, I do, especially to let children sit with their parents - I have more balance, and more sense, and I only need to worry about getting myself off the train at the right stop. I've seen adults get pushed around on a crowded train or bus until they're too far from the doors to get off at their stop. It puts my heart right in my throat to think of a child being separated from their mother on a train.
It's appalling how many of you seem to believe a child is worth less than an adult. I thought that attitude was rightly out the window. You realize that a child is a person? Smaller, and often more vulnerable, and a human being with rights all the same.
The idea that all children must respect adults more than all persons should respect other persons is the same attitude of "children should be seen and not heard" and "the adult is always right", dangerous attitudes indeed.
JenniferJo you are the rudest poster I have ever come across on mumsnet, which is quite a distinction.
I'm incredibly grateful my parents raised me to know I was a person, with as much value and rights as any other person in society, worthy of the mutual respect we should all afford each other. I will always give up my seat to anyone other than an another able-bodied adult (and even then, if they have groceries or otherwise seem to need it more than I) and I credit this to the way I was raised.