Parents who don't get their children to give up seats!

[thatsmyspace]

Went to the doctors this morning and had a long wait.it was extremely busy as it usually is on a Saturday morning. And I was extremely shocked at the amount of parents that don't make their children give up there seats so others can sit down. An elderly gentleman positioned hisself at the end of a row of seats when right next to him was a child of maybe 4/5 and her mother the other side of her. She didn't even move the child onto her lap and offer the elderly gentleman the seat. A lady that was sitting close by stood up and gave him her chair. Another parent did the exact same thing when a pregnant lady with her toddler came in. She didn't move her child to let the pregnant lady sit down. So I stood up and offered my chair.

This isn't the first time I've encountered this. You see it all the time. Where's is people common courtesy! Maybe it's because I was raised to give up my seat to my elders I just don't understand this rudeness.

I would sit my 5 year old on my lap but not 10 year old. If they are at the doctors they are unwell and need a seat. I would stand up though to allow someone who is unwell to sit.

Maybe the children are unwell seeing as they are at the doctors? And as long as the people that needed a seat got one, I don't think it matters who offered it in this scenario

Oh this old chestnut once again! It keeps coming up in AIBU every few months, though usually about buses/trains. I would agree with @knowsmorethansnow that a child at the doctors is very likely not well and therefore needing a seat.

Although, when I'm at the surgery with an unwell DD, they usually want to sit on my lap.

I really wouldn't personally judge in this situation at all.

You have absolutely no idea why the parents wouldn't insist the child moves. The child may have any number of reasons why it needs the seat, it is very ignorant of you to judge.

Maybe they are unwell?

Maybe they are sat calm and happy and the parent right doesn’t want to disturb that and risk them getting agitated?

I would always stand up before making ds stand because it makes no sense to disturb him and his disabilities mean he would struggle to stand anyway

Who trumps who though?
If kids have to move, what age do they've to move for? 20s, 30s, 40s or just pensioners?

Men are statistically stronger, should they give up a seat for women?

Instead of having this arbitrary rule, that doesn't take into account illness, strength etc how about if you're on a seat and someone needs it more then you, then you let them have it. I know plenty fit odler people who don't need a seat being given up by a toddler or young child.

Nope children didn't look ill and even if they were, still doesn't mean they need a seat. Can still sit on their parents knee.

I don't agree with children giving up their seats on public transport, they are more easily injured. In the scenario of an elderly person standing, it's the well bodied Adults I would judge.

In the Doctors, as said, either one of them could have been ill to the point they would have been very uncomfortable.

If seats are needed, they can be brought out of the treatment rooms etc.

Maybe the mother was sick? I had to take my son to the doctor 2 weeks after my bowel surgery - for sure didn't want him sat on my lap.

Maybe you didn’t look ill either

I would rather a child sat quietly than one running around.

I wouldn’t move my poorly child around to suit a random adult - surely you’ve had bugs where every shift hurts and makes your head swim? Nor would I move my autistic child into my lap if he were happily settled - unless you think I should risk a meltdown and being head butted etc.

@Tiscold elders means anyone older than you. If we have visitors then my children are told to get up. Infact they do it automatically it's even if that person is only in their 20s.

"Nope children didn't look ill"

Well one of them is ill.

The point is that they don't have to go on their Parents knee, everyone got a seat.

@LuvSmallDogs no one said anything about poorly children. These were children that were fine.

I don't have children yet, but I think in this situation I would either, ask the child if they wanted to sit in my knee and if not, I would stand. I would assume a child in the Dr surgery is not well so unsure why they should be made to stand.

@Birdsgottafly well they could stand then if they can't sit on their parents knee.

I agree with you but on MN nobody ever makes their children give up seats. My children know that if they have a seat and an adult is standing they give yo their seats. Youngest can sit on my lap and older 2 can stand.

I would give up my seat for someone pregnant or frail looking, but not just because they're over 65. I wouldn't give up my child's seat unless they were small enough to sit on my lap or happy on the floor.

I think, though, the courteous thing to do in the circumstances you describe is for the parent to either stand up, or sit down with the child on their lap.

I'll say it again. These children weren't ill they was happy, laughing with their parent. They was able bodied children.

I hate this superiority type stuffed based simply upon a number!

Happy, laughing children maybe unwell still.

@Believability finally someone with some courtesy 😊

Yes those of us with invisible illnesses aren't allowed to smile or laugh, in case some busybody thinks we're 'faking it'.

None of your business.