To tell random parents I think their children are well behaved

[Tootytata]

I'm sitting in an airport waiting to board my flight (by myself since it's work related). A family with 6 children are sitting opposite me. They've been sitting there for about 30 minutes but the children are so well behaved. Ages probably ranging from 3-4 to 13-14years old.

The oldest is doing a crossword puzzle. One of the children is trying to make the another laugh by giving him a teddy bear.

I'm sure not every day is sunshine and roses but I'd love to tell them how well behaved I think their children are. Don't think I will though because it's too random a comment to make! I'll look weird won't I?!

I've been up since 3am so tiredness is kicking in...

Strangers have complimented me on my brood's behaviour a couple of times in the past, and it has made my day. We parents of many children sometimes get judged and looked down upon, so it's lovely when someone gives us a boost. Do it.

God yes. I was having an absolute shitter of a day with toddler DD yesterday, and I felt (irrationally) like everyone was looking down on me. As we were sitting in a bit of shade to have our lunch a woman stopped and said how lovely we looked sitting there together. I nearly cried.

Always! I did this the other day and it's always lovely to hear

Absolutely! I’ve done it a few times and the parents always seem really pleased.

Last time I took DD to the dentist in the pram, a little boy of about 6 got up off his seat in the waiting room and opened the door for us. I spotted him with his mum on the way out and told her how thoughtful and well mannered he had been and she said it was just what she needed to hear as hed been a right little pain for most of the day

Absolutely say something. Compliment the children and compliment the parents. My go to line is often "Whatever it is you're doing, keep doing it!"

A friend of mine does this all the time....she compliments complete strangers......i find it cringey and embarrassing and will walk off when she does it.

Some children just have different temperament. It's not always down to parenting. Also if a child has special needs and doesn't behave well so what's then?

Do it!

The compliments I get for my 4 dcs mean the world to me. I feel like an absolute failure 99% of the time and the little compliments on their good behaviour at places like the doctors office genuinely makes my week. I'm still swooning about an older lady at the registry office complimenting my kids vocabulary nearly 4 months ago.