Ds is driving people mad on public transport. What can I do?

[foxinsocks]

Ds (4) is one of those children who is wildly enthusiastic about life. When things are going well for him, everything is brilliant but when things don't go his way, he is nigh impossible.

However, his absolute favourite thing is going on the train/bus and as we are in London, we do this a fair bit. HOWEVER, he drives EVERYONE mad with his constant commentary of the journey and I have REALLY tried to distract him - I read him stories, I point out stuff out the window, try and play eye spy etc. but none of it works for longer than a few minutes. I've tried to tell him off and asked him to speak quieter but none of it works for long and I really am struggling to know what to do next.

e.g. on the train yesterday as we get on
'where is the train going' 'why hasn't it gone yet' 'we are at Kingston' 'look it's Kingston' 'why are we at Kingston' 'why haven't we left the station yet' 'why have we left Kingston' and literally it continues. He hardly pauses for breath. I thought it would wear off but it hasn't and it really does piss people off (and my gawd, it gives me a headache).

I love him dearly and I love his enthusiasm but is there anything I can do to try and calm him down slightly?

I agree that it's lovely to hear children chattering on trains etc but I do understand how wearing it can be for you, ds was a bit like this. Um, not a very right on suggestion but what about toffees?

or what about cassette player/DVD with headphones to listen to story tapes on.

it does seem a shame to stifle their chattering but my dd2 (4) would never shut up morning til night if not forced to. it's totally wearing for us all.

thanks for all your comments - I'm generally not very bothered by what other people think - I always reckon they can get up and move away if they don't like it but he is loud and incredibly persistent! I quite like the idea of story tapes or even constant food - perhaps something like raisins, dried fruit which take a bit of chewing!

As I said, I love him dearly but I do hope he outgrows this stage. I had a dd first who was quite quiet and likes nothing better than reading so having ds who's a bit like a whirlwind was a bit of surprise!

sounds like my s - he is nowfve and comments have changed slightly to trying to read all the signs,adverts and posters we pass too.
Its natural curiosity and it is more of an annoyance to you than the other passengers, but it is better to talk to him and direct it than ignore him. he is too young to kill such obvoius excitement.
At least you didn't get "mummy what is that man doing" sitting opposite on the bus one morning.
Me "that man is a woman" . Him "well it looks like a man" chokes from the other passengers on the bus while i desperately try to keep a straight face and 16 year old very butch schoolgirl continues to look stoney faced

Foxinsocks, your post did make me smile - my dd is EXACTLY the same as your ds. No advice I'm afraid, just sympathy! It can be very wearing can't it?

dd is nearly 5 and learning to read so that is slightly slowing down the running commentary!

My ds is 6 and he is the same, what does that say, where is that lady going. ds2 (3) is also following in his brothers foot steps.