Kids and Planes

I read this article this morning.

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/lifestyle/2012/03/toddler-kicked-off-plane-not-the-first/

Then I read the comments.  Most of them say something along the lines of, "Good, parents these days don't discipline their kids."

The kids age is 2.  Do you know a 2-year-old?  Have you been around them?  I have.  I'm on my third.  They range from being playful, cute, sweet and fun to spirited and energetic.  Then you can toss in the random meltdown at any given time for any reason.

My own son has melted down because we go in the house, buckle him in the car seat, take away a toy or don't let him push the button that closes the van door.  Yep.  Toddler issues.

Add a big trip to an exciting and stimulating place for the 2-year-old and you've got a recipe for disaster.  I feel for the parents, I really do but the pilot did what he needed to.  I do not believe this was a case where the parents do not discipline enough!  They did have a 3 year-old and there was no mention that this child was acting up too.

Usually when an article like this pops up, many comments do say, "OH PARENTS THESE DAYS DON'T DISCIPLINE."

Well, I beg to differ.  I do.  My children do get time-outs and I expect them to be polite, respectful and helpful.  They have meltdowns and get upset.  It's part of parenting.  Most parents never have to be in the limelight because of a toddler meltdown.

I haven't traveled on an airplane with my kids - at any point.  I have no reason to.  We don't take elaborate trips anywhere.  Maybe when they are a tad older we will try Disney World.  For now, we enjoy many wonderful drive-able, local destinations.  It just works for us.

All I know is that 2-year-olds are unpredictable.  They cannot apply a lesson they learn at home to a new place on their own without the guidance of an adult which results in meltdowns.  They don't always understand the "WHYS".

Pointing the "society lacks discipline" finger at these parents is not fair.  Their 2-year-old had a meltdown.  They did disembark the plane.  They were upset and frustrated because of it.  They were mad to spend more money.  The company DID give them some credit back.  Maybe things could have gone differently?

Traveling on the ground with 2-year-olds is hard!  I think it's wonderful that this family can afford a nice vacation with their young family like that.  I'm happy for them.  I'm sorry they had this ordeal but it's part of parenting an unpredictable 2-year-old.

I can't tell you how many times we had to stop on a 10-hour drive to Ohio to see my in-laws!  I couldn't have imagined flying.  It's not that the kids were unruly, they just needed to stretch!

Stop using the "Parents Don't Discipline" line.  The kid was 2.  TWO.

Life goes on.