As the father of 2 small boys, a 2 1/2 year old and a 4 year old ("but I'll be 5 next birthday Daddy",) I just want to marvel at the parents, some of whom I recognise as fellow regular commuters, who exposé their small children to a commuters lifestyle.
Do they do this so the kids appreciate the pain and suffering Mummy or Daddy have to go through just to buy them the next little treat they receive? Do they do this to try and brighten their fellow passengers day. Or is there some other reason?
Like today where having been charmed by a pair of little angels one fellow passenger was then soaked by a water pistol. Thankfully it wasn't me, as I'm not sure I'd have done the politely English thing my fellow passenger did, "no, no it's quite all right," to the mildly indifferent parent. I think I'd have been a typically blunt Scotsman and put a little bit of the fear of God into the little Angels....didn't do me any harm, and I learnt how to be well behaved very quickly...my Mum had this look and Dad just moved his hand slightly, yet never had to "dod yer lugs" (clip your ear.) Obviously I do not necessarily condone corporal punishment...but I have practiced my Mums look, and it works.
Anyway after the water pistol incident we the had 5 minutes of the kids fighting over a seat, literally. This time a very nice lady, and gentleman suffered, as stray feet and fists missed their intended mark. Again both said nothing (why?) There was a palpable sense of relief when the Angels and their indifferent parent left the train a couple of stops ago.
But I don't blame the kids. They had been penned in as we always are, feeling hot and stuffy, but lacking the inhibitions of the average adult. They were happy to let us all know what they thought of the experience "but I'm bored and I'm hot mummy....and she's in my seat now...lots not fair" and (I loved this) "why is that mans bag on the seat? That lady has to stand now. Does he have to buy a ticket for his bag?"
They know what it feels like to travel on FGW. But maybe their last question sums up why people bring the kids on the train. No holding back from them, instead their inquisitive little minds ask the questions adults are now to afraid to. I'm not sure if that's worth the mayhem they can cause but maybe we should take a leaf from their books and ask the same questions of our fellow travellers whenever they are a little selfish. And maybe we should all invest in water pistols so we can squirt the little angels back?
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