Smarties

I don't wish to open up a 'Flying with kids' debate but I thought I'd pass on this sage observation of my fellow man.

Not that I'm a parent however I feel safe enough to offer you kid encrusted types the following advice....

Don't, whatever you do, fill your kids full of bloody smarties whilst in the LGW clubhouse if they are ANYWHERE near me. Those things are like kiddy crack and the two seriously suggared-up monsters that are at present performing what I think is a mock Motorhead concert are going to die by my own hands should they be on the Antigua flight.

Oh and Grandma asking them to calm down in a sweet voice doesnt seem to be working.

I was going to stay off the booze this flight (HA) however a medicinal glass of fizz at 8am may be called for.

Dear God why are some people such idiots.

OK, expecting a flaming for this, so please have a go.

Were the parents/guardians wearing pink shell suits? [}:)]

Is this not a consequence of allowing paid access into the Clubhouse from Virgin Holidays?

Whether we like it or not, in some cases, different class of passenger flies economy with clubhouse access rather than UC.

That is not to say however, that UC pax children can act like little buggers whilst their parents watch of course and some parents flying econ and PE do have very well behaved children, just seems to me less of that type of parent.

I do wish VS would not allow paid access into the clubhouse, rather let them, as in the past, have access to another lounge instead.

Hi Alan

I could be completely wrong, BUT I think that you are barking up the wrong tree... http://www.virginholidays.co.uk/extras/ ... clubhouse/

Now pre-bookable at £35 per person for Gatwick and £60 per person for Heathrow (min age 12).

So depending on the age of the misbehaving "little b*gg*rs", assuming they were under 12 years old, they MUST be either flying in UC or possibly accompanying a Gold Card holder...

Boo

Originally posted by AlanA
OK, expecting a flaming for this, so please have a go.

Were the parents/guardians wearing pink shell suits? [}:)]

Is this not a consequence of allowing paid access into the Clubhouse from Virgin Holidays?

Whether we like it or not, in some cases, different class of passenger flies economy with clubhouse access rather than UC.

That is not to say however, that UC pax children can act like little buggers whilst their parents watch of course and some parents flying econ and PE do have very well behaved children, just seems to me less of that type of parent.

I do wish VS would not allow paid access into the clubhouse, rather let them, as in the past, have access to another lounge instead.

Then Boo, thats even worse [:#]

I would NEVER let little 'un run around and cause mayhem in the Clubhouse any more than I would let him do that on the plane. [V]

Standards in this country are slipping.[n]

Originally posted by AlanA
I would NEVER let little 'un run around and cause mayhem in the Clubhouse any more than I would let him do that on the plane. [V]

Standards in this country are slipping.[n]

Yes, agreed, if I had a little one (which I don't, yet...), then they would be on their best behaviour...

Call me old fashioned, but I believe that parents should tell children what to do and that children shouldn't dictate to parents (and everyone else)... [:w].

Unfortunately much of the this country seems to disagree with me [ii]

From what I see, on a day to day basis, parenting standards in this country are pretty abismal... which will be even more fantastic when those little darlings grow up into adults [n]

Would it be too extreme to have a law where people had to be tested and approved before they could become parents? [}:)]

Boo

Originally posted by Boo Boo

Originally posted by AlanA
I would NEVER let little 'un run around and cause mayhem in the Clubhouse any more than I would let him do that on the plane. [V]

Standards in this country are slipping.[n]

Yes, agreed, if I had a little one (which I don't, yet...), then they would be on their best behaviour...

Call me old fashioned, but I believe that parents should tell children what to do and that children shouldn't dictate to parents (and everyone else)... [:w].

Unfortunately much of the this country seems to disagree with me [ii]

From what I see, on a day to day basis, parenting standards in this country are pretty abismal... which will be even more fantastic when those little darlings grow up into adults [n]

Would it be too extreme to have a law where people had to be tested and approved before they could become parents? [}:)]

Boo

This country is going down the pan, Boo, and the way in which we discipline - or, more acurately, don't discipline - our offspring is indicative of the state of things. Your point that this is being compounded generation upon generation is both chillingly accurate and thoroughly depressing. Kids who are brought up with no sense of discipline and few standards impose the same flaws upon their own poor brood when it's let lose upon the world. And so on, and so on...

End of rant. Sorry, I'm just that way out today.

Rest assured I would rather have my eyelids clamped open and be forced to watch a series of Jamie Oliver than have anyone ever shudder with dread at the behaviour of mdvipond jr., be that in a Clubhouse, flying UC or even down Morrison's (yes, Morrison's, even the mdviponds have to eat, you know).

Originally posted by mdvipond
This country is going down the pan, Boo, and the way in which we discipline - or, more acurately, don't discipline - our offspring is indicative of the state of things. Your point that this is being compounded generation upon generation is both chillingly accurate and thoroughly depressing. Kids who are brought up with no sense of discipline and few standards impose the same flaws upon their own poor brood when it's let lose upon the world. And so on, and so on...

The other thing that really disturbs me, is that lack of discipline in childhood is being linked (not surprisingly!) to crime in teens and adulthood. Children are not being brought up to respect authority, to have consideration for others or an understanding of what is socially (and legally) acceptable behaviour. So there are less members of society who have the psychological mechanisms in place that stop them from committing mindless crimes or even crimes against others. [n]

It is conversations like these that honestly make me understand why people want to live on remote Scottish Islands with small, safe communities... I do plan to have a child, but I do worry about the world I will be bringing it into [:#]

Originally posted by mdvipondRest assured I would rather have my eyelids clamped open and be forced to watch a series of Jamie Oliver than have anyone ever shudder with dread at the behaviour of mdvipond jr., be that in a Clubhouse, flying UC or even down Morrison's (yes, Morrison's, even the mdviponds have to eat, you know).

Why aren't more parents like you?

Oh there are lots of great kids (because they have great parents) out there... but how many badly behaved kids do you see? Often with either an unconcerned parent or one who just yells and swears at their toddler [:(]. Parenthood is such a big responsibility... I think that a lot of people don't appreciate that when they have kids.

I have been involved in high level sport for about 15 years and a very high percentage of the kids I encounter through that are good kids and grow-up into nice adults. I think that there is often a correlation between elite sport and good behaviour - because both are routed in having "good discipline". Ok you always get some complete sh*ts in high level sport, but they are in the minority. So I am a big supporter of kids getting involved in competitive sport: it has obvious health benefits (that will often run throughout their life), further encourages good self-discipline and - from my experience - helps kids to develop confidence and excellent communication skills. [y]

Boo

Would it be too extreme to have a law where people had to be tested and approved before they could become parents?

I think it's called adoption!;)

Seriously though, I wasn't allowed to get away with anything much when I was a child, and the occasional slap around the chops didn't do me any harm either. I have the upmost respect for my parents in the job they did raising my Sister and I. I am amazed when I hear people say that they don't wish to discipline their children because then their children might hate them. That is such a cop out.

Originally posted by MrsG
I think it's called adoption!;)

True, but I was more looking for a law to stop "unsuitable people" having thier own children. . Maybe a sort of "parenting IQ" test...

Originally posted by MrsGI am amazed when I hear people say that they don't wish to discipline their children because then their children might hate them. That is such a cop out.

That is just frightening.... [:0]. Although all of us want good relationships with our kids (especially in later life)... a parent's job is basically to "program" (anyone tell I am in computing?) that little human being that they brought into the world. All good relationships are built on respect and if a child grows up without knowing the meaning of respect, then how will they have a good relationship with their parents or anyone else?

Very sad... [:#]

Boo