This week Hana Schank took on a Breeder vs. Non hot topic. When childless people see a baby coming down the aisle, there is zero effort made to hide their fear/disappointment/rage about being seated next to that child. Parents, meanwhile, are struggling to pack the perfect diaper bag, ideally one that will keep them from being strip searched by the TSA while possessing everything you will need to keep your child happy, healthy and (relatively) quiet for the two-hour delay before the cross-country flight and 45 minutes of circling your destination due to heavy air traffic.
Everyone, childless or child-laden, can agree that flying has turned into an experience more dreaded than a sit-down with a dentist, but no one seems to be willing to have a little empathy for the other side of the aisle. You're not going to be a chipper row mate after spending an entire flight with a colicky baby that isn't even your own, thus squelching your chances for the few hours of quiet you were hoping to get before heading home to your own version of Romper Room. And sure I'd like to smack the sour-faced business traveler giving me the evil eye, who somehow believes I want to take my toddler cross-country during the Thanksgiving holiday instead of spending it safe and sound in my apartment surrounded by friends and a plethora of baby soothing options. But in the spirit of compromise (something I've gotten quite used to over the last year and half) I'm going to make things a bit easier on my fellow travelers this holiday season. This time when they see my toddler running towards them down the aisle, I'll give them something to smile about.
