MP complains about noisy toddler

It seems funny to me that we can have unruly adults removed from planes but if it is a child were supposed to believe that its not their fault. Darn right it's not their fault, its the fault of the parent that is too lazy to discipline them. I think the whole family should be removed just like they would a boisterous drunk or agressive lout. Plus they said the front of the plane which means the well to do whom we all know to be more slack in the parental department.

In the mid 80's I used to fly around the country on jobs. I notied that infants often cry on take-off and landings because their ears are hurting due to changes in cabin air pressure. I also came across noisy kids on late flight back when I needed to rest after a hard days work. In this instance, I am with Chauvel.

I agree - this is not newsworthy, except to this blogging ACTor who seems to have a stratospheric sense of self importance. A blogging name of "boomtownprat" says it all. May be he should join Sarah Palin's tea party.

a little smack might have solved this problem, but Chauvel may have resented it. However i believe he should simply have stood up and walked out.

Not sure if this is real news - but for what it is worth I am sick of parents who let their kids scream and shout and do what they want on planes or in restaurants or other social places. I blame the parents and the social inadequates who think it is not right to disipline kids or teach them acceptable levels of behaviour

I too have been annoyed by noisy children on planes, buses in cafes etc. I have been just about driven mad by adults encouraging their charges to sing 'The Wheels on the bus' once is cute but after 10 verses I got off the bus either that or commit murder. The singing can be combined with carers pointing out everything we pass. 'O look a car - can you tell me what make of car it is?" What colour is the car? How many people are in the car? Where do you think the car is going? You get the idea. Oh and all this singing and education is said in a very loud voice to ensure that all passengers, including the hearing impaired, can hear this. Parents/carers in a confined space - can you not take a short break and show your charges how to sit quietly and have respect for others who truly have no interest in your offspring.

Thank you Fairfax for maintaining the high standards of journalism in NZ!

The nanny-state dictates that you cannot express an opinion in case someone out there is offended. There is no room for diversity of opinion or differences in view! Was he supposed to just sit there, smile, grin and bear it? YES, otherwise the parents or kids might be offended. Well i think good on him for saying what he thought of those revolving kids...what do you suggest we do, throw him in bloody prison?

An act supporter and a parent. My what an awesome sense of entitlement they must have. And how is this news? MP slightly mean to bad parents? Was it a slow news day?

I have been on a 12 hour overnight flight with a loud, annoying kid and a parent that thought it was ok for him to start climbing over the sleeping man next to him... I was only 18 at the time and didn't have much confidence to speak up, but if that happened today, that kids parent would have been leaving the plane with an earful from me. This isn't news, it happens every day... he should have said something to the parents - someone has to!

This is a joke. Kids scream and probably get a little anxious, get over it. Should they be seen but not heard, maybe we should lock them down with shackles if they speak out of turn. Lisa, #139, maybe you should try being the parent travelling with the child, fares for 2yrs and up my dear! If they are travelling free its on the parents lap, not yours! Jimmy #141, you are the tool bag. Apart from taping/gagging a child what more can you do. I will never restrain my lads. I was brought up with the odd hiding and don't feel its caused me to much grief. But if I can be the "bigger" man and talk it through with the child I will every time. Tea #87 I also have a couple of kids, 1 and 6. both angels during travel, but I would never think the worst of parent or child if they winged, whined or screamed. My boys have had ear infections in the past and I know this has caused the odd travel problem but nothing I feel they should be barred from travelling for. Chris #93, your on the money. I wholeheartedly agree.

People get over it. I'm sure when you were all children you screamed and cried in public. Where's the reasoning behind you arguments.