We took a train trip like that a few years ago across the country. One of the best ways to travel ever! The kids loved it (yes, the observation car, too), and we loved it. Especially loved eating in the dining car and being able to move around at will.
Oh, and we’ve managed to raise those kids (both now taller than me) without once resorting to more than a swat on the bottom when they were very little. And yet, the are smart, kind, obedient, and surprisingly self-giving. Anyone who resorts to a belt doesn’t know how to do the job.
It’s a good experience for them. As long as there’s not smoking in the car for the kids to breathe, it’s fine. My kids still remember a drunk lady they saw at a restaurant at the beach last year. I talked to them about alcohol and about how to use it responsibly.
My son, when he was aabout 13, said “I love to sit and listen to Grandpa and his friends. And don’t worry, Mom, I just let the language go in one ear and out the other.”
My uncle pointed to the observation car of a train one time and asked me, “Do you know what they call people who ride in there?” I said no. He answered, “Passengers.”
JoanHelen almost 13 years ago
This journey is truning out to be a whole lot more educational than Mum and Dad anticipated.
TheSkulker almost 13 years ago
Wow – an immediate response of violence! I sure hope you don’t have any kids.
cdward almost 13 years ago
We took a train trip like that a few years ago across the country. One of the best ways to travel ever! The kids loved it (yes, the observation car, too), and we loved it. Especially loved eating in the dining car and being able to move around at will.
cdward almost 13 years ago
Oh, and we’ve managed to raise those kids (both now taller than me) without once resorting to more than a swat on the bottom when they were very little. And yet, the are smart, kind, obedient, and surprisingly self-giving. Anyone who resorts to a belt doesn’t know how to do the job.
psychlady almost 13 years ago
Oh, lighten up. Let them have some fun.
tripwire45 almost 13 years ago
Kids love to watch grown ups playing.
lightenup Premium Member almost 13 years ago
It’s a good experience for them. As long as there’s not smoking in the car for the kids to breathe, it’s fine. My kids still remember a drunk lady they saw at a restaurant at the beach last year. I talked to them about alcohol and about how to use it responsibly.
jaeldid66 almost 13 years ago
My son, when he was aabout 13, said “I love to sit and listen to Grandpa and his friends. And don’t worry, Mom, I just let the language go in one ear and out the other.”
summerdog86 almost 13 years ago
How come no one has mentioned these little kids wandering alone on the train till mom finds them?
corfy almost 13 years ago
My uncle pointed to the observation car of a train one time and asked me, “Do you know what they call people who ride in there?” I said no. He answered, “Passengers.”
bluetopazcrystal almost 13 years ago
@john abrams That is assault, especially on children. Adults don’t need to hurt children or anyone for that matter.
luckylouie almost 13 years ago
I don’t know about Canada, but in most of the U.S. you would end up in jail and the kids in foster care. It’s not the 19th Century anymore, John.
Gretchen's Mom almost 13 years ago
Probably nothing made for the ears of a 7(?) and 3 year old!
Gretchen's Mom almost 13 years ago
Definitely not the kind of “observations” I’d like my kids to be making, that’s for sure!