WHEN flying abroad from Glasgow recently, it was interesting to witness the attitude today of many young parents toward their children.

On the planes, flying out and in during school term, there were several children of school age. Clearly many parents decide to attach a higher priority to a holiday abroad than to the pursuit of their children’s education – a value judgment which is obviously not above criticism. Another trend, which appears to be more prevalent, is that of parents taking babes in arms on holiday abroad. Often the child is oblivious about what is going on other than the fact that it is in a strange environment up in the air and often unhappy about it. Sitting next to a disconcerted young child in the enclosed space of a plane, 35,000ft in the air, for a prolonged period is not an experience of a champagne nature.

Coming down to earth, it often appears that we live in a society where children go everywhere. One can recall a number of restaurant experiences spoiled by roaming, noisy children with whom parents attempt to negotiate. The condition of our society today owes much to the parents, who believe that their children can do no wrong and that it is certainly no one else’s business to put their offspring right.

Ian W Thomson,

38 Kirkintilloch Road, Lenzie.