Taking the Kid With You

REF: http://www.gizmag.com/airport-ride-on-carry-on-chair/14085/

When I saw this article I asked myself, why does she have the kid with her in the first place? Sure, she could be going to visit grandma. It's more likely, though, that she just hasn't any choice.

People didn't always feel the need to take their kids with them every where they go, as they do today. Even if you don't do it, you've seen it. In fact, it was considered rude and inconsiderate. Kids can be very disruptive. It is just not appropriate to bring them everywhere. If you've ever listened to a kid in a movie theater scream all the way through the movie, you know what I mean.

I was left at home when my parents went out to grownup functions. They got the young girl three doors down to babysit. Even my working class parents could afford it. I think I liked it better than being dragged along. Everyone benefited from this. I did. My parents did. The people they visited did. When my parents got home, I was sleeping.

We don't do that today though. Things have changed.

We don't even know the people next door, much less three doors down. We don't want to know them either. We don't trust them. Grandma and Grandpa are out, since they (or we) don't live around here anymore. The other parent is out, since there isn't one. The result is the woman struggling to get through the supermarket door with one strapped to her torso, another one in a push cart, and two more in tow.

If you think I am describing lower class behavior, think again. The most egregious example I've ever seen of this was a woman in Whole Foods - on opening day, no less, when the place was overcrowded to begin with. She had a triple. The cart had two rows of seating, like bleachers. I couldn't believe the size of it. It was as big as a Smart Car.

So, if you can't go anywhere without bringing your progeny along, you might like the contraption shown in the article I referenced above. Just strap the little bugger in and take off. It looks like a straight jacket with wheels to me, but then, you are entitled.

If this is the best you can do for your kid, strapping her into a piece of wheeled luggage like a goddam baloney, don't have kids in the first place.