Kids find each other even when they're sick or exhausted or half awake on autopilot. Which is how it's supposed to work. I'm not anti-kid, although I might be borderline anti-teenager, but I'm sure other kids would be far more fun and interesting than going out of their way to interact with boring old adults. :mellow:
Louis C.K. is my spirit animal.
I second the part about feeling safe in Chicago during daytime. I am also a Little Old Lady.
Nobody said that. Just be aware that some people will react positively and some negatively - and a lot of the negative will depend on how YOU have your child initiate things and react to a brush-off. People are relaxed - some so much they want to sleep; others trying to get away for a bit without being forced into an unwilling or uncomfortable situation. Just be cool!I kind of tho't train travelers might be a bit more relaxed as a group and more willing to interact with kids but I see now that they are like people everywhere in our society. Considering they seat strangers with each other in the dining car I tho't train manners might be different.
Ah well. I can certainly keep them on a leash and stay to ourselves. That's the easier thing for me anyway.
Not in my experience. We once had a diner sitting across from us who said nary a word and my attempts to make small talk got nowhere. My wife and I looked at each other thinking "What a deadhead!" but after about 10 minutes he opened up and we sat and talked for far longer than the diner crew wanted. My guess he just had something important on his mind so I didn't push him after two tries to be nice. When he was ready, we had a great time. That happens. All we have suggested is that your child learn common courtesy if he has not and practice it if he has. That's how kids grow up. People almost always will cut him some slack especially if he is nice. Until I had kids, they were often a pain to be around. They regressed until we became grandparents. Now any kid is fun again. Funny how they changed over the years.
Well - I've certainly encountered a case where the coach seating area was being used as a place to socialize. It was also past 10 PM with the lights dimmed and most of the passengers attempting to sleep. Strangely enough nobody (myself included) said anything although I'm pretty sure there were several people who couldn't manage to sleep as a result.
According to the newest timetable the MSP stop is only 17 minutes long, and it's a very, very very long way from the platform to the front door of the station. If you go into the station the train will leave without you - unless the stop is greatly extended.
I don't think you will have as much trouble with other folks interacting with your kids as this forum might give you reason to think. There will be a few folks who don't care much for kids but many of the fellow train riders will enjoy seeing your children travel. I have been around this place 8 year and gotten some great information over that time. But it does seem as if children are not as welcomed when they become a topic here as they probably will be most every other place in our society, including the train.
I have been surprised at the traffic here! Every question I've asked has been answered by many and I have gleaned a lot. I realize people conjure up different scenarios according to their own perspectives and experiences. I would love to be "that experience" that changes the idea some people have about kids. I think it should be easier than other traveling because you can get up and go to the lounge or take a walk through the train rather than having to sit in your seat all the time. The kids travel well in the car so I expect they'll do fine on the train.Hmm. I figured most folks would support handing out tickets for the infraction of taking a picture.
Of COURSE they're going to take pics! They were given a camera for the trip. I guess we'd better practice some photo-etiquette, too! I think a generic picture of the whole car with its passengers would be ok, wouldn't it? I know the train personnel are pretty good about posing for pics if you don't get in the way of their duties.
