Few of us would describe flying with kids as a relaxing, stress-free experience.
Even if they’re happy to board the plane, there’s usually a point during the journey that leads to them having a big tantrum over little to nothing.
That’s why this mum was anxious about her latest flight. She and her toddler were travelling 5,000 miles to visit her family, as her husband had been deployed.
“I had such anxiety about her airborne tantrums,” she wrote on the Love What Matters Facebook page.
“Once before, I had a very rude man tell me to: ‘Shut that child up before I do’, when my very tired infant would not stop crying.”
But this time, it was very different. That’s because, when her little girl began to cry hysterically, the man sitting next to them did something wonderful.
“He told me with a smile, ‘You’re doing great, mum.’”
Then he suggested that she let the little one sit between the two of them. She agreed, and didn’t regret it.
“He pulled out his iPad to show her pictures of his grandchildren,” the mother wrote. “He opened a game and showed her how to play it. He talked with me about his life and asked me about mine.”
“He helped occupy my daughter and soothed her when she fussed. He was so patient and loving.”
“Before I knew it, the six-hour flight was coming to an end. We had survived.”
And the stranger’s kindness didn’t end there. Once the flight came to a halt, he helped the mum with her bags before bidding them farewell.
“I explained to my mum with tears in my eyes what this man had done for us. He gracefully sacrificed his time and energy to help a distressed mother and child. He was understanding. He made our flight, not just bearable, but pleasant.”
Aww! How refreshing to hear of a stranger reacting with compassion to an upset child. You can read the full post below.
