| Simply Mahvelous |
| Monday, September 14 2009 |
  Dear Mahvelous, I have a woman friend and business colleague who hates kids. Of course, she is entitled to her opinion. But the problem is, she chooses to voice this opinion — and loudly — at the most inappropriate times. Recently we were on a plane to Chicago and there was a mother with two small children across the aisle from us. The baby was screaming from the moment of take off, literally the whole trip. This caused the older child, a little girl of around two years, to wail as well. Granted it was incredibly grating and irritating, but the young mother was doing her best to quiet both children. Turns out the baby was teething. The mother must have been ragged. My friend, instead of being understanding and sympathetic — or at least keeping her mouth shut, kept complaining — loudly and certainly loud enough for the mother to hear. She said things like, “This is why they shouldn’t allow babies on planes,” or “Some people shouldn’t have kids,” “Why don’t they drive and leave us in peace,” or “Cats are a lot better than children.” I wanted to smack her! The plane was full and we couldn’t move, nothing we could do. But this has really soured my friendship with her and the whole trip was strained because of it. Is there any way to talk some sense into this kid-hater? Is it even worth it to try? — Auntie Nan Dear Nan, One very good thing about your friend is that it sounds like she will not be procreating! I locked onto her comment about cats being better than children. Sure — pets don’t talk back. They also don’t grow up to make their parents proud by winning Olympic gold medals and elections. Once your steam has cooled, invite her out for happy hour and slip the subject in like a maraschino cherry in a Shirley Temple. Maybe there is a reason she is so violently anti-kid? See if talking about it in a non-threatening atmosphere (where none of the little darlings have a chance of being present) might get her to fess up about her antipathy. I have a sneaking suspicion there’s an underlying reason that goes beyond the normal unfamiliar feeling of having a squealing, squirmy, pint-sized human running rampant in the vicinity. Once you have nailed that, try to appeal to her common sense, reminding her that she once was a rug rat and probably not perfect either. There are good and bad parents — ones that keep their brood under control and teach them manners. Not all kids are created equal and no reason to love them all. But she should give the parents — and kids — the benefit of the doubt, and at least show that she is a grown up about it by keeping her thoughts to herself. Good luck. Do you have a question for Mahvelous? Send to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We would love to hear your comments! Post them below! 
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