Strollers and you. An urban commuter's guide.
nevers (whose birthday it is today! Happy Birthday, M!!!!) wrote a really great post about things you can do to help a stranger on crutches. While the topics aren't really the same, it got me thinking about the running list in my head of ways to be considerate of strollers on public transportation.
The issues aren't really parallel, but they do both provide their own difficulties. Traveling with kids is tough. T-U-F-F, tough. I know that a lot of times, there are kids and parents on the subway that are actively making things difficult for everyone else, but for those of us who are just trying to get around, there are definitely some things to make it easier.
The issues aren't really parallel, but they do both provide their own difficulties. Traveling with kids is tough. T-U-F-F, tough. I know that a lot of times, there are kids and parents on the subway that are actively making things difficult for everyone else, but for those of us who are just trying to get around, there are definitely some things to make it easier.
- When I am trying to get by with the stroller, pull your feet in under you like you would in a movie theatre or airplane when someone passes your seat. Strollers are unwieldy and hard to steer, especially in tight places. I do not mean to run over your toes, but if you keep your legs out I'm trying to get to a seat, I'm very sorry if the wheels make contact.
- Understand that I am not TRYING to take up a lot of space. Nor is there anywhere for me to put the stroller once I've parked it. I've done everything I can to stay compact. Shoving me and snorting "EXCUSE ME" isn't going to make my molecular structure rearrange. Kids take up a lot of space. They're bulky. They have a lot of accessories. It's just how it is.
- This one, I would like to send a memo to the entire free world: If you are able-bodied and you see a child under 5 years old, please, PLEASE, offer that child your seat. Kids get pushed around, stepped on, practically trampled over on crowded trains. It's also really hard for a kid to hold on to the hand rails as they are all placed at adult height. I, with the stroller, don't *need* a seat. The five year old with me, however, DOES.
- When I'm exiting the train, wait for me to get the stroller wheels onto the platform before trying to run in front of me.
- Understand that children are very sensitive to crowds, loud noises, etc. and that everyone on the train is a GIANT compared to them. If kids are upset on the train, there's very little that their companion grown-ups can do about it. I personally try to keep cards and other small games in my purse for distraction, and it usually works, but sometimes Schmoopette is just having a hard day because she has to keep her feet to herself and that's HARD. If the kid cries, it's not because I have failed as an adult, and if I'm not rushing to tend to her, it's because there's nothing I can do. Don't look at me like I am the evil beast who is torturing her. It's just really hard to be two. Also, don't ask me "Oh, what's the matter?" She's two! Life is hard! She cried yesterday because one of her toys exists! She's on a crowded train and I just told her to stop kicking people, which is the only thing in the world that was bringing her joy! Sheesh.
And yes, be nice to people on crutches. Or else I'll run you over with my stroller.