What to do if your child cries while riding on a train

Mom&Dad, Blue & White Slippers & Big A are two pairs of new parents, both of whom have young children. After becoming parents, they not only experienced the sweetness of taking care of children, but also the embarrassment of children crying outside. From having no children to having their own children, they also realized how precious the kindness and warmth of strangers are when they are outside. They shared their thoughts on becoming new parents and hoped that the whole society could be more friendly and accepting.

Dad Huaba: When a child cries in public, parents will not collapse, but the pressure from the outside world will make parents collapse. The outside world will create an atmosphere of "Why are you crying all the time?" and even make "tsk" sounds. Sometimes I wonder if we are too demanding of social order? We cannot accept that this is just a baby.

Mom: Also, when taking the MRT, it is a bit "stuck" for baby strollers to get on and off the train, which may delay the time for everyone to get on and off the train, and we will hear complaints. Maybe the other person is really in a hurry, and we will not blame him. We were like this before we had children, so we can understand that some people really can't understand, but I hope everyone can have more empathy.

We have also encountered people on the subway who showed good intentions and wanted to help. In fact, an encouraging look or an empathetic smile will be enough, just don't glare at your parents.

Dad Huaba: Before I had children, when I saw other people’s children crying loudly, I would think: “How do these parents raise their children? Don’t they try to comfort the child? What did the child do?” After I had children, I would see this scene again and think: “This mother is so pitiful. What did the child do to her?” (Laughs)

Blue and White Slippers: We took our son in flip-flops on a plane to Vietnam. When we returned home, he cried from beginning to end (Editor's note: Flip-flops was less than two years old at the time). We were on a night flight and could vaguely feel the resentment of the passengers nearby. We felt very embarrassed.

Big A: In addition, because Flip Flops is developing well and doesn't look like a child under two years old, when I push him out to buy groceries, some people would ask me, "Why can't you walk by yourself yet?" I often wonder if others would even think he is a retarded child? He can't talk much at the age of three? In fact, he is only a little over one year old.

Blue and white slippers: Before I had children, I used to treat parents who cried and couldn't communicate with their children in the train compartment with a stern face. But when I had children myself, when they lost control in public and were looked down upon by others, I realized how uncomfortable and ashamed they were. My own feeling is that Asians seem to lack empathy.

Big A: We were having dinner at a hotel in Vietnam and met Americans. They were traveling with three generations and also brought their children. I felt that they were very friendly. At that time, Flip Flops was full and couldn't sit still. Blue and White Flip Flops took Flip Flops out of the restaurant first. I was in a mess and was cleaning up. The American at the next table said to me, don't worry, he will grow up.

Lan Baituo: I once met a crying child in a train carriage. After I made a face at him, he immediately stopped crying and started laughing. This experience taught me that when we meet a crying child, it is better to make a face than a sullen face, and don't lose empathy for strangers.