Jigsaw Calls for More Compassion for Stressed Parents

20 February 2013

Jigsaw Calls for More Compassion and Communication after Mother and Toddler Were Bumped Off Flight

Jigsaw Family Services is urging businesses to show more compassion and understanding when they’re dealing with crying children and stressed out parents.

The comment follows reports that Air New Zealand staff bumped a mother and her crying toddler off a flight from Auckland to Christchurch earlier this month.

The mother said it was because she couldn’t settle her overtired two-year-old within a few short minutes, but Air New Zealand says they were asked to leave because the child was not restrained in his seat.

Jigsaw Chief Executive Sally Christie says parenting is a difficult job and can be stressful, especially when you feel that other people and passengers are looking at you disapprovingly.

“Sometimes when you’re dealing with an upset child in such circumstances it can be difficult to hear and think straight. It would have been better if Air New Zealand staff had realised that and taken the time to make sure that the mother and child were OK.”

Sally Christie says too often we hear about parents who are criticised for not “controlling” their children and for disturbing other adults, whether it be on planes or in cafes.

“It would be great if people offered more compassion and understanding so that children’s wellbeing is valued in our society,” Sally says.

“Distracting a child by pointing out something interesting or pulling a face at them is sometimes all it takes to jog them out of being upset. In our communities we can all help out with that.”

ENDS

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