Mary Killen Mary Killen

Your Problems Solved | 24 April 2004

Etiquette advice from The Spectator's Miss Manners

issue 24 April 2004

Dear Mary…

Q. As a child I largely complied with my parents’ wishes and there was no question of baiting them ad infinitum as my own children do me. In my day there was still the fear of smacking but, needless to say, my own children, a boy aged nine and a girl aged seven, have never been smacked. They do love each other and usually get on well, except during long journeys, when they fight like cat and dog. Over Easter I arrived at various destinations totally drained from breaking up fights. I am now developing travelphobia in anticipation of long journeys scheduled for the summer holidays. My husband, who has more control over them, will be travelling separately . Do you have any tips for making children behave during these interminable journeys?
S.A., London SW12

A. Simply book seats for the children at one end of the carriage and for yourself at the other.

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