A father’s Instagram video about traveling with young children has ignited a significant online discussion regarding the rights of parents in public spaces. In the clip, Akshat Arora, known as @themoderndadedit, recounts his experience on a flight to Dubai with his toddler and newborn, where he faced disapproving looks from fellow passengers.
Arora noted that one passenger gave him what he described as a “disgusted look” as his baby cried during altitude changes. He expressed that such reactions reflect a broader issue of intolerance towards children in spaces typically considered adult-oriented. “That look said everything about what’s wrong with the world today,” he stated in his Instagram post.
In an interview with Newsweek, the 32-year-old father emphasized that parents do not travel to inconvenience others. “No parent boards a plane hoping their child cries,” he explained. “We prepare extensively with snacks, toys, and distractions, all while praying for a smooth flight.”
What Arora found most troubling was not his children’s behavior, but the obvious hostility from other passengers. His toddler was quietly engaged with cartoons, and his newborn was peacefully cradled in his arms. Despite this, Arora sensed a general disapproval, as if their mere presence was an unwelcome disruption.
Traveling with Children: A Necessity, Not a Luxury
He highlighted that for many families, traveling is not a luxury but a necessity. “It’s about connection, culture, caregiving, and life,” Arora stated. He urged people to remember that they were once children, relying on the patience of those around them.
Arora’s video has gone viral, amassing over 1.3 million views on Instagram. The comments section reflects a divided audience. Some parents resonated with his experience, sharing similar encounters with disapproving looks. One mother recounted her discomfort during her first flight with her daughter, while another commented, “Public spaces weren’t built around your comfort.”
Conversely, some users expressed frustration towards parents, arguing that the responsibility of managing children falls solely on them. “No one is blaming the crying kids,” one user wrote. “What annoys other people is the entitlement of parents who don’t teach kids to behave.”
Addressing Child-Free Perspectives
Alongside supportive comments, Arora also faced harsh criticism, including racist slurs directed at his children. He believes that this negative feedback underscores the necessity of his message. “The reaction proves exactly why the reel needed to exist,” he remarked.
Arora contended that the right to choose a child-free lifestyle should not extend into demanding child-free public spaces, including airplanes, restaurants, and hotels. “We don’t just need child-friendly spaces; we need child-friendly mindsets,” he asserted.
He pointed out that the internet has revealed a significant number of people who view children as nuisances rather than individuals deserving respect. “That’s why I’ll keep speaking up,” Arora concluded. “Not to argue with trolls, but to show parents they’re not the villains for simply existing with their kids in public.”
As this conversation unfolds, it highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing the needs of families with those who prefer quieter environments in shared public spaces.
