Ha - he warned you that I might post and here I am!
The badge is useful because I have been in the situation myself where I saw someone who I *thought* was pregnant but wasn't sure and didn't want to make an idiot of myself and upset a total stranger. I cannot imagine how horrible it must be for someone to ask when it is due etc. when you have actually just overdone it on mince pies at Xmas. I do think that this uncertainty does lead to well-intentioned people not offering seats. The badge is sometimes also useful when the train is very crowded; people would not be able to see the bump but can see the badge. Normally the instinct when you see someone with a slogan badge or t-shirt is to stop and read it (it usually says something along the lines of 'If you can read this then you are too close'). I always make a point of smiling and saying, 'Thank you, that's very kind,' or some such to people who offer me a seat.
I also read the Daily Mail comments with interest. I make a point of offering a seat to old folk, disabled people, people carrying babies and people on crutches etc. I hold doors open, carry suitcases down stairs for old ladies and help people who are struggling with buggies. It is just good manners and makes the world a nicer place. Many civilities seem to be on the wane. I specifically paused today to hold a door for someone, only to have her sail through it as though I wasn't there. Please, thank you, excuse me, sorry etc. seem to be dying out.
Bringing the topic back to babies... Junior will certainly be raised to show courtesy and respect to others. The words 'please' and 'thank you' will be in his/her vocabulary.
The badge is useful because I have been in the situation myself where I saw someone who I *thought* was pregnant but wasn't sure and didn't want to make an idiot of myself and upset a total stranger. I cannot imagine how horrible it must be for someone to ask when it is due etc. when you have actually just overdone it on mince pies at Xmas. I do think that this uncertainty does lead to well-intentioned people not offering seats. The badge is sometimes also useful when the train is very crowded; people would not be able to see the bump but can see the badge. Normally the instinct when you see someone with a slogan badge or t-shirt is to stop and read it (it usually says something along the lines of 'If you can read this then you are too close'). I always make a point of smiling and saying, 'Thank you, that's very kind,' or some such to people who offer me a seat.
I also read the Daily Mail comments with interest. I make a point of offering a seat to old folk, disabled people, people carrying babies and people on crutches etc. I hold doors open, carry suitcases down stairs for old ladies and help people who are struggling with buggies. It is just good manners and makes the world a nicer place. Many civilities seem to be on the wane. I specifically paused today to hold a door for someone, only to have her sail through it as though I wasn't there. Please, thank you, excuse me, sorry etc. seem to be dying out.
Bringing the topic back to babies... Junior will certainly be raised to show courtesy and respect to others. The words 'please' and 'thank you' will be in his/her vocabulary.
I hope the Baby Badge does get you a seat on the bus! It's a shame how little common courtesy is left nowadays, and it's good to hear that you intend to bring up "Junior" knowing how to say please and thank you appropriately.
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