A Happy Family on the Subway

Today I saw a truly happy family on the subway. It was very refreshing. No ornery parents. No obnoxious kids. Just a mom, dad, young daughter and young son, riding the subway, enjoying each others’ presence and genuinely getting along.

If I had a dollar for how many times I have seen this in the past few months, I’d have precisely one dollar.

Don’t get me wrong, I have seen countless Midwestern families, who are quite content after a full day of roaming around the awe-inspiring Times Square and having a Herculean meal at Applebee’s or Olive Garden. This observation doesn’t apply to them, it only applies to local NYC families.

This got me to thinking about the dynamic of many full families that I have seen on the subway.

* Angry parents who will snap at their kids for the most minor infraction

* 4 or more young kids who want to be anywhere other than the subway

—-

It’s no joke raising kids in the City. I’ve seen some great examples of success, namely my aunt and uncle and their daughters. I’ve also seen some sad families, most commonly while riding the rails.

Do you think you could raise a family in New York City? Drop a comment below.

Happy Columbus Day?

Brad

10 October 2011 ·