Tantrum on the No. 2

Perfect NYC anecdote! Nicely done.
Don't read too much into it folks - it's just the harmony of riding the subways. Sometimes you just gotta transfer : )

This was a great story. Thank you!
Re those weighing in on a situation in which they don't have all the facts:
In my opinion, the parents did the right thing.
1. There are other passengers to take into consideration
2. My mother's rule of parenting: "if the behavior is disturbing, remove the child".
3. Having two children with one on the spectrum, I learned to pick my battles. Here is one possible scenario: Mom or dad tells the children they are going to be taking the 1 train to a specific destination. The 2 train happens to be running local and they get on. Many children recognize numbers by age 3. Seeing their parents taking a different train can cause anxiety and fear that they will not reach their destination. A child on the spectrum thrives on structure and stability because it provides comfort against the frightening unknown. Taking the 1 train as it had probably been discussed is a small price to reassure a frightened child.

If I were raising my son in NYC, I can absolutely see him responding this way to the situation described. If this child is used to taking the 1 and is concerned the 2 will speed by his stop, sure he could get upset. I say kudos to dad here. Some battles are not worth fighting. You can teach about why trains are sometimes re-routed at a calmer time.

New Yorkers' obsession parsing the optimal subway experience parallels Bostonians' with parking. You just have to give it its due.

Family mandala. Maybe the three year old is the one assigned to thinking and planning because the parents are overwhelmed by twins.

When I was a kid,I also preferred the #1 line. It was closest our apartment and mainly because it went above ground in Morningside Heights to give us a view. Runner up was A / D which was a superexpress between 59th and 125th Streets.

Shrinks have a word for this: transference.

Sometimes we all just want to do something or not miss something--say, "Hamilton". The child could only express himself in a limited way at his age. "Giving in"? How many times have your friends and relations "given in" to you as an adult? Or you to them? Think carefully.

I think the father made the right decision... respect for the other passengers... and speaking of the #1 Train at 86th and Broadway two days ago, (uptown side), a man, just 10 minutes earlier than my wife and I got off the 1 Train. It took him approx. 10 minutes to walk the few feet to the stairs on the SE Corner and climb the first of 4 steps, hanging on for dear-life to the brass rails while also holding onto his personal backpack, completely bent over, with his head in his chest, revealing pain and agony in his eyes. The line of people was totally bunched up while trying to pass him by... and as I approached him from behind I asked does he need assistance, and his response was delayed, maybe 30 seconds, when I noticed his head shake (yes), with my help I took his backpack, handed off to my wife, grabbed his free arm while encouraging him to lift each leg to push his almost lifeless body up each new step until we reached top. It was raining and we slowly walked him into Citibank on the corner to catch his breath. He still didn't speak, or barely lifted his head to acknowledge us, but when he did, it was beautiful, he smiled. He went into his pocket, pulled out a note that read... "I have ALS and his address" I gave him my card and asked him to text me when he gets home. We put him in a cab and told the driver that he has ALS and is having trouble standing and can't speak, please help him home. The driver looked stunned for a moment, then said I will. He texted with smiles.

When I was that age we went on the E or the F from Union Turnpike/Queens Blvd.
Went to 53 and Lex. so it didn't matter which one.
My problem was I was afraid of the man with the mustache on the Joyvah Halvah billboard. Would not exit past him so my Mom had to take me out the "wrong" exit.
I also would hide/close my eyes in the car when we drove past the same guy up on a billboard in LIC on our way over the 59th St. Bridge. I wouldn't open my eyes until I smelled the fresh bread from the Silvercup bread factory. The I knew he was behind us.
The '50s were a great time to grow up in NYC....but not that guy!

As a parent of toddlers (a few years back), I actually kind of enjoyed a good tantrum -- like a summer thunderstorm that clears the air. But I didn't want to inflict that on unsuspecting folks who happened to be nearby. So, if I could, I'd just carry the screamer outside and let the storm break there where it's easier for others to get away. If that wasn't possible, I would just make an announcement: "Folks, we are about to have a tantrum. Please plug your ears and wait 3 minutes."

And just maybe it was their usual stop or maybe the child was regularly prescient and they new better than to disregard his protestations or.....

Are you SURE that those kids really know one subway line from another?
Isn't it possible that the father was joking with his wife about what the problem was?

It sounds to me that the 3 year old is too set in his ways. Either that or he was afraid the 2 would switch back to the express track before their stop.

It's good to figure out why they have meltdowns. My just turned 4 year old grandson has them all the time and I always come up with a good reason for them, such as I wrote above. I can tell my daughter appreciates my input.

Unless there is a developmental issue going on here, giving in like this is just wrong. Temper tantrum 1, parent 0.

Funny but probably very true !