I was traveling with my husband and 9-year-old son. Our flight back to San Jose CA was on Saturday, 18th of June. We were group C I knew that we will be separated. I, honestly was anxious and worried for my son. The first thing that I did was find a seat for him and yeah I found one aisle seat but I didn't realize that it was close to the exit. Then there was this flight attendant in her 50s I think, with long curly grayish hair telling me that kids below 15 y/o are not allowed to sit there. I told her I understand. So we moved on. I finally found a seat for my son on the 4th row. I chose to occupy the seat on the 10th row by the wall so I will be closer to my son even though they offered me the seat by the exit. Then the plane took off. Sitting there, I was still worried about my son and I realized that it was hard for me to check on him since I have to ask two people to move out of the way. When my seatmates got up to use the restroom I also took the chance to go to the restroom and I happened to pass by the aisle seat that was still vacant. Without hesitation, I immediately moved to occupy the seat. A few minutes later the flight attendant with curly grayish hair came with my ordered water. She was asking me why I moved and I should have not done it. That I should have decided to sit there when we were still on the ground. She asked me if I agree to help open the door in case of emergency and I said "Yes". I apologized to her but I also told her that I need to be on the aisle so it will be easier for me to check on my son. And then she told me straight that my son is not my priority since I am seated on the exit side. When I agreed to help during the emergency I understand that I need to do my role but it doesn't mean that I cannot check on my son. She was saying a lot of stuff in a loud voice I eventually asked her if she wants me to go back to my previous seat so she will stop but her answer was "No". And she even accused me of arguing with her which I never did. I know that I was just trying to let her know my side.
I acknowledged that I should have made the decision to sit on the exit side before the plane took off. For me, that flight attendant should have been nicer and not treated me that way. I felt so humiliated by what she did. She has to understand what a mother would feel when her child is separated from her, especially during a flight. would have been good if my son was a teenager but he was only 9.