Have you ever been to a country where children were expected to give up seats on public transportation to adults and stand?

That is how it is in most of Europe (even occasionally in the UK). In Germany, older women will turn youngsters out of their seat, if they want it, even if there is a free seat just 2 or 3 rows away.

Curiously, I quite like that.

I dread the day when someone gives up their seat for me to sit. I will be officially old :(

We do that in Oz. It's common courtesy.

But there can be exceptions. 

Once when the train was filling up I said to the kids, "You'll have to stand up at the next stop. People will need the seats."

Two women boarded the train with their noses in the air and one of them said to the other, "Wouldn't you think these people would tell their children to stand when adults get on."

I just waved my hands at the kids in a "stay seated" motion, and let the toffee-nosed old biddy stand. I didn't appreciate her presumption.

It's a courtesy that is very much appreciated. I've had very few problems when I had to ride the bus. Most people, young and old will give up their seat to older and handicap people.