As a parent with small- to medium-sized kids, I can tell you they're not all like that. However, some are, and it can be unbelievable.
Cases in point:
1. I took my son (age 5) to a play area at a local mall. I noticed a trio of kids (somewhat older) running around and goofing off -- nothing bad by itself, but they're surrounded by munchkins as young as 18 months. I eventually determined they had an "adult" with them... some kid (all derision intended) around 18-22 years (my guess) who spent the entire time yacking on his cell phone instead of watching the kids. One of them knocked another down and fell-sat on his face -- the recipient did *NOT* like it and was crying, but no response from the "Adult". Later, they were running around and trying to knock each other over (on to whoever was nearby). That's when *B* the ogre stepped in and told the biggest one that he needed to cool it before someone else got hurt.
The remainder of the time he was there, he kept glancing up to see where I was
Guess I put the fear of something into him :cackle:
2. Was at another mall play area with both my kids (5 and 8). There was another trio of older kids running around and goofing off -- lots of jumping from one thing to another and such. There were two adults with them -- two old and obese adults who were watching them. They were supervising, but they weren't doing anything beyond hollering "don't do that" (which was promptly ignored). I think they were the grandparents.
After we'd played for a while and it was time to go, I called my kids. When they had problems stopping playing, I let them know that it was time, and they'd have to go or suffer the consequences (whatever that might be later).
As I collected the kids, the grandmother asked me to take hers, too! I was somewhat shocked by this, but made some small comment about how two was enough for me. She then responded that the kids were out of control and there was nothing she could do. *shakes head*
Hmmm... guess I'm not really supporting the parent side, but just remember that we're not *all* like that. Some of us do insist that our kids behave properly and respectfully. It's just that the others get noticed more.