I am not, by any stretch of the imagination, a perfect parent. But since this is my site, I get to pick on other people, and not mention my own faults, if that's what I feel like doing. So....
There are a few things that really bug me about some of the parents I've seen lately. Like the lady in the grocery store the other day. She parked her cart on the end of each aisle, and then walked up and down getting what she needed. I doubt anyone would have stolen her two kids, though, since they were the grubbiest, snottiest pair I've ever seen. The little girl had no shirt on. It was balled up in her lap. Her brother had a shirt, but to go with it, he was wearing underpants and rubber boots. Yes, let your kids dress themselves. But maybe check that they are wearing at pants, at least.
In the freezer section, there were a couple of little boys playing hide and seek/tag. Fun game, if you're outside. Inside, not so good. Not everyone adores running, screaming, careening kids. I thought Girl Terror was going to fall out of her seat when we rounded the corner and one of them popped out, screaming "AIEEEE!!" Ooops. He thought we were someone else. Take your kids to the store with you. Take your kids to the playground. Just make sure they know which is which.
One of the mom's here in my town regularly drives around in her truck with her little girl standing on the seat next to her. I know, I know. We all grew up with out car seats or seat belts, and survived to tell the tale. But I like to think we are smarter now, and can understand the physics of a flying child hitting a windshield.
A while back, a mother new to the area dropped in to visit, with her 3 year old daughter. The little girl looked like perhaps a rodent had tried to make a nest on her head, but had to give up due to the dried mustard crusting everything together. The mother simply said "Gabby isn't into personal hygiene today." Really?! I have a 3 year old now (almost) and I understand that they can be, shall we say, strong willed. But I still think the parents get to be the boss when it comes to some stuff. Whether or not my kids are feeling into being clean is not a question. It isn't that hard to do a wipe down (maybe before food hardens into place) and a quick comb through. If you don't teach your kids to be at least moderately clean and presentable, they won't be. Ever. That's why so many college students look like walking clothes hampers/pizza boxes/rat's nests.
I think that's enough rant for today. Besides, I know how these things work. I've said my piece, now Girl Terror will wake up from nap and refuse to wear clothes. Boy Terror will do that wonderful back arching thing when I try to strap him into the car seat, and when we arrive at our destination, I will discover chunks of cheese sandwiches stuck to their backs. Sigh.