This “child-centered” (so-called) parenting seems to be the norm. I cannot stand to be near most people’s brats on airlines, in restaurants, or at malls. They seem oblivious to well-managed stares and ‘the hairy eyeball’.
Speak up and shame them.
(But know they WILL not like it!)
I was in a WalMart once near Christmas last year. There was this kid screaming and crying for their own way about something. This went on for a couple of minutes, without mom doing anything. Finally yours truly, loudly, to no one in particular ;) says "SOMEBODY NEEDS A SPANKIN", There must have been about a dozen people in the area that applauded or cheered or verbally agreed.
Surprisingly, mom suddenly removed Little Precious to somewhere, I don't know where. I do know it became quiet in there.
In another event, 7-8 years ago, I was at a restaurant, and there was this little kid in a booster chair fussing, and shrieking and being just and all around brat. After giving mom and dad 'the hairy eyeball', mom and dad just gave back the most pathetic helpless glances back. Finally I was absolutely fed up (and not with food), and mentioned to mom and dad that Jr. needed some special attention with someones hand across his backside. Well mom didn't like that one bit and became VERY indignant, and started ranting and almost outright yelling (talking very loudly).
My response was "Oh I was wrong it isn't Jr. that needs the beating, Its obviously you (mom)!"
At this point Dad decides he finally has a spine and proceeds to start talking very loudly at me, "How dare you talk to my wife like that! Who do you think you are?" As he starts to get out of his booth.
My response was "You don't have the balls to stand up to your own kid, I know you don't have enough to stand up to me. I suggest you sit down, while your able, and you, and your wife and kid "QUIETLY", finish your dinner.
At this point Miss Charming tells her husband that they're leaving, and that SHE's talking to the manager. I don't know what was said, but it didn't look pleasant. The manager looked sorry/ambivalent, and Mr. Noscrotum and family seemed peeved, and didn't look like they paid.
Soon afterwards the manager came over and profusely apologized for the disruption during dinner, and offered and provided dessert. After dessert was done, the waitress let me know that our dinner was on the house.
Now, on the other hand, I've been out with my buddy and his wife and kids (7, ages 2-13) (the kids, not the wife). More than once, people have come up and commented how well behaved the kids are. Waitresses have made comments, bringing other waitresses over to see how a well behaved family acts.
In church, older folks, in their 70's and 80's, rave about the kids, often hugging the little ones. Some calling my buddy SuperDad. Oh and when I say church, I mean that the kids sit in church, with the adults. At times, the older ones, 13, 11, and 10 years old ask questions after church, about the meaning of this or that. I'm amazed at the maturity level.
And believe me, his kids, are kids. His house is full of the "pitterpatter" of little feet, and laughter, and sometimes loud exuberant voices. The happiness in that house is virtually contagious.