This is an interesting article, thanks for posting. Yes, it is very hard to clench your teeth and not intervene when I see parents ignoring bratty behavior, trying to negotiate or bribe, or reinforcing it by sympathizing with the little hellion (poow widdle Homer, you must be vewy BORED by this big-people restaurant...)
So what are we as individuals or a society to do?
I know that even the most difficult children can be trained to participate in social gatherings, IF the parent wants to do it.
Two years ago I adopted two kids (both age 4) from Russian orphanages- awful upbringing- no manners- no social skills - limited to nonexistent internal controls - no appreciation of the role of parental or even adult authority. The first 6 months were unpleasant, but we trained them to go out with us and to behave. Sometimes we took turns eating and sometimes we simply left and took our food home.
Today I have two 6 year olds who say Please, Thank You and Excuse Me. We use poor behavior by other kids as teaching tools- and they are shocked and disappproving. One of my kids is diagnosed hyperactive so it is a LOT of work for him to maintain control- we (all of us) continue to work on coping skills. But NOT at the expense of other people's enjoyment of public places.
CONGRATULATIONS!
CHEERS! CHEERS! CHEERS!
GOD'S BEST TO YOU AND YOURS!
You are living proof that some sane parenting is still around! What an encouragement!
Bravo! We need more like you, and kids need more like you.