To feel like some parents can't be bothered to parent these days?

[BuritoCat]

My DS was playing with another child whilst waiting for my other DS.

The child out of nowhere punched my DS in the face and pushed him over into the mud. I immediately went over to my son and took him away and calmed him down while the child's parents just stood there and did absolutely nothing about it.
I told the parents and they literally said "and?" And turned back to their conversation.

AIBU to think this is the problem with todays society that parents don't want to Discipline their children and then wonder why they turn into bullies/little **s?

Agreed though I will say not all parents, but yes there do seem quite a few who are unwilling to give their kids boundaries. And we wonder why society is going to hell?

We had that the other week. Two boys pushing all the other kids over and knocking down their creations and the mum was not bothered. She seemed nice when she left (our son was oblivious and blocking her) so I don't understand why she let her kids be such bullies.

Yeah, it's terrible but I'm not sure it's different?

People can be assholes- these people can reproduce just as decent people, these people become asshole parents.

People have always been like this.

There have always been arseholes in the world and some of them become arsehole parents, I don't think it's more common just that they're more visible (e.g., social media, more child-centric activities nowadays, etc) so you're more likely to encounter them.

Well those parents will rapidly find that their feral brats are no longer invited for play dates, outings or parties - except by other uncivilised families, OP! Vote with your feet, and avoid them.

Came on to say ‘hell yeah’ as I mumsnet while DS watches you tube football clips. But that’s not what you mean.

I’m sure what you say is true - some parents do avoid disciplining their kids. Might be lots of reasons for that. ‘The trouble with today’s society’? Hmm I’m not sure. The vast majority of kids I come across are well behaved and also far more emotionally intelligent than I remember my generation being - talking about feelings/comforting each other etc. I assume you are talking about toddlers mine are a bit older now so maybe a different experience.

I have seen this. I think they see it as children learning to find their way and the rule of the playground where children learn through “play” with their peers. They sort of don’t believe in adult intervention.

It’s always been like that though. Were you around in the 70’s?

Happened to my kid today at a church group. He was playing with a little car and a bigger kid, near school age, came up, wrenched the toy from his hand and pushed him hard in the face so he fell and cried. His mother said nothing about it, just said to hers that my kid obviously didn’t know how to play with cars. What?
I muttered ‘twat’ I’m afraid, and walked off with my son.

Its not new. Some parents have always not cared. Some parents have always been shit. Some parents have always let their kids do what they want.

You're right - this happened for the very first time in 2013 and sadly it's all been downhill since then

I would have told the child off myself. If the parents have something to say I'd be happy to tell them off as well

@PleasantBirthday

Yeah, it's terrible but I'm not sure it's different?

Yes, mum would say the same of her experience of parenting.

Is your kid at school yet OP because it is 10 times worse there. You spend 4/5 years teaching your DC to be kind, don't hit, include others etc. only to find that hardly anyone else has taught their DC this and the playground is full of little bullies.

She really just said "and?" not making excuses for him about age or anything? That's such a weird response! At least she could have said the little tyke was just expressing himself/tired/such a character/doesn't mean it etc. Etc.

lazy parents are not new. They are likely to laugh and call you a helicopter parent . You will find a lot on MN!

@Velvetbee

It’s always been like that though. Were you around in the 70’s?

The difference on the 70s would be that the kid would probably get a good slap and be less likely to repeat the behaviour!!

The difference on the 70s would be that the kid would probably get a good slap and be less likely to repeat the behaviour!!

No, the parents would have said that boys will be boys and need to be toughened up. Meaning that one boy hitting another boy is the natural order of things and probably beneficial.

Honestly I probably would’ve scrapped the mum if her kid had done that with no reaction or care from her. Hope you’re little boy is okay

Your*

@LadyCleathStuart

Is your kid at school yet OP because it is 10 times worse there. You spend 4/5 years teaching your DC to be kind, don't hit, include others etc. only to find that hardly anyone else has taught their DC this and the playground is full of little bullies.

Is it that no one else taught their children this or that young children aren't good at consistently abiding by those rules while outside of parental supervision? Mine went through a pushing stage at pre-school - never in my presence - and it certainly wasn't because we didn't teach him it was wrong.

Is it that no one else taught their children this or that young children aren't good at consistently abiding by those rules while outside of parental supervision? Mine went through a pushing stage at pre-school - never in my presence - and it certainly wasn't because we didn't teach him it was wrong.

Exactly this.

Kids tend to go a bit Lord of the Flies when in large-ish groups and not as closely supervised as they would be at home (e.g., 1:30 ratio rather than 1 to however many siblings they have). It doesn't mean they're being dragged up or are little bullies, they're learning boundaries and will sometimes massively test them.

And before anyone jumps on me for "excusing poor parenting" it was a comment about children in general and not the individuals in the OP.