The operation and therefore the view of pubs has shifted greatly apparently
Well you could say that about most things over the past 20 years! Have you not noticed? Pubs had to change because you no longer had to go to an offy for booze - you can pick it up in the supermarket. Even (gasp) on a Sunday! So pubs had competition for the first time as people found it cheaper and easier to drink at home, or pre-load on cheap booze before going out clubbing. Then the smoking ban meant you could no longer go to the pub for a drink and a smoke if that was banned at home, so you might as well have a drink at home and hang around your own front/back door.
Pubs are still closing at an alarming rate - those which have survived have diversified into food and unlike in the past, they welcome punters of all ages and both sexes, with or without children - and smokers have to park themselves outside.
Why don't you go to to that pub you keep watching out of your window? You can see for yourself how things have changed. You might be pleasantly surprised and find some breastfeeding mums there, enjoying juice or tea or treating themselves to a coffee! As well as mums of toddlers and older children having a civilised glass of wine or a pint of well-kept real ale while their kids have a J20 or something like that.
Go to any family pub for Sunday lunch. You'll see lots of families - Grandparents, parents, kids etc all having lunch together, enjoying themselves.
Thank goodness pubs have changed!