obnoxious, un-supervised kids tell me something about the parents. When my son was small, he went to lots of things, but either my wife or I was overseeing him at all times, even though it occasionally meant one of us missed part of the program if he needed attention. By the time he was in his teens he was in great demand as a good babysitter, as he had learned how kids should behave, and how to accomplish this.

Kids require the rules to be made clear....early and often....with DIRECT consequences for infractions. (no, not beating)....I have watched too many parents just ignore what their kids were doing because they simply had lost control and were terrified that discipline would lead to loud tantrums and worse behavior....they had lost the battle.

sad when kids get the upper hand...