What's the Matter with Kids Today?

The problem with children is that you have to put up with their parents. ~Charles DeLint

What is up with parents who take their children out in public and then have absolutely no control over them?

One case in point:

We went to the movies the other day to see that Disney documentary, "Big Cats". (It was ok in a "should have waited for the dvd" kind of way) Anyway, there was a couple with 2 small girls sitting down in front. They (the kids) started acting up during the previews, and kept at it through the entire movie.

They ran around the theater, climbed over seats, ran out screaming (and unfortunately returned). One of them started hitting a man on the aisle with a handful of straws. (Why would you even take a handful of straws and give them to your child? You get to have one with a drink that you buy...otherwise it is pretty much stealing...good example to set mom and dad of the unruly children) Mom would sporadically corral them up..which of coarse brought on more screeching, and Dad was completely oblivious and too busy eating his popcorn to even notice.

The theater wasn't full, but those of us who were there pretty much just sat in shock. I for one wanted to say something...but what? Should I have gone out to management and complained? It wasn't their fault. Should I have confronted the parents? I honestly don't think they would have gotten it. After all, they were allowing it to happen with total disregard and disrespect for anyone else. And I am almost positive that they would have been very indignant if someone criticized their lovely children. Which brings me to my point...it really wasn't the kids fault...they didn't know any better. The parents need to wake up and take some responsibility.

So, my question is this: How often do you confront people when they are doing something rude? I wimped out...THIS time.