Lily: Yesterday I saw a woman having lunch with her kids, and they weren't doing anything bad, but she was barking orders at them, like "sit still!" and "stop humming and eat your food!" all in that high-pitched domineering tone, like she had to control every motion or manerism they expressed. It would be considered rude to treat another adult like that. Why do we accept it when it's a kid?
Simon: Well, parents are responsible for their kids' actions, and the kids aren't old enough to know or care which behaviors are appropriate.
Lily: I'm and ADULT and I don't care which behaviors are appropriate.
Simon: At least you're aware of how you affect people.
Lily: I don't think kids learn that by constantly being yelled at.
Simon: I agree. But I try not to judge anyone too harshly. Parenting can be stressful, and I don't know what it's like. Sometimes the immediate goal is just to get through the day without anyone dying.
(A parent stands next to their kid asleep in bed as the house is in shambles around them. Parent: I did it. )