There's a huge difference b/w people who might be frustrated & say/do something in the moment, to those who just talk badly to their children as a matter of course. We all get frustrated at times, epecially those of us who have refluxy, colicy babies & if we're sleep deprived. Not excuses, just reasons. ETA: Or those of us who have tantrum chucking toddlers, or older children who can be a handful.

A lady used to live nearby who would constanly yell at her kids to "f'n shut up!". You could hear her two doors away! When she moved in she had a 3 yo & was pg. When baby was born she would swear & yell at her too. I would cringe every time I heard her scream, I felt so badly for these two poor little girls.

I agree Kate. I should have elaborated further in my post as you did in yours.

Off topic but in response to IK: I don't think that society is "child unfriendly". I think children have the run of most places these days and I can understand why it sometimes gets up other people's noses whether they have children or not. I would go so far as to say that there are some places children should not be. I would never expect to see a child in a university library and I would probably be annoyed if one was running around in there. That isn't a suitable environment for kids and it is inconsiderate of people who are trying to use the area for study.