Jennifer I totally agree!! Re: meltdowns.... they are all part of childhood and to be expected when you have young kids and you're out and about. I can't type much as I'm on my iPad but yes I agree with what you are saying.

It's not always fair to pull a child away from something just because you think they are about to have a meltdown, sometimes they are better left alone but the parent nearby to help them work it out. Offering a hug etc to them instead of ushering them to the car to go home.