News
November 30, 2025
Miss Manners: Why do parents ignore noisy children in stores?
Why must members of the public be disrespected by unruly, misbehaving, noisy children, and then defended by adults who should know better?
**Miss Manners: Why do parents ignore noisy children in stores?**
The symphony of screeching, the percussion of pounding tiny fists on shelves, the insistent, high-pitched demands – these are sounds increasingly common in our shopping experiences. And for many, the question arises: why do some parents seem oblivious, or even accepting, of their children’s disruptive behavior in public spaces? Miss Manners tackles this age-old etiquette conundrum, questioning the growing trend of tolerating what many consider disrespectful behavior from children in stores.
The question stems from a place of frustration. Shoppers often find themselves navigating aisles filled with children running amok, their parents seemingly unfazed by the disturbance. The noise levels can be overwhelming, transforming a simple trip to the grocery store or bookstore into an endurance test. But beyond the inconvenience, there’s a deeper concern: the perceived lack of respect for other members of the public.
Miss Manners implicitly suggests that allowing children to behave disruptively in public is not just a parenting choice, but a social discourtesy. The peace and comfort of fellow shoppers are being compromised, and often, the adults who should be guiding these young ones are instead acting as silent enablers.
Why this apparent acceptance of unruly behavior? Several theories could be at play. Some parents may be exhausted, overwhelmed by the demands of child-rearing and choosing to avoid a public confrontation with their child. Others might subscribe to a more permissive parenting style, believing that children should be allowed to express themselves freely. Still, others might be simply unaware of how disruptive their child's behavior truly is, desensitized by constant exposure to it.
However, Miss Manners' question highlights a broader societal expectation: that parents have a responsibility to teach their children appropriate behavior in public. This includes respecting the space and peace of others, understanding the concept of acceptable noise levels, and learning to manage their emotions in a constructive way.
The issue isn't about demanding perfect behavior from children. After all, children are children, and occasional outbursts or moments of restlessness are to be expected. The core of the complaint lies in the apparent indifference of some parents to the impact their child's behavior has on others, and the perceived unwillingness to intervene and guide their children towards more respectful conduct. The question remains: is it too much to ask for a little consideration from parents in public spaces?
The symphony of screeching, the percussion of pounding tiny fists on shelves, the insistent, high-pitched demands – these are sounds increasingly common in our shopping experiences. And for many, the question arises: why do some parents seem oblivious, or even accepting, of their children’s disruptive behavior in public spaces? Miss Manners tackles this age-old etiquette conundrum, questioning the growing trend of tolerating what many consider disrespectful behavior from children in stores.
The question stems from a place of frustration. Shoppers often find themselves navigating aisles filled with children running amok, their parents seemingly unfazed by the disturbance. The noise levels can be overwhelming, transforming a simple trip to the grocery store or bookstore into an endurance test. But beyond the inconvenience, there’s a deeper concern: the perceived lack of respect for other members of the public.
Miss Manners implicitly suggests that allowing children to behave disruptively in public is not just a parenting choice, but a social discourtesy. The peace and comfort of fellow shoppers are being compromised, and often, the adults who should be guiding these young ones are instead acting as silent enablers.
Why this apparent acceptance of unruly behavior? Several theories could be at play. Some parents may be exhausted, overwhelmed by the demands of child-rearing and choosing to avoid a public confrontation with their child. Others might subscribe to a more permissive parenting style, believing that children should be allowed to express themselves freely. Still, others might be simply unaware of how disruptive their child's behavior truly is, desensitized by constant exposure to it.
However, Miss Manners' question highlights a broader societal expectation: that parents have a responsibility to teach their children appropriate behavior in public. This includes respecting the space and peace of others, understanding the concept of acceptable noise levels, and learning to manage their emotions in a constructive way.
The issue isn't about demanding perfect behavior from children. After all, children are children, and occasional outbursts or moments of restlessness are to be expected. The core of the complaint lies in the apparent indifference of some parents to the impact their child's behavior has on others, and the perceived unwillingness to intervene and guide their children towards more respectful conduct. The question remains: is it too much to ask for a little consideration from parents in public spaces?
Category:
Politics