eighteen: I have raised both boys and girls. Yes there is a difference in many ways, but not with discipline and teaching appropriate behavior. If parents dismiss little boys' unruly actions by saying, "Oh well, boys will be boys", that is wrong and teaches them there are no consequences for misbehaving. Parents have to start when their children are young. Unfortunately some are too lazy or ignorant to actually raise a child to become a good and productive adult. Just go to any store (especially Walmart) and you can hear them screaming and see them running up & down the aisles, which is why I don't patronize any Walmart.
@ChloeW : I don't disagree with you. However, setting higher standards and expectations for toddlers & preschoolers who are still learning to regulate their emotions, and what behavior is appropriate in different settings is a bit unrealistic. Children learn through experience. Shaming another parent, you feel, isn't controlling their seemingly unruly child out in public, as if your kids never acted like that, is just plain ridiculous. In situations such as these, I like to practice compassion and patience because I've been there, it's a part of parenthood.
