Have kids changed or is it just me?

[mom-in-alberta]

Ooohhhhhh, don't get me started.... Lol
I think that parenting these days has lost all meaning, honestly. People are so worried about being their kids friends, that they will do whatever the child wants. Actually, I think a larger problem is just plain LAZINESS. And I see it with young parents and older parents alike.
Case in point; we had family staying with us over the weekend. Their not-quite-3 yr old was up until after midnight (even though our kids were already in bed). They kept saying "ok, Little Girl, bedtime". LG says "NO!". And they do nothing. This went on for 2 hours. They actuallly told me that they just don't like to deal with her tantrums.
My hubby explained it all as "they are young parents, they just have to mature a little". But I was a 19 year old mom, too. And my kids are polite, and they listen (most of the time, hahaha). They don't destroy others' property, and I never have to worry about them treating other people poorly. They ain't perfect, but I get compliments ALL the time about how good they are. While LG's waiting for her parents to "mature", she is developing into regular brat.
Guess what people?? Parenting is hard sometimes, and you gotta do it everyday. What did you think you were getting into? But if you put the work in at the beginning, it's a hell of a lot easier later.
I also think that people just don't think things all the way through. For example; a daddy that always wrestles and plays rough, just doesn't realize that he is teaching junior that that's how we play with everyone. And then is surprised when junior tackles the other kids at daycare. I saw a mom playing with her baby a few days ago. Baby was a little under a year old, and started smacking mommy (hard!) in the face and chest. She wasn't doing it out of malice or anger, she thought it was funny. Me; I would take baby's hand and say "Oh, owies! Please don't hit, it hurts". We don't need to yell or scream or hit baby's hand away. But tell her that's not how we play!! Instead mommy laughed and kissed baby all over. So in 3 to 6 months, that mommy may be wondering why little darling thinks its funny to hit someone.
Sheesh... I could probably rant about this for a really long time. But I think that's enough. LoL