I don't always assume the best when I see people.I've lived with someone who looks at life from a terrorist point-of-view for over thirty years now, so I think I've heard about all possible negative aspects of life.
And although I am still an optimist in many ways, I have seen parents do incredibly horrific things to their children.
So when I see someone berating a child, I can't help but think, "If they are doing this where everyone can see, how much more do they do when at home and in private?"
And I fear for the child.
And since there are few more public places than an amusement park, I wondered a bit if it might be the reason.
However, I observed something far worse than over-disciplining a child.
Total and complete neglect.A toddler was making his energetic way into the crowd, and I looked to make certain there was some exasperated parent charging up, following his path.
And there wasn't.
A thousand scenarios raced through my mind - none of them good ones - and I turned to follow the little one myself to make certain he was safe.
I turned to face a woman with an empty stroller who was leisurely coming through the crowd, but obviously could not see the child.
Now, I'll admit I might be an overprotective parent. I still wish my kids as adults had to hold my hand while crossing a street. I simply don't let my grandchildren out of my sight when we are anywhere in public. I might appear as some sort of pervert as I hover outside the public restroom stall door waiting for them.
Disneyland does have a sterling reputation for getting lost children safely back to their parents - look at http://www.mouseplanet.com/akrock/akrock7.htm for more details, if you are interested.
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