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Two anecdotes:
I went to a Friendly's (ice cream and burgers restaurant, only slightly better than fast food) and was having a meal.
A few booths away was a mother and two boys. The younger one misbehaved enough to be told that he's forfeited his desert. Fine so far.
Unfortunately, both the older boy and the mother got desert. I saw what happened before it actually occurred: the younger boy had the mother's sundae in about the time you'd expect. I was tempted to say something to her, but not being a parent myself, felt it wouldn't be appropriate. This was several years ago. I can only hope she learned at some point.
OTOH, this past Passover, I bought a ticket to the second Sedar night at my synogogue. The form had a space for special requests. I requested a seat away from all children.
I got there late. Strike one.
Across the table was a mother and boy-child, around 8 or so. Strike two.
This kid wouldn't shut up. I spoke to him. I spoke to her. Nothing. She'd go so far as to look uncomfortable, but resolved. Strike three.
Rather than make a major fuss, I walked out. If I'd been on time, I could probably have fixed the seating before it became fixed in cement.
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