I smile while I read your post because now that your a parent, you will think very differently about um, nearly everything you wrote. I pray you have a kid who's personality is one that will allow you to "control" their behavior. The reality is that if your child is well behaved, it really isn't any testiment to the type of parent you are. You will understand what I mean when you have your second and/or third.

At each addition, your understanding of people who have 'crazy' kids will expand and you will become less judgemental and critical.

The fact remains that you have no idea what kind of day that parent is having, what kind of day that kid is having, whether they are sick or just got shots or are tired, you don't know how much sleep anyone involved has had the night before, or even that whole week...all these things will make you see the whole scenario in a new light once you're on the other end of the glares, while you look back through bleary eyes, wondering where or where is the childrens' motrin!

I have decided rather than get all bent out of shape when I read the "children bashing comments" to stop, take a moment and reflect on them in the frame of mind I had before I had kids. Ah, the naivety! :)

I wish you all the best, and remember, it doesn't matter what a stranger thinks about you as a mother or parent. It DOES matter what your kids think though.

I hope to hear from you again!